how much do buffalo trace tours cost

Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour: What To Know Before You Go

By: Author Melody Pittman

Posted on May 16, 2023

Buffalo Trace Distillery – a must-visit Kentucky bourbon destination! This top-notch facility, voted “2018 Distiller of the Year”, is over 200 years old and found in Frankfort. Even if you’re not a bourbon lover, you’ll find enjoyment in your visit. The property itself covers 440 acres, and tours and tastings are free. Don’t miss out!

How to Get to the Buffalo Trace Distillery

Come visit Buffalo Trace Distillery, just 28 miles away from Lexington , Kentucky, or 55 miles from Louisville . Buffalo Trace is a National Historic Landmark that’s sure to impress.

Distillery Hours and Tour Prices

The wide variety of tours at Buffalo Trace Distillery run Monday through Friday and include a complimentary tasting. Note that reservations are required and tours are not available on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Discover the rich history and delicious bourbon of Buffalo Trace with a variety of tours! The Trace Tour is the most popular option that offers a glimpse into the brand’s past and an introduction to the iconic property . Available daily, no reservations required!

Learn about our pre-prohibition distilling history on the National Historic Landmark Tour, which focuses on the architecture and Buffalo Trace property, mostly from 1933 to 1953.

Get spooked on the Ghost Tour with legendary stories of haunted areas like Stony Point Mansion and The Old Taylor House. This one is only available Thursday through Saturday evenings.

For bourbon enthusiasts, the Bourbon Barrel Tour is the perfect pick. Discover the bourbon aging process, barrels, and what happens to them when they can no longer store the beloved bourbon.

Fun Fact : Buffalo Trace is America’s oldest continually-operating distillery.

The Whiskey Making Process

Come explore the secrets of the 90-proof (45% alcohol by volume) whiskey at EH Taylor Tour and Buffalo Trace’s Hard Hat Tour! Get an exclusive look at the distilling process, from grain to bottle.

Experience the unique “Bourbon Pompeii” on the E. H. Taylor Tour and learn about the man himself, while the Hard Hat Tour takes you on a journey from the grain distillery process to bottling. The tours offer sensory delights that will make any whiskey lover swoon.

Don’t miss your chance to discover how your favorite drink is made – tours run on Saturdays too!

The Tasting and Buffalo Trace Distillery Brands

Meet Mr. Freddie Johnson – the third-generation Buffalo Trace Distillery employee, local celebrity (Neat: The Story of Bourbon), and 2018 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee. As a VIP Visitor Lead at the distillery, Freddie is the ultimate tasting guide, making sipping and sampling an unforgettable experience.

During my visit, Freddie showcased his expertise with a selection of premium products – Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Rare Eagle Bourbon Whiskey, Wheatley Vodka, Bourbon Cream (think a beefed-up Bailey’s Irish Cream), and Freddie’s Root Beer. He even explained how to properly sip and get your mouth warmed up for the bourbon tasting.

Trust me when I say that pairing Bourbon Cream with soda is the ultimate dessert-like experience! I couldn’t resist taking both products home to enjoy later. And, of course, we couldn’t leave without indulging in a Rebecca Ruth Bourbon Ball made with Buffalo Trace.

Thanks to Freddie’s charming personality and passion for all things bourbon, my visit to Buffalo Trace Distillery was an incredible highlight and a must-do for any spirit enthusiast.

Buffalo Trace brands include O.F.C. Vintages, Van Winkle, Bourbon Cream, Benchmark, Wheatley Vodka, Ancient Age, and many more. One of the most coveted photography spots at Buffalo Trace Distillery is inside, with the hundreds of aging barrels as the backdrop.

Masks were required during my visit, but I will cherish the photo opportunity and remember learning about an essential part of Kentucky’s history.

Bonus Features at The Trace

Don’t forget to check out the Whiskey Vault, where rare and oldest bottles are displayed. As your tour guide explains the collection’s significance, appreciate the vast history within this tiny space. Cap off your visit at the George T. Staff Gift Shop and Gallery, where you will find signature logo apparel, collector’s items, bourbons, Wheatley Vodka, and more.

If you can’t make it in person, you can do a virtual tour at buffalotracedistillery.com/virtualtour .

