Buffalo Trace Distillery: A History of Excellence in Whiskey Making
, by Scott Connor, 3 min reading time
Founded in 1787 by Harrison Blanton, the distillery has a rich history of producing some of the finest whiskey in the world. Today, Buffalo Trace Distillery is known for its award-winning bourbon and rye whiskey, as well as its commitment to preserving the art of traditional whiskey making.
Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States. Founded in 1787 by Harrison Blanton, the distillery has a rich history of producing some of the finest whiskey in the world. Today, Buffalo Trace Distillery is known for its award-winning bourbon and rye whiskey, as well as its commitment to preserving the art of traditional whiskey making.
The distillery's history is rooted in the early days of American whiskey making. In 1787, Harrison Blanton built a small distillery on the banks of the Kentucky River, using local corn and rye to make whiskey. Over the years, the distillery changed hands several times and underwent several renovations, but it always remained a vital part of the community.
In the late 1800s, the distillery was renamed "Buffalo Trace" in honor of the buffalo that once roamed the area. This name has become synonymous with quality and craftsmanship in the whiskey industry.
One of the defining characteristics of Buffalo Trace Distillery is its commitment to traditional methods of whiskey making. The distillery uses only the finest ingredients, including locally grown corn, rye, and barley. The whiskey is aged in charred oak barrels, which give it its distinct flavor and color.
The distillery is also known for its experimentation and innovation. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a research distillery, known as the "Experimental Collection," where they continuously test new mash bills, yeast strains, and barrel treatments to come out with new and unique whiskey expressions.
Buffalo Trace Distillery produces a wide range of whiskey, including bourbon, rye, and wheated whiskey. Some of the distillery's most popular and highly awarded expressions include:
- Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: This bourbon is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley and aged for a minimum of 8 years. It has a complex flavor profile, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice.
- Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Aged for a minimum of 10 years, this bourbon has a rich and complex flavor, with notes of caramel, toffee, and dark chocolate.
- Sazerac Rye Whiskey: This rye whiskey is made from a mash bill of 95% rye and aged for a minimum of 6 years. It has a spicy, bold flavor with a long, smooth finish.
- W.L. Weller Bourbon: This wheated bourbon is aged for a minimum of 7 years, and it has a smooth, sweet flavor with notes of caramel and vanilla.
Buffalo Trace Distillery is also home to the "Bourbon Pompeii" project, where they excavated a 19th-century limestone warehouse that was buried in a sinkhole, revealing bottles and barrels of bourbon that had been aged for decades.
In conclusion, Buffalo Trace Distillery is a true American icon in the whiskey industry. With a rich history dating back to 1787, the distillery has a commitment to preserving traditional methods of whiskey making while also experimenting and innovating new expressions. The distillery produces a wide range of award-winning bourbon, rye, and wheated whiskey that is enjoyed by whiskey connoisseurs around the world. A visit to the distillery is a must for any whiskey lover, where you will be able to learn about the history and the art of whiskey making and taste some of the best whiskey in the world.