Let’s Get To Know Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Pegasus
- Feb 4
- 6 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Buffalo Trace Distillery is part of Pegasus Tour's Bourbon Social™: Legends & Barrels Tour...find out more!
Located in Frankfort, Kentucky, Buffalo Trace Distillery is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States, producing acclaimed bourbon for over 200 years. As a National Historic Landmark, it survived Prohibition to become a world-renowned, family-owned producer of iconic brands like Buffalo Trace, Blanton’s, and Eagle Rare.
Key details about the distillery include:
History & Heritage: The site has been producing whiskey since the late 18th century, with the current distillery complex, formerly known as the George T. Stagg Distillery, dating back to the late 19th century. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2013.
Location: Situated on the banks of the Kentucky River in Franklin County.
Production: The distillery is known for its diverse, award-winning collection that blends traditional methods with modern innovation.
Awards: It has won more awards than any other distillery in the world, including7 "Distillery of the Year" titles.
Visitor Experience: The distillery is open to the public 7 days a week, offering complimentary tours and tastings.
Brands: In addition to its flagship Bourbon, it produces esteemed brands such as Pappy Van Winkle, E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, and Elmer T. Lee.
The Name
The name "Buffalo Trace" honors the ancient buffalo pathways that crossed the Kentucky River, serving as a route for early pioneers and explorers.
In Kentucky, buffalo carved a pathway that was followed by America's early pioneers. On the spot where the buffalo migration route crossed the Kentucky River, we've been making legendary bourbon whiskey for over 200 years. Buffalo Trace is the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. During Prohibition the distillery was even permitted to remain operational, to make whiskey for "medicinal purposes".
In tribute to the mighty buffalo and the rugged, independent spirit of the pioneers who followed them westward, we created Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
The Awards
Within the past decade, Buffalo Trace has won more awards than any other distillery in the world, including an unmatched seven "Distillery of the Year" titles. Still American family owned and located in Franklin County, Kentucky, the distillery's rich history includes such legendary distillers as E.H. Taylor, Jr, George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp and Elmer T. Lee. The distillery sprawls impressively over 130 acres and is home to four centuries of architecture - all still fully operational.
The Distillery
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is distilled, aged and bottled at the most award-winning distillery in the world. Made from the finest corn, rye and barley malt, this whiskey ages in new oak barrels for years in century old warehouses until the peak of maturity. The taste is rich and complex, with hints of vanilla, toffee and candied fruit. The smooth finish lingers on the palate. This will never change.
About Their Master Distiller
Few have earned the right to be called Master Distiller, but since Harlen Wheatley came to Buffalo Trace, he's been making some of the best whiskey in the world. Following in the footsteps of greats like Taylor, Stagg, Blanton and Lee, Harlen's dedication to time-honored traditions and ground-breaking innovation, have already become legendary. Watch a video hosted by Harlen here.
A Few of Their Famous Bourbons
Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon
Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon is a premium, high-rye bourbon produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, known as the world's first single-barrel bourbon (introduced in 1984). It is famous for its distinctive horse-and-jockey stopper and, typically, a 93-proof (46.5% ABV) profile featuring notes of spicy rye, caramel, and dried fruit.
Key Details About Blanton's:
Origin: Produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Warehouse H, which is unique for its metal construction that accelerates aging.
Profile: Blanton’s is known for a taste profile that includes rich, complex flavors, such as toffee, caramel, and citrus
Varieties: While the Original Single Barrel is the most common, other versions include Blanton's Gold Edition, Blanton's Straight from the Barrel, and the international-only Blanton's Special Reserve.
The Stoppers: The stoppers depict a horse and jockey in various stages of a race, with eight different letters that spell "BLANTONS" when collected.
Blanton's is highly sought after, frequently leading to limited availability and high demand.
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a highly awarded and popular bourbon known for its complex flavor profile and smooth finish. It is widely available for purchase from various online and local retailers.
Product Details
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the flagship product of the Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States.
Aroma: Complex notes of vanilla, mint, and molasses.
Taste: Pleasantly sweet with notes of brown sugar, spice, toffee, oak, dark fruit, and anise.
Finish: Long and smooth with significant depth.
Aging: Aged in new, charred American oak barrels for a minimum of eight years until maturity.
Proof: 90 Proof (45% ABV).
Where to Buy
You can purchase Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey online or find it in stock at local stores in your area.
Buffalo Trace Eagle Rare
Eagle Rare is a premium Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery and is known for its complex flavor profile and minimum 10-year aging process. It is a highly sought-after, award-winning spirit that has gained a significant following among bourbon enthusiasts.
Key Characteristics
Distillery: Eagle Rare is distilled and distributed by the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Aging: The standard expression is aged for no less than 10 years in new, charred oak barrels.
Proof: The 10-year-old version is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV). A newer 12-year expression is 95 proof, and other limited releases can be higher.
Mash Bill: It uses Buffalo Trace's low-rye "Mash Bill #1," which it shares with other popular bourbons like the namesake Buffalo Trace and E.H. Taylor, Jr..
Tasting Notes
The 10-year expression is generally well-regarded for its balance and smoothness, with a rich flavor profile.
Nose: Complex aromas of toffee, hints of orange peel, herbs, honey, leather, and oak. Reviewers on Breaking Bourbon also noted scents of toasted marshmallow and citrus.
Palate: Bold, dry, and oaky flavors with notes of candied almonds and very rich cocoa. It features a rich, full mouthfeel with vanilla, caramel, and a touch of dark fruit like plum or cherry.
Finish: A dry and lingering finish, with notes of leather, tobacco, toffee, and baking spices.
Expressions and Availability
While the standard 10-year is the most common, the brand offers several other expressions.
Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old: The core product, widely celebrated for its value (at MSRP), though often hard to find due to high demand and limited availability.
Eagle Rare 12-Year-Old: A new addition to the permanent lineup as of June 2025, with more pronounced oak and spice notes compared to the 10-year.
Limited Editions: Highly sought-after, ultra-premium expressions are released in limited quantities, including the annual Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old (part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection), the 20-year-old Double Eagle Very Rare (presented in a crystal decanter), and the extremely rare 25-year-old Eagle Rare 25.
Eagle Rare Bourbon is the only bourbon to ever win the double gold medal five times.
Hours & Location
113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Ky 40601
Monday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.(EST)
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.(EST)
*Buffalo Trace Distillery is closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Conclusion
This distillery is one of the amazing locales that Pegasus Tours includes in their Bourbon Social™: Legends & Barrels Tour.
Interested in other Bourbon Social™ Tours? Click here to find more exciting options!
DID YOU KNOW?
Pegasus Tours offers both private and group bourbon tours! And they have special rates with The Galt House Hotel.
Note: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not represent any endorsement by Pegasus.
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