Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Rice is the standard Buffalo Trace mash #1 bourbon but with rice used instead of rye. Buffalo Trace has been testing and experimenting with whiskey for more than 2 decades; it’s part of their research and development to figure out if there’s a way to make a better bourbon. This experimentation is also a breeding ground for their new products and one off releases.
As experiments come and go Buffalo Trace will periodically release some of them to the mass market for people to try and experience what they’ve been working on. Some have been tasty and successful while others have been just truly awful and as you can see by the score above the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Rice is unfortunately the latter.
Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Rice Info
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Buffalo Trace
Mashbill: Mash #1, but with Rice instead of Rye
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 9 years
ABV: 45%
Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Price: $60 (msrp)
Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Rice Review
EYE
Light caramel
NOSE
Cinnamon, bubblegum, touch orange peel, nutmeg and grain. The nose is quite nice.
PALATE
Cough syrup meets Pepto Bismol which then gets mixed with some light perfumy dark sweets and raw grain. This is unpalatable.
FINISH
Medium fade of Robitussin and grain.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Unbalanced, medium body and a mild smooth feel.
OVERALL
Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection Rice has a great aroma, a terrible palate and an even worse finish. This is some straight up terrible whiskey, but I think it’s great that they tried to make it. I think it’s amazing that they’ve taken the time to test it and put it out. I’m glad I got to try it though I’m even more glad that I didn’t buy it when I had the chance because $60 for a 375ml of a failed experiment is quite steep.
SCORE: 57-59/100 (F+, not consumed at home)