Buffalo Trace Distillery

Thriving along the banks of the Kentucky River, Buffalo Trace Distillery crafts some of the world’s favorite spirits in the heart of Bourbon Country: Frankfort, Kentucky. Distilling for over 200 years, Buffalo Trace offers quite a lot of history to see — and taste.

As one of the few distilleries in America to remain open during Prohibition, this National Historic Landmark routinely attracts approximately a quarter-million visitors each year. The rustic red brick and black warehouses stand out against the scattered pines and surrounding forests on the more than 400-acre grounds.

Take a free distillery tour to see how the masters craft their bourbons and ryes. Walk through the warehouses and breathe in the scent of aging whiskey as it evaporates from the barrels. Although temporarily unavailable at press time, the Hard Hat Tour takes visitors through the Mash House and Dry House to the E.H. Taylor Jr. Microstill, where Buffalo Trace experiments with new whiskeys and spirits. On the Trace tour, travel back in time as tour guides bring the history of the distillery to life.  Explore Blanton’s Bottling Hall and witness the hand-labored process in person.

After any tour, relax in the tasting room with complimentary, body-warming samples of “candied almond, rich cocoa” Eagle Rare Bourbon, “brown sugar, spice” Buffalo Trace Bourbon or even “pure, crisp” Wheatley Vodka.

Buffalo Trace also schedules special events throughout the year that invite bourbon lovers to experience the distillery in unique ways. Bring your bestie or significant other for a one-of-a-kind dinner date featuring fine cuisine and bourbon during the annual Legendary Craftsmen Dinner Series, which was unfortunately canceled in May 2020.

Make sure to stop by the gift shop for a bottle of hard-to-find Eagle Rare or Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon. While you’re there, pick up some Buffalo Trace barware — from rocks glasses to wooden muddlers to copper mixing spoons — or grab some gear to show off your trip to Kentucky’s Bourbon Country. 

113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky, 855/915-5598, buffalotracedistillery.com