Popular Kentucky Distilleries: Buffalo Trace

OriginFrankfort, Kentucky, United States
ManufacturerBuffalo Trace
EstablishedFounded in 1775
OwnershipSazerac Company

Introduction

Buffalo Trace Distillery is renowned for its impressive lineup of premium bourbon and whiskey offerings. The flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon is named after the historic buffalo trace that crossed the Kentucky River, while the Col. E.H. Taylor collection features small batch, single-barrel, and barrel-proof straight bourbon and rye. Other standout products include the Eagle Rare straight bourbon, the barrel-proof George T. Stagg, and the Stagg Jr. bourbon. The distillery also produces a range of other bourbons like McAfee’s Benchmark, O.F.C., Old Charter, and Old Taylor. With a rich history dating back to 1773 and innovative distilling practices, Buffalo Trace has cemented its reputation as one of the premier bourbon producers in the world.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon: The flagship bourbon of the distillery, named after the historic buffalo trace that crossed the Kentucky River.

Col. E.H. Taylor: A collection of small batch, single-barrel, and barrel-proof straight bourbon and rye whiskeys, named after the “Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry.”

Eagle Rare: A straight bourbon offering, including a 17-year antique collection.

George T. Stagg: A barrel-proof straight bourbon, named after a former owner of the distillery.

Stagg Jr.: A barrel-proof straight bourbon.

McAfee’s Benchmark: A straight bourbon.

O.F.C.: A straight bourbon named after the distillery’s former name, the Old Fire Copper (O.F.C.) Distillery.

Old Charter: A straight bourbon.

Old Taylor: A straight bourbon.

Timeline

  • 1773: Buffalo Trace Distillery’s history begins with pioneers crossing the buffalo trace crossings along the Kentucky River.
  • 1858: The first commercial distillery on the site is established.
  • 1869: Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. purchases the Leestown Distillery, later known as the O.F.C. Distillery.
  • 1933: Prohibition is repealed, allowing the distillery to resume whiskey production.
  • 1999: The distillery is renamed Buffalo Trace Distillery, introducing Buffalo Trace Bourbon.

Famous Product Releases

  • Buffalo Trace Bourbon: Introduced in 1999, named after the distillery.
  • Col. E.H. Taylor: Includes small batch, single-barrel, and barrel-proof straight bourbon and rye.
  • Eagle Rare: Offers straight bourbon and a 17-year antique collection.
  • George T. Stagg: Features barrel-proof straight bourbon.

Important People in Distillery History

  • Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr.: Known as the “Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry.”
  • Julian Pappy Van Winkle Sr.: Revered for his dedication to crafting fine bourbon.
  • Harlen Wheatley: Became the 6th Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace.
  • Elmer T. Lee: Notable for his significant roles at the distillery until his retirement in 1985.

Significant Historical Events

  • Survived challenges like floods, fires, World Wars, Prohibition, and downturns in brown spirits.
  • Renovations in 2016 uncovered the original 1873 distillery foundation and fermenters from that era.
  • In March 2022, Buffalo Trace announced the creation of six-liter OFC Vintage Bourbon Whiskeys and NFTs for charity.

Interviews with People at the Distillery

  • Freddie Johnson: Chief Tour Guide Visitor Supervisor with a family legacy at Buffalo Trace.
  • Gary Gayheart: Master Distiller from 1972 to 2005.
  • Harlen Wheatley: Succeeded Gayheart as Master Distiller.

Products and Practices

  • Buffalo Trace produces a variety of spirits including bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka.
  • The distillery’s self-produced brands include Buffalo Trace, Col. E.H. Taylor, Eagle Rare, George T. Stagg, and more.
  • Known for its Experimental Collection Bourbons and innovative practices like small-batch production and unique aging techniques.

Sources:


[1] https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/unmatched-history.html
[2] https://www.buffalotrace.com/distillery.html
[3] https://www.distillerytrail.com/blog/the-complete-buffalo-trace-distillery-timeline-1773-to-today/
[4] https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/buffalo-trace-founders
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Trace_Distillery