Buffalo Trace Distillery is owned by the Sazerac Company, which is a privately held American alcoholic beverage company. The Sazerac Company, established in 1850, is one of the oldest family-owned distilling companies in the United States and is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana. In addition to Buffalo Trace Distillery, the Sazerac Company owns and operates multiple other distilleries and brands, including Barton 1792 Distillery, A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Glenmore Distillery, and many more.

History of Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, has a rich history that spans over two centuries. Here’s a brief overview of its fascinating journey:

1. Early Beginnings (Late 1700s): The land where Buffalo Trace Distillery now stands was first settled by pioneers in the late 1700s. It was situated near an ancient buffalo crossing on the Kentucky River, hence the name “Buffalo Trace.”
2. Distilling Tradition (Early 1800s): The site of Buffalo Trace Distillery became home to distilling operations as early as the early 1800s. It was originally known as the Old Fire Copper Distillery and later as the O.F.C. Distillery.
3. The Taylor Era (Late 1800s): Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr., a prominent figure in bourbon history, purchased the O.F.C. Distillery in 1870. He made significant investments and improvements to the facility, introducing advancements in distillation techniques, aging, and overall quality.
4. Prohibition (1920-1933): Like many other distilleries, Buffalo Trace was forced to shut down during the Prohibition era when the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were prohibited. During this time, the distillery survived by producing “medicinal whiskey” and other legal products.
5. Post-Prohibition Era: After the repeal of Prohibition, the distillery faced several challenges and ownership changes. However, it continued to operate, and in 1952, it was renamed George T. Stagg Distillery in honor of one of its former owners.
6. Expansion and Renaming (1999): The distillery underwent significant expansion and modernization efforts in the late 20th century. In 1999, it was renamed Buffalo Trace Distillery to pay homage to the area’s rich history and association with buffalo herds.
7. Award-Winning Bourbons: Buffalo Trace Distillery has gained a reputation for producing exceptional bourbons. It is known for brands like Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, George T. Stagg, W.L. Weller, and many more. Its bourbons have received numerous accolades and are highly regarded among whiskey enthusiasts.
8. Preservation and Tourism: Buffalo Trace Distillery takes pride in preserving its historical buildings and maintaining its traditional production methods. The distillery has also become a popular tourist destination, offering guided tours that showcase its heritage and craftsmanship.

Today, Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to produce a wide range of acclaimed bourbons and other spirits while upholding its commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. Its long and storied history contributes to its standing as one of the most respected and sought-after distilleries in the bourbon industry.

Bourbons and Whiskeys From Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery produces a wide range of bourbons and whiskeys, each with its own distinct characteristics and flavor profiles. Here are some of the notable brands and expressions produced by Buffalo Trace:

1. Buffalo Trace Bourbon: Buffalo Trace Bourbon is the flagship product of the distillery. It is a Kentucky straight bourbon known for its smoothness, balance, and notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
2. Eagle Rare: Eagle Rare is a premium single barrel bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace. It is aged for at least 10 years and offers a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of toffee, vanilla, and toasted oak.
3. George T. Stagg: George T. Stagg is a highly sought-after, limited edition bourbon released annually as part of Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection. It is known for its high proof, rich flavors, and robust character.
4. W.L. Weller: W.L. Weller is a wheated bourbon line produced by Buffalo Trace. It includes expressions like W.L. Weller Special Reserve, W.L. Weller Antique 107, and W.L. Weller 12 Year Old. These bourbons are valued for their smoothness and balanced sweetness.
5. Blanton’s: Blanton’s is a single barrel bourbon that was first introduced by Buffalo Trace. It is known for its iconic horse stopper caps and offers a range of expressions, including Blanton’s Original, Blanton’s Gold, and Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel.
6. Colonel E.H. Taylor: Colonel E.H. Taylor is a brand dedicated to the legacy of Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr., a former owner of the distillery. It includes bourbons such as Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch, Single Barrel, and Barrel Proof, known for their high quality and craftsmanship.
7. Stagg Jr.: Stagg Jr. is a small batch bourbon that offers a younger and more accessible version of the highly sought-after George T. Stagg. It is released at barrel proof and delivers a robust and flavorful experience.
8. Sazerac Rye: Sazerac Rye is a rye whiskey produced by Buffalo Trace. It is made from a mash bill consisting of rye, corn, and malted barley, and offers a spicy and complex flavor profile.

These are just a few examples of the bourbons and whiskeys produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery. The distillery has a diverse portfolio that includes other brands like Elmer T. Lee, Ancient Age, and Benchmark, among others. Each brand and expression brings its own unique qualities and contributes to the distillery’s reputation for producing high-quality spirits.