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Purchasing and Tasting

Online Gift Shop

Where to Stay

Parking Directions

Firehouse Sandwich Stop

Keep Me Informed

Taste of the Trace

COVID-19: What to expect

Buffalo Trace Distillery COVID-19 Visitor Center Screening Policy and Procedure

Whiskey Supply Expansion

Plan Your Visit

Transportation Services

How can I keep up to date with all the changes and news at Buffalo Trace Distillery?

We’d love to include you in our quarterly newsletter, Happenings at the Trace.  Sign up here .

How much do the tours cost?

Our tours and tastings are complimentary.

What are the Photography Guidelines?

Click here to view information on our Photography Guidelines.

Do I need a reservation to take a tour?

No, but registration is recommended to guarantee a spot. Our Visit Us page will describe the tour opportunities and allow you to reserve a spot. 

Is Buffalo Trace family friendly?

The Trace Tour is open to visitors of all ages. All other tours are open to guests that are 12 years of age and older and accompanied by an adult. Guests may also utilize our playground facilities daily between 9am and 8pm.

Is the distillery ADA accessible?

The Visitor Center and Gift Shop are ADA accessible. The Trace Tour is ADA accessible.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes! We are dog friendly. Based on your tour, some buildings are not open to pets. Your tour guide will inform you if that is the case.

Where can I park?

There is a large parking lot on our grounds for comfortable, complimentary parking. Access our parking map here .

Is there RV and/or camper parking?

There are areas for parking RVs, large vehicles, and campers on the grounds.

What if I do not have time to take a tour? Can I just do a tasting or browse the Gift Shop?

You can register for a tasting, dependent on availability, at the Distillery.  We would love for you to come to our expanded gift shop, no reservation is required.

What products do you have available to taste?

Due to our unique liquor license, we can allow limited products for tasting. We can offer 1 and ¾ ounces of tastings per visitor, per day. Our tastings are included at the conclusion of your tour or available as a stand-alone experience. All tours and tastings are complimentary and require registration.

We offer the following items for sample after the conclusion of our tours: Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare Bourbon, Wheatley Vodka, Buffalo Trace Cream, Freddie’s Root Beer and Rebecca Ruth bourbon balls.

What spirits do you have available to purchase at the Gift Shop?

The following spirits are available for purchase on a limited basis:

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Eagle Rare Bourbon

White Dog Mash Bill #1

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream

Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon

E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch

Wheatley Vodka

W.L. Weller Special Reserve

Sazerac Rye

What is your address?

Buffalo Trace Distillery

113 Great Buffalo Trace

Frankfort, KY 40601

How do I get there?

From Lexington

Take I-64 West toward Louisville. Get off at Exit 58 and turn right off the exit ramp onto US-60 West. Go straight for 5 miles and do not make any turns. This road becomes 421-North/and US 127 South and Wilkinson Blvd. The entrance to Buffalo Trace Distillery will be on your right. Look for our green plank fence and turn right through the big stone gates onto Great Buffalo Trace.

Travel Time: 30 minutes

From Louisville

Take I-64 East towards Frankfort. Get off interstate at Exit #53B/US 127 North. Go North on US 127 North for 5 miles. Turn left onto 421 SOUTH (still 127 North/ also Wilkinson Blvd) directly after you cross the Kentucky River and see the Capital Plaza Hotel directly in front of you. *NOTE: Do not turn left until you have completely crossed over the entire bridge. Ensure you do not turn onto 421 NORTH which is directly before you cross the Kentucky River. The Buffalo Trace Distillery will be on the left in one mile. Look for our green plank fence and turn left through the big stone gates onto Great Buffalo Trace.

Travel Time: 60 minutes

From Cincinnati

Take I-75 South to I-64 West. Take I-64 West toward Louisville. Get off at Exit 58 and turn right off the exit ramp onto US-60 West. Go straight for 5 miles and do not make any turns. This road becomes 421-North/and US 127 South and Wilkinson Blvd. The entrance to Buffalo Trace Distillery will be on your right. Look for our green plank fence and turn right through the big stone gates onto Great Buffalo Trace.

