Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of the most renowned and historic distilleries in the United States. Located in Frankfort, Kentucky, it has a legacy that dates back over two centuries. Known for producing some of the world’s finest bourbons, Buffalo Trace is the home to a variety of exceptional products. From flagship brands like Buffalo Trace Bourbon to premium and limited-edition releases such as Pappy Van Winkle and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, the distillery has established itself as a leader in the bourbon industry. In this article, we’ll explore the distillery’s iconic products, answer frequently asked questions, and discuss the excellence behind every bottle.
The History of Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is rich in history. The site where it resides has been in operation since 1775, making it one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States. Originally known as the Old Fire Copper Distillery, the distillery went through several ownership changes before being renamed Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1999. It has played a significant role in shaping the bourbon industry, both through its innovative techniques and the quality of its spirits. The distillery is currently owned by Sazerac Company, a well-known spirits conglomerate that manages several popular liquor brands.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon: The Flagship Product
One of the most popular products from the distillery is Buffalo Trace Bourbon. This flagship offering is a straight bourbon whiskey known for its smooth character and complexity. It has a mash bill that includes corn, rye, and barley, resulting in a balanced flavor profile with hints of vanilla, caramel, and