Buffalo Trace distillery

Introduction to Buffalo Trace

A distillery with passion for craft

Buffalo Trace is an iconic American distillery located in Frankfort, Kentucky, standing as one of the most historic and influential bourbon producers in the United States. Nestled along the banks of the Kentucky River, this distillery has been continuously operating for over 200 years, weathering prohibition, floods, and changing tastes to become a cornerstone of American whiskey heritage.

The distillery’s sprawling 130-acre complex houses some of the most revered bourbon-making facilities in the world, producing not only its namesake Buffalo Trace Bourbon but also legendary brands like Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, and Blanton’s.

Why we have a soft spot for Buffalo Trace

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that remain true to their heritage while constantly pushing boundaries. Buffalo Trace exemplifies this philosophy perfectly, maintaining time-honored production methods while conducting the world’s most extensive bourbon experimental program.

Their commitment to quality over quantity, their patience in aging, and their remarkable consistency across a diverse portfolio make Buffalo Trace a distillery that commands respect among whiskey enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

The History of Buffalo Trace

Origins and development

The site where Buffalo Trace stands today has witnessed distilling activity since 1775, but the formal establishment came in 1812 when the first building was constructed by Harrison Blanton. The distillery has operated under various names throughout its history, including the O.F.C. (Old Fire Copper) and George T. Stagg Distillery, before becoming Buffalo Trace in 1999.

Perhaps most remarkably, Buffalo Trace continued producing whiskey during Prohibition with a special government permit for “medicinal purposes” – one of only four distilleries in America granted this privilege. This uninterrupted production heritage has allowed them to maintain knowledge and traditions that would otherwise have been lost.

The people behind

Today, Buffalo Trace is led by Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, who works alongside a dedicated team of craftspeople, many of whom represent second or third generations of their families to work at the distillery. The late Elmer T. Lee, who created Blanton’s (the world’s first single-barrel bourbon), remains a legendary figure in the distillery’s story.

Under the ownership of the Sazerac Company, Buffalo Trace has been given the freedom and resources to maintain its focus on quality and innovation, rather than chasing short-term profits – a rarity in today’s spirits industry.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Buffalo Trace creates its whiskies using carefully selected grains including corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley in various proprietary mash bills. Water from the limestone-rich Kentucky River adds a distinctive mineral character to their spirits.

The distillation takes place in both column stills and copper pot stills, allowing for versatility in creating different flavor profiles. Their fermentation process is notably long by industry standards, allowing for greater flavor development before distillation even begins.

Maturation and aging

Aging occurs in new, charred American oak barrels stored in one of the distillery’s 17 warehouses. These impressive structures vary in construction style and location on the property, creating unique microclimates that affect maturation.

Buffalo Trace’s warehouses are notably traditional – many lack climate control and instead rely on natural temperature fluctuations to drive the interaction between spirit and wood. Some warehouses date back to the 1900s, with their thick limestone walls and strategic positioning contributing to the distinctive character of the bourbon aged within.

Selected Products from Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace Bourbon – An introduction to the house style

The flagship bourbon offers an excellent entry point to understanding the distillery’s style. Notes of vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar are complemented by hints of oak and dried fruit. The smooth, balanced character makes it both accessible to newcomers and satisfying for experienced bourbon drinkers.

At 90 proof (45% ABV), it strikes a perfect balance between approachability and complexity, showcasing the hallmark richness and depth that defines Buffalo Trace’s portfolio.

Eagle Rare 10 Year – An experience for connoisseurs

This meticulously aged bourbon represents a more refined expression from the distillery. The decade of maturation yields a sophisticated profile with notes of candied almonds, rich cocoa, leather, and toffee, culminating in a dry, oaky finish with lingering spices.

Each bottle of Eagle Rare demonstrates Buffalo Trace’s commitment to patience and precision in the aging process, making it a benchmark for age-stated Kentucky bourbon.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Buffalo Trace offers complimentary tours that provide an immersive glimpse into their bourbon-making process. Visitors can explore the grounds, see production facilities, and learn about the distillery’s storied history while experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of active bourbon production.

The tasting experience typically includes several expressions from the Buffalo Trace family, providing a comprehensive understanding of their diverse portfolio. The distillery’s visitor center also houses fascinating historical artifacts that tell the story of American bourbon history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Buffalo Trace?

Buffalo Trace is America’s oldest continuously operating distillery with over 200 years of bourbon-making heritage. It produces a wide range of premium bourbons and American whiskies, ranging from their accessible flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon to ultra-premium and highly allocated bottles like Pappy Van Winkle and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

Where is Buffalo Trace located?

The distillery is located in Frankfort, Kentucky, the state capital, situated along the Kentucky River. The limestone-rich water from this river is used in production, and the surrounding landscape contributes to the specific aging conditions that define Buffalo Trace whiskies.

What characterizes Buffalo Trace?

Buffalo Trace is characterized by its unwavering commitment to traditional methods combined with innovative research. The distillery maintains the industry’s largest experimental program, with over 30,000 barrels of whiskey aging as part of various experiments at any given time.

Their whiskies typically showcase rich caramel and vanilla notes balanced with oak complexity, though each expression within their extensive portfolio has its own distinctive profile and character.

Where can I buy whiskey from Buffalo Trace?

You can find selected bottles from Buffalo Trace at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate our selection to offer both staple releases and harder-to-find expressions from this legendary distillery, ensuring you have access to some of America’s most coveted bourbons.