Travel Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

From Nashville

Take I-65 North towards Louisville. Take Exit 93 for Martha Layne Collins/ Bluegrass Parkway towards Bardstown/Lexington. Merge onto Martha Layne Collins/ Bluegrass Parkway. Take Exit 59B to merge into 127 N toward Lawrenceburg/Frankfort. Turn left onto 421 SOUTH (still 127 North/ also Wilkinson Blvd) directly after you cross the Kentucky River and see the Capital Plaza Hotel directly in front of you. *NOTE: Do not turn left until you have completely crossed over the entire bridge. Ensure you do not turn onto 421 NORTH which is directly before you cross the Kentucky River. The Buffalo Trace Distillery will be on the left in one mile. Look for our green plank fence and turn left through the big stone gates onto Great Buffalo Trace.

Travel Time: 3 hours 45 minutes

I don’t want to drive to the Distillery, can I get an Uber or Lyft?

Options for a taxi, Uber, or Lyft etc. are limited in Frankfort. We recommend using a car service if you do not want to drive to and from the Distillery.

Where should I spend the night?

For out-of-town guests or business associates, overnight accommodations are available at several nearby hotels. Click here for local maps and information for Frankfort , Lexington and Louisville .

Are there restaurants close to Buffalo Trace?

Downtown Frankfort has restaurant options. Check the Visit Frankfort website for details.

Does Buffalo trace have food options?

We are proud to partner with Staxx BBQ to offer our Firehouse Sandwich Stop seasonally between April and October.

Are there other bourbon distilleries within driving distance of Buffalo Trace?

Kentucky is the bourbon capital of the world! We’re partial to Buffalo Trace but there are many great options to learn about the history, science and art of bourbon distillation. You can see more details about Kentucky distilleries here .

What else can I do while I’m in Kentucky?

Kentucky offers many fantastic experiences for all ages. Check out the KY Tourism Site for ideas while you’re in the Bluegrass State!

Bourbon Fun During A Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour

By Author Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Check out our experience taking a Buffalo Trace distillery tour and see what we ate for lunch after our fun tour of the famous Frankfort Kentucky distillery.

Imagine our surprise when we made a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail for our Buffalo Trace distillery tour in Frankfort and met our tour guide from … wait for it … Philadelphia .

With a southern drawl and a warm, welcoming smile, the tour guide seemed every bit like a local at first glance. We totally assumed that he was born and bred in Kentucky until he shared the news that not only was he from Philadelphia but also that he had once lived just five blocks from the house that we left behind when we answered the call to travel .

Buffalo Trace Distillery

Located just 660 miles from Philadelphia, Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort feels like another world. Instead of the high rises and parking lots that define the Philadelphia landscape, horse farms and distilleries dot the grassy landscape of Frankfort’s rolling green hills.

Originally called the O.F.C. Distillery and later the George T. Stagg Distillery, Buffalo Trace makes many bourbons beyond its signature Buffalo Trace whiskey including cult favorite Pappy Van Winkle and Blanton’s.

Inspired by wild buffalo that once roamed freely along the Kentucky River on passes called traces, parent Sazerac Company renamed the company to Buffalo Trace in 1999. The parent company is currently spending $1.2 billion to expand the distillery’s campus.

Discover our favorite bourbon cocktails .

Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour

We know how we got to Buffalo Trace from Philadelphia – a simple detour from Cincinnati to Nashville during our epic road trip. After visiting Graeter’s , the country’s greatest ice cream company, it was a no-brainer for us to visit Buffalo Trace, arguably the country’s greatest bourbon distiller.

But how did tour guide Fred Mozenter get to Buffalo Trace from Philadelphia? It’s not exactly a normal path to move from Philadelphia to Frankfort. And how did he end up with a coveted job working at the distillery where he traded his Philly accent for a southern drawl?

It turns out that Mozenter worked for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) as a store manager for 34 years before taking an early retirement package. Upon retiring, he decided to pursue his true passion – bourbon.

That passion led him to Kentucky and his second career at Buffalo Trace. Hired because he could “make bourbon fun”, Mozenter has been giving tours at Buffalo Trace since he moved south to Frankfort with no end in sight.

History And Fun

During the Buffalo Trace Bourbon tour, Mozenter educated us about the company’s storied history which dates back hundreds of years and survived prohibition.

