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 As the mighty buffalo thundered across the land, they carved paths in the wilderness and a destiny for our ancestors. These paths, known as traces, were soon marked with the footprints of adventurers, explorers and pioneers as they made their journey to the west.
One such trace, called the Great Buffalo Trace, led to the rugged banks of the Kentucky River. It was here in Franklin County, millions of buffalo found passage across the river in their move toward the Great Plains.
The migration of these herds left a rough wide clearing that would become a gateway to a new frontier that invited renowned explorers and pioneers, such as George Rogers Clark, Daniel Boone and countless settlers who pushed America westward more than 220 years ago.
Those who settled here were quick to take advantage of the abundant limestone spring water and fertile soil perfect for growing exceptional grain. Distillation soon followed and what would become the area’s distinguished bourbon heritage took root.
The tradition of fine bourbon making has been a part of this site’s heritage for more than two centuries. During the prohibition era, the federal government allowed the distillery to continue distillation for medicinal purposes. After Repeal, Albert Blanton took over the operation of the distillery and added many quality control enhancements. An innovator in his own right, Blanton enjoyed producing single-barrel bourbon for himself and his friends. This tradition was honored in 1984 when the distillery became the first to commercially market a single-barrel bourbon called Blanton’s.
Today the Buffalo Trace Distillery site encompasses 119 acres and 114 buildings. The George T. Stagg distillery was renamed Buffalo Trace in June 1999 and introduced its flagship bourbon, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, in August 1999. In addition to Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the distillery has a history of other finely crafted, award-winning spirits. The distillery has won more awards since 1990 than any other North American distillery, earning more than 170 distinctions in national and international competitions including the 2008 “Distillery of the Year” award presented by The San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Start your Bourbon Trail adventure in Frankfort, Kentucky at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Come experience history, the bourbon-making process, century old barrel aging warehouses and a complimentary sample of Kentucky’s finest. All tours are complimentary, starting on the hour and offered Monday - Friday beginning at 9:00am with the last tour leaving at 3:00pm. On Saturday tours begin at 10:00am and the last tour begins at 2:00pm.
Tour Hours
Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
On the hour
Location
1001 Wilkinson Blvd. Frankfort, KY
(502) 696-5926
Directions from Louisville
On I64 Eastbound, take Exit 53B, US 127 North, go about 5 miles. Ccross the KY River and see the Holiday Inn, turn left (still 127 North, also Wilkinson Blvd.). The distillery will be on the left in one mile.
Directions from Lexington
On I64 Westbound, take exit 58, go North on US 60 until it becomes 127/421. Go straight, follow signs to Civic Center/Downtown and do not make any turns until you see the distillery on your right, about 5.5 miles.
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