Buffalo Trace Distillery

America’s oldest continually-operating distillery is Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky. After remaining open for “medicinal purposes” throughout Prohibition, this historic site boasts four centuries of architecture on 440 acres.

The Distillery Tour

Home to a long list of popular bourbons and whiskeys (including E.H. Taylor, Pappy Van Winkle, W.L. Weller, Rock Hill Farms, Elmer T. Lee and George T. Stagg), the Buffalo Trace Distillery tour offers a look into their bourbon-making process, a walk through a rickhouse and a pass along the bottling line where each bottle of Blanton’s bourbon is hand-labeled and corked.

Mint Julep Experiences offers tours to Buffalo Trace every week.

The Bourbon Tastings

A tasting may include Buffalo Trace bourbon, Eagle Rare bourbon, Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1, Wheatley Vodka or Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream. Unfortunately, you will not be able to taste or purchase Pappy Van Winkle bourbons on your Buffalo Trace tour — sorry!

Buffalo Trace bourbon barrel

Photo by Buffalo Trace

Things to know about Buffalo Trace

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Buffalo Trace bourbon made?

Buffalo Trace bourbon is made at 113 Great Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Ky.

Who owns Buffalo Trace?

The Sazerac Company owns the Buffalo Trace brand.

What bourbons and whiskeys does Buffalo Trace produce?

Brands produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery include Buffalo Trace, Sazerac Rye, George T. Stagg, Eagle Rare, William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, Elmer T. Lee, Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Collection, Old Rip Van Winkle, Van Winkle, Pappy Van Winkle, Rock Hill Farms, Hancock’s Reserve, W.L. Weller, Ancient Age, McAffee’s Benchmark Old No. 8, Old Charter, Stagg Jr., Blanton’s, Wheatley Vodka, Hiram Walker’s Ten High, and Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream. Not all brands are available for purchase and/or tasting on site.

Is Buffalo Trace on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

No, Buffalo Trace Distillery is not a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.

Which distilleries are near Buffalo Trace?

Nearby distilleries east of Louisville in the Frankfort area include Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, Castle & Key and Three Boys Farm Distillery.

Where can I find out more about Buffalo Trace?

Learn about Buffalo Trace at buffalotracedistillery.com.

Start Planning Your Kentucky Bourbon Distillery Tour

Let’s start planning your ultimate Kentucky bourbon distillery tour today! We offer a variety of public tours as well as custom-made experiences that are tailored to your every bourbon desire.

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