Buffalo Trace Distillery

113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA

Address:	113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
Phone:	+1 502-696-5926
Site:	buffalotracedistillery.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM 9AM–5:30PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

A Private User

For the past six years, Ive been preaching the gospel of Buffalo Trace to anyone who would listen. Its got the smoothest taste, wonderful flavor and the appropriate price point to make it my bourbon of choice whenever Im drinking the golden brown deliciousness. And if this is the only distillery you visit on your trip to Kentucky, its probably a five-star experience. The tour we had (with Freddie, who is fantastic) was informative and focused highly on the barrelling and organization of those barrels once their put into the warehouses. Freddie was energetic and full of great information, and the trick after the (admittedly boring) video is one youll enjoy. Plus, youre standing close enough to the Pappy in barrels that you can almost taste it!* But compared to a lot of other distilleries, the end of the tour (after Freddie did the tastings, which were really informative and, well, tasty) wasnt as good as a lot of other distilleries. BT makes a ton of different types of bourbons, but you could only buy three or so** while you were there, which is kind of disappointing. The other options to purchase werent nearly as plentiful and though the distillery is built on a very rustic look and feel, the gift shop seemed small and not well-stocked. It also wasnt nearly as well put together for tastings as some of the other distilleries we went to (tasting was in a big back room that made it hard for Freddie to get around to get to everyone, but possibly because it was a really large group that day). That said, the grounds are beautiful and well kept, and its close to Frankfort, so if youre staying in the area its worth a day trip. Not open on Sundays. * - not that youll be able to buy it. Every person who worked there laughed when I asked, though they understood I had to. ** - If you ask nicely theyll let you taste the BT Creme Liqueur which is stunningly delicious.

Joe Wolfe

So, this is the first time Ive ever written a review on the internet for anything. Not only was the Buffalo Trace tour the best bourbon tour Ive been on, and Ive done several (i.e. Makers, Woodford, Four Roses, and Wild Turkey), the staff were the absolute BEST! The tour was entertaining and delightful throughout and climaxed with a tasting of 3 of their delicious bourbons (pick any 2), and we also got to try their version of Bailys Irish Cream which is delicious, and to my knowledge, the only bourbon cream out there and only currently distributed here in the Kentucky area. Last and not least, how about the INTEGRITY AND KINDNESS OF THE STAFF!!!! I accidentally lost my favorite pair of sunglasses (Prada and cost $340), and have been retracing my steps trying to figure out where I lost them. I called Buffalo Trace (3 weeks later), just to see if by some remote chance I lost them while I was there. The employees were still safekeeping my sunglasses in their lost and found and are shipping them to me complementary. Fantastic!!! Cheers to Buffalo Trace, their delicious bourbon, and amazing staff!!! P.S. My buddy who is a bartender and bourbon connoisseur claims to have done every bourbon tour in Kentucky and advised me that Buffalos is his favorite. In fact, because of his connections in the bourbon community he has been on their VIP tour in which they included Pappy Van Winkle in the tasting.

Jackson Richards

Passed on the tour (already know how bourbon is made and there was quite a crowd), but was able to go straight to tasting their fine wares. The staff were knowledgeable and courteous, and had the perfect order to try their products in. 1. White Dog Mash - an unaged bourbon, coming in at 125 proof, sweet corn taste at first followed by a shine-like burn. 2. Kentucky Straight Bourbon - starts smooth and ends spicy 3. Eagle Rare Breed - starts spicy and ends somewhat smoother and sweeter 4. Pecan bourbon chocolate - rich dark chocolate, slightly chewy bourbon flavoured creme center and a pecan on top Finished with their "Kentucky Cream", which is like Baileys but made with real cream and of course, their bourbon. God-damn its delicious! A terrific experience of some pretty good bourbons (of which a few bottles followed us home) in a nicely done store. Definitely the highlight of our Kentucky touring. And do check out their stuffed mini-buffalo.

Ben2all50

We decided to stop in on a visit through Frankfort. The grounds, facility, and visitor area are impressive. We were underwhelmed by the staff. Im sure this is not the typical experience, but when I walked in, no one acknowledged me. One staff was listening to a visitor talk about all the places he had been. The other two were busy talking to each other. I waited a few seconds then decided to look around for a while and also to see if information was posted somewhere. It wasnt, so I went back up to the counter. This time only one person was there, so I walked over. Just then some loudmouth, I-need-to-be-the-center-of-attention type person walked in the door behind me and started a loud conversation with the staff person right in front of me. Again I wasnt acknowledged. I could have demanded service, but I just left because I didnt care that much in the first place.

Kathy Fournier

My first visit to this distillery was at 7 oclock at night for the ghost tour. I was so intrigued by the buildings which I could barely see (because it was dark) that I came back the next day for more. Not for more bourbon.... Turns out I dont even like bourbon.... But this distillery is just so gorgeous! I just love the old buildings and the atmosphere. My second visit I took the trace tour. Im actually tempted to go back again and leisurely wander the grounds. As another reviewer mentioned, it is incredibly generous of the distillery to offer the tour and tasting for free. I think they even mentioned that they were the only local distillery not to charge a fee. Kudos to them!! All the more reason to support a fantastic company.

Dolores Farmer

This is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States. We drove 6 hours to get here and we were glad we did! What a gorgeous and interesting place. Dinner in the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse was amazing. Our tour guide, Freddie, told us a ton of fascinating information about this distillery and about bourbon in general. Watching Blantons Bourbon get bottled (by hand) was educational and fun. We sampled the very hard to get Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, ate filet mignon for dinner, and enjoyed Bourbon Cream with chocolate pie for dessert. The parking was easy and the grounds are stunning. If you get the chance, go!

Melanie Riddick

My husband and I recently completed the KY Bourbon Trail. While Buffalo Trace is not part of it, we still made sure to get over to tour their distillery after hearing it is terrific. It did not disappoint! Our tour guide Freddy was a third generation employee of Buffalo Trace, and it was incredible some of the stuff he was able to tell us about from the history. We really enjoyed our tour and Freddys ability to make it more unique than the same old information about how to make bourbon. We also really enjoyed trying a few of their products, and we decided they main brand is really excellent!

A Private User

The 55 minute tour goes very fast, is very enjoyable, and filled with fun and information. The walking tour covers about a three block area including a "barrel crossing" complete with a crossing arm and lights similar to a typical railroad crossing. The gift shop and visitors center is filling with photos and information. Samples at the end of the tour included their vodka, and two types of bourbon, along with some chocolate bourbon candy. Root beer is provided for the young and non drinkers. Although the buffalo on the water tower is easy to spot, make sure you enter through the stone gates.