The oldest continuing operating distillery, Buffalo Trace distributed bourbon for “medicinal purposes” during prohibition. Today, the distillery displays memorabilia from its history including site maps and pictures detailing the long, eventful past.

The Buffalo Trace Hard Hat Tour shows Buffalo Trace Bourbon in its various stages as it transforms from corn mash to liquid gold.

Starting with the cookhouse and the huge fermentation vats, the tour is hands-on – literally. During the tour, participants get to taste fermenting mash and wash their hands with freshly distilled bourbon, activities that let all five senses experience the distilling process.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Tasting

“All bourbons are whiskey but not all whiskeys are bourbons.”

We learned that 95% of all bourbon is distilled in Kentucky and the state’s limestone water gives bourbon its distinct flavor. We also learned that the remaining 5% is made elsewhere in the United States , but the taste is not the same without Kentucky’s limestone water.

At the end of the tour, we tasted four different Buffalo Trace brands distilled at Buffalo Trace including Clix vodka and decadently rich bourbon cream . As an unexpected treat, we indulged in Buffalo Trace Bourbon chocolates made by a local chocolatier, Rebecca Ruth Candy Factory. All of these products and more are available at the distillery’s onsite Buffalo Trace gift shop.

We will long remember Buffalo Trace’s distillery tour, especially when we drink Buffalo Trace bourbon. We will especially remember the tour guide, Fred Mozenter.

Just like his getting the job at Buffalo Trace, us meeting him was “meant to be.” Hearing his story validated our decision to follow our dreams of traveling and tasting the world.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is located at 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.

Lunch in Frankfort

Since man cannot live on bourbon and chocolate alone, you should follow your distillery tour with lunch at one of the many restaurants near Buffalo Trace Distillery. If you like unique American sandwiches , be sure to order a Kentucky Hot Brown.

After our tour, we followed these instructions and ate a Grilled Kentucky Hot Brown at Gibby’s in downtown Frankfort. Located just two miles from the distillery, Gibby’s is a local institution and a perfect spot for a post-bourbon tour lunch.

Gibby’s is located at 204 W Broadway St, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.

Schedule A Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour

Buffalo Trace tours are complimentary but must be reserved in advance.

We took the Hard Hat tour which we highly recommend. You can make free reservations but, as noted, you must book it in advance. If this free tour isn’t available, consider booking the Trace tour, the Old Taylor tour, the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Tour or the National Historic Landmark Tour.

All tours include bourbon tastings. Hooray!

And, if you have extra time, be sure to check out the best places to drink in Louisville which is just a one-hour drive from the Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Buffalo Trace Planning Checklist

• Buy discounted travel insurance from Heymondo .
• Find a great Frankfort hotel via Booking.com , Expedia or Hotels.com .
• Find an apartment in Frankfort with a kitchen .
• Buy a  universal travel adaptor  from Amazon so you can charge your laptop, cell phone and camera the USA.
• Buy a copy of Kentucky Bourbon Country: The Essential Travel Guide from Amazon.
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Buffalo Trace distillery is located at 113 Great Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Kentucky.

No. Buffalo Trace is not on the Bourbon Trail. This is because the distillery is not part of the Kentucky Distillers Association.

Buffalo Trace distillery tours are free.

Buffalo Traces offers seven different tours of its distillery. Check each tour’s details to confirm its length.

You can make reservations via the Buffalo Trace website.

Thirsty For Unique Bourbon Cocktails?

About the Authors

Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour Frankfort, Kentucky

Buffalo trace distillery tour: a signature experience in bourbon town.

Set off on an exploratory journey with the Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour, a pivotal part of the renowned Bourbon Town Tours. In the heart of a region celebrated for its distilling legacy, Buffalo Trace Distillery offers an immersive experience into the world of bourbon and spirits. Ideal for both connoisseurs and curious visitors, this tour provides a comprehensive look into the art of distilling, showcasing time-honored traditions and modern innovations.

Discover with Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour

Buffalo Trace Distillery, with its rich history and esteemed reputation, is a landmark in the spirits industry. The tour commences with an enlightening backstory of the distillery’s origins, its evolution through the years, and its commitment to excellence in bourbon making. This introduction provides context and depth to the tour, illustrating the distillery’s significant role in shaping the bourbon industry.

Journey Through the Art of Distillation

Visitors on the Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour are guided through the intricate process of bourbon making. From grain selection and milling to fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling, each step is detailed thoroughly. The tour is interactive and educational, giving guests a firsthand look at the meticulous care and expertise that goes into each bottle of Buffalo Trace bourbon.

Tasting Sessions: Exploring Rich Flavors

A key feature of the tour is the tasting session, where guests sample a range of Buffalo Trace’s finest bourbons and spirits. These sessions, conducted by knowledgeable guides, delve into the diverse flavor profiles of each bourbon, highlighting the unique characteristics that make Buffalo Trace’s products stand out in the world of spirits.

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Impact on the Community

The tour also focuses on the distillery’s contributions to the local community and the spirits industry. Buffalo Trace Distillery is not just a producer of fine bourbons; it is a steward of bourbon culture, actively involved in preserving and promoting the heritage of bourbon making in Bourbon Town and beyond.

An Inclusive Experience for All

The Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour is crafted to cater to a wide range of interests and knowledge levels. Whether you are a bourbon enthusiast or new to the world of spirits, the tour offers an engaging and informative experience. The welcoming environment ensures that every visitor, regardless of their background, enjoys a memorable and insightful visit.

Educational Aspects of the Tour

The tour extends beyond bourbon tasting, offering valuable insights into the broader context of the spirits industry. Participants learn about the historical evolution of bourbon, the nuances of different types of spirits, and current trends in distilling. This educational aspect provides a more complete understanding of the craft of bourbon making.

Sustainability Initiatives at Buffalo Trace Distillery

Sustainability is a key theme at Buffalo Trace Distillery, as highlighted during the tour. The distillery’s commitment to using sustainable practices, including environmental stewardship and resource conservation, demonstrates its dedication to responsible production and care for the environment.

Special Events and Limited Edition Releases

Buffalo Trace Distillery is known for its array of special events and limited-edition bourbon releases. During the tour, visitors receive information about these exclusive opportunities, inviting them to engage further with the distillery and the dynamic bourbon community.

A Must-Do on Bourbon Town Tours

The Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour is an enlightening and enjoyable experience for anyone interested in the art of bourbon making and the history of spirits. As a key component of Bourbon Town Tours, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking to delve into the rich world of bourbon and spirits.

Are you ready to uncover the secrets of bourbon making? Book your Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour today and join us for an enriching journey into the heart of bourbon country. Connect with fellow bourbon lovers, learn about the intricate process of distilling, and experience the best of Bourbon Town’s bourbon culture. Sign up now for an unforgettable adventure at Buffalo Trace Distillery!

Why BourbonTown Tours Is The Perfect Choice?

Pocket-friendly adventures.

Embark on an unforgettable journey without burning a hole in your pocket.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Discover hidden gems and lesser-known spots that only we can guide you to.

Passionate & Knowledgeable Team

With our expert crew, each tour goes beyond sightseeing.

Ancient Age KY Straight Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Benchmark Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Colonel E. H. Taylor Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

O.F.C Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Old Charter KY Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Pappy Van Winkle 12 Year Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Double Eagle Very Rare Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Eagle Rare 17 Year Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

George T. Stagg KY Straight Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Rye Whiskey – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Sazerac Rye 18 Year – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Sazerac Rye Whiskey – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Weller 12 Year Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Weller Antique 107 Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Weller Special Reserve Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Wheatley Vodka – Buffalo Trace Distillery

William Larue Weller KY Straight Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Vacation starts with our tours around kentucky, enjoy amazing tours along the kentucky bourbon trail with a great team of expert guides..

• 1-844-BOURBON / 844-268-7266
• [email protected]
• Louisville, Kentucky

• Trip Advisor

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Buffalo Trace Distillery

America’s oldest continually-operating distillery is Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky. After remaining open for “medicinal purposes” throughout Prohibition, this historic site boasts four centuries of architecture on 440 acres.

The Distillery Tour

Home to a long list of popular bourbons and whiskeys (including E.H. Taylor, Pappy Van Winkle, W.L. Weller, Rock Hill Farms, Elmer T. Lee and George T. Stagg), the Buffalo Trace Distillery tour offers a look into their bourbon-making process, a walk through a rickhouse and a pass along the bottling line where each bottle of Blanton’s bourbon is hand-labeled and corked.

Mint Julep Experiences offers tours to Buffalo Trace every week.

The Bourbon Tastings

A tasting may include Buffalo Trace bourbon, Eagle Rare bourbon, Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1, Wheatley Vodka or Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream. Unfortunately, you will not be able to taste or purchase Pappy Van Winkle bourbons on your Buffalo Trace tour — sorry!

BOOK A MINT JULEP TOUR HERE

Photo by Buffalo Trace

Things to know about Buffalo Trace

Frequently asked questions.

Where is Buffalo Trace bourbon made?

Buffalo Trace bourbon is made at 113 Great Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Ky.

Who owns Buffalo Trace?

The Sazerac Company owns the Buffalo Trace brand.

What bourbons and whiskeys does Buffalo Trace produce?

Brands produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery include Buffalo Trace, Sazerac Rye, George T. Stagg, Eagle Rare, William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, Elmer T. Lee, Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Collection, Old Rip Van Winkle, Van Winkle, Pappy Van Winkle, Rock Hill Farms, Hancock’s Reserve, W.L. Weller, Ancient Age, McAffee’s Benchmark Old No. 8, Old Charter, Stagg Jr., Blanton’s, Wheatley Vodka, Hiram Walker’s Ten High, and Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream. Not all brands are available for purchase and/or tasting on site.

Is Buffalo Trace on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

No, Buffalo Trace Distillery is not a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.

Which distilleries are near Buffalo Trace?

Nearby distilleries east of Louisville in the Frankfort area include Woodford Reserve , Wild Turkey , Castle & Key and Three Boys Farm Distillery .

Where can I find out more about Buffalo Trace?

Learn about Buffalo Trace at buffalotracedistillery.com .

Start Planning Your Kentucky Bourbon Distillery Tour

Let’s start planning your ultimate Kentucky bourbon distillery tour today! We offer a variety of public tours as well as custom-made experiences that are tailored to your every bourbon desire.

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR

Buffalo Trace Daily

Predicting what the distillery gift shop will be selling tomorrow

Unveiling the Secrets: Booking Your Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour

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Count down to the next window of available tours.

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the history and flavors of one of the most iconic distilleries in the heart of Kentucky? The Buffalo Trace Distillery, renowned for its rich heritage and exceptional bourbon, awaits your visit! Here’s your comprehensive guide to securing a spot on this exclusive tour.

Why Visit Buffalo Trace Distillery?

Nestled in Frankfort, Kentucky, the Buffalo Trace Distillery stands as a testament to time, tradition, and exceptional craftsmanship. With a legacy spanning centuries, this distillery offers an unparalleled experience for whiskey enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious visitors alike.

Booking a tour at Buffalo Trace Distillery is a coveted opportunity due to its popularity and limited availability. Fear not, as the process is straightforward!

Step 1) Pick a reservation date

The Buffalo Trace reservation calendar that opens this Wednesday at 10:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time) for tours taking place in 8 weeks. You may book your reservation date online at reservations.buffalotracedistillery.com , but availability goes quick!

Once you click on a date, you will be prompted to select the type of tour you wish to join. Not all tours are available every day so you may have to browse different dates to find a specific tour.

Below are the choices to select from.

Hard Hat TOUR

• A start-to-finish tour of the distilling process throughout the facility.
• For safety purposes, this tour is not available for guests under 12 years old.
• This tour route is not ADA-accessible.
• All tours are complimentary and include a 15-minute tasting.
• Note that no allocated bottle released that day is held for you.
• Reservations are require

Expansion Tour : Limited Time Only

• A hard hat tour of the Distillery’s expansion to ferment, distill and bottle their whiskies.
• For safety purposes, this tour is not available for guests under 12 years old. This tour route is not ADA-accessible.
• Reservations are required.

Old Taylor Tour

• Tour of the Old Taylor House, the OFC Building, OFC Fermenter #7 nicknamed “Old Taylor”, and Warehouse C.
• The tour route includes stairs and there is a lot of walking involved so comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Those with acrophobia and/or fear of walking across metal grates may want to seek a different tour.
• Tour gives you the full history of the Distillery.
• Visitors of all ages are welcome to join us for this tour.
• Please be prepared for a significant amount of walking so comfortable shoes are recommended.
• The Trace Tour is open to all ages and is ADA-accessible.

Step 2) Enter your reservation Information

Next, you will need to enter the following information to continue with the booking process.

• Number of Guests over 21
• Number of Guests under 21
• How did you hear about the distillery?

Step 3) Special Requests

They will then ask for any special requests regarding ADA (the Americans with Disabilities Act) or if it is for a special occasion.

Step 4) Review Your Order and Confirm

You will receive a confirmation number once you have finished.

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Tried to get on wait list for tomorrow 03/26/24, but kept asking me to select a date in the future???

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The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday

Touring the buffalo trace distillery.

in Bourbon Whiskey , Featured , Tourism April 29, 2013 1 Comment

By Richard Thomas

(Credit: Joana Thomas)

Buffalo Trace has built up an impressive reputation for crafting a wide, deep line of premium American whiskeys, as well as for its willingness to experiment with new whiskey-making techniques. That reputation has made the distillery’s Frankfort, Kentucky facility a fixture on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a must-see for any serious fan of Kentucky bourbon.

The distillery offers not one, but three tours. The option that best matches the usual expectation of a distillery tour is the Hard Hat Tour, which goes through the guts of the whiskey-making process at Buffalo Trace. This is the tour I went on , and therefore my observations reflect it. The other two formats are the Trace Tour, focused more on the history of Buffalo Trace and bourbon generally, and the Post-Prohibition Tour, which examines the architecture of the distillery and its comeback in the post-Prohibition era.

A new, big batch. Very big. (Credit: Joana Thomas)

The Hard Hat Tour follows typical lines, providing a show-and-tell experience for the basics of whiskey-making. Visitors get to see huge fermenting vats, cookers, the plant’s main still, and in a nice touch the tour also visits Buffalo Trace’s in-house micro-distillery, where most of the limited editions are made. Another nice touch is that if the still is running (and it usually is), visitors are offered hot white dog straight fresh from distilling. Try rinsing your hands with it, and see how fast the high-proof spirits evaporate away. After a stroll in a barrel warehouse and a peek at the bottling plant, the tour ends back at its starting point in the gift shop with a tasting of two whiskeys.

My experience with distillery tours is that they fall into two categories: big factories and small, pretty places. Buffalo Trace is certainly a big industrial distillery, and it feels like one. The fermenting vats are many, huge and made of stainless steel; on the inside, the facility sometimes seems to be all pipes and machinery.

The old, cobbled-together, romantic factory that is Buffalo Trace (Credit: Joana Thomas)

Yet the place is also old and eclectic. Most of the buildings date to the 1930s, with some going back as far as the late 19th Century. The machinery has a wonderful cobbled-together feel, as repairs are often done using parts made by the distillery’s in-house machine shop, and this combined with the age adds a romantic flair to the factory atmosphere. Finally, there is the natural beauty of distillery’s leafy green perch on the banks of the Kentucky River. Buffalo Trace might be a big factory in some respects, but it never, ever feels like one, and therefore combines the best of both the big industrial experience with the small, pretty place bourbon tour.

Everyone loves being in the barrel house (Credit: Joana Thomas)

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday, start with every hour, and are always complimentary . If you want a tour other than the Hard Hat Tour (if I ever find the time to stop by again, I’m going on Post-Prohibition), you might want to call or e-mail ahead about the schedule, since most outings are of the Hard Hat variety.

Tagged with: Bourbon Whiskey Feature Whiskey Information Whiskey Travel

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There’s also a Ghost Tour, which looks into the more haunted sites, including the rarely visited Stony Point Mansion where Col. Blanton died in 1959 (and is rumored to still haunt Buffalo Trace!)

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THE OLD TAYLOR TOUR

Our most popular tour, about the tour.

This 4 hour experience is offered as a package tour with Buffalo Trace Distillery. Have you had trouble getting a tour booked at Buffalo Trace? Well, this experience is a tour on the Kentucky River and a tour of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Our Friday tours (between Memorial Day and October 31) go downstream through Lock and Dam #4, which allows you to view the back of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Monday tours go upstream through our beautiful downtown areas (not through the lock!).

After the boat tour, you will participate in a Buffalo Trace "Old Taylor Tour", which allows you to walk in the footsteps of EH Taylor Jr., and see some of the older parts of the distillery. This tour does also include a tasting. 

This is a 4-hour experience in total.

Reservations are REQUIRED!

Offered Friday and Monday

Cost: $69.95 per person

701 Wilkinson Blvd, Frankfort, KY 40601

(502) 219-3318

[email protected]

TOURS OFFERED

• Bourbon Themed Tour
• Historic River Tours
• Kentucky River Tour 
• Bourbon Tour
• River Boat Tours
• Buffalo Trace Tours
• Bourbon Trail Tours
• Bourbon Distillery Tour

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The Buffalo Trace Tour: A Photo and Video Journey

• by Nino Kilgore-Marchetti
• June 8, 2016

There are few distilleries more iconic in Kentucky then Buffalo Trace. Established as a National Historic Landmark and making whiskey for more than 200 years, the campus which is this distillery is now some 440 acres large and hosts approximately 100 buildings which are for the most part in use today. Over 300,000 barrels of mostly bourbon are spread across 15 aging warehouses here, and there is a gentle balance maintained between automation and hand holding when it comes to that whiskey which ultimately ends up in the bottle you are pouring from.

I recently had the chance to take a special behind the scenes Buffalo Trace tour during my Kentucky visit . Since much of the story of this distillery is known in bits and pieces to our readers already f rom our extensive coverage of them , this article will instead be a photographic and video focused journey of what goes into making everything from Buffalo Trace bourbon to Pappy Van Winkle and beyond.

A giant empty Buffalo Trace fermenting tank (video copyright The Whiskey Wash)

Buffalo Trace as it enters the fermenting stage (video copyright The Whiskey Wash)

Leftovers after the Buffalo Trace distillation process. (video copyright The Whiskey Wash)

The path Buffalo Trace barrels follow between warehouses (video copyright The Whiskey Wash)

Hand bottling of Van Winkle rye whiskey. (video copyright The Whiskey Wash)

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Buffalo trace- which tour? - Louisville Forum

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Buffalo trace- which tour?

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They have a bunch listed

Is one better than another?

Do they all offer tastings?

Are you doing other standard tours at any other distilleries? If so, I would choose a tour other than The Trace Tour. Distillery tours are similar as the process is similar but Buffalo Trace is nice because you have options. If the hard hat tour is being offered, book that one. If not, I recommend the Old Taylor Tour which involves learning more about the history and seeing an excavated portion of the old distillery. It does include a tasting.

Thank you for your response. Waiting for October tours to open for booking (September 7th). We’ll go to other distilleries as well, so I’ll certainly check if the tours you suggest will be available in BT.

We’re also considering barrel tour (can’t remember the exact name).

Looking forward to our visit!

Ah yes well make sure you are on the Buffalo Trace website when October tours open because they will sell out quick. Decide which tour you want in advance and then be ready.

I think you mean the Kentucky Cooperage tour in Lebanon. Good idea

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Single Barrel Select

The process.

Visit the Distillery

After you select from our list of award-winning brands, you can choose to visit the Buffalo Trace distillery where your barrel is expertly aging. You will get a personally guided tour of our historic Franklin County, Kentucky distillery and see where your barrel began its journey. If you’re unable to visit us, you can elect to receive samples from which to taste and choose, or our Master Distiller will personally select a barrel for you.

Select Bottle Sizes

Once the barrel that perfectly suits your distinct palate is chosen, you can select from an array of sizes. The number of bottles that can be produced from a single barrel depends on the age of your barrel, and the location in the warehouse where it is aging, but on average, you can expect between 180-240 bottles.

Customize Your Bottles

Each of the bottles from your selected barrel will be labeled with a customized medallion containing either a personalized message or a business logo. Additionally, the actual barrel you selected can be stenciled with the brand logo and shipped with your order to use for display or as a keepsake to commemorate your exclusive distillery experience.

How long is the process? How much will it cost?

The process takes approximately eight weeks from the time you finalize your selection, to when your bottles and empty barrel arrive at the retail store. The cost for a barrel ranges between $4,000 and $15,000 depending on the number of bottles your barrel yields, and the price negotiated locally by the distributor and retailer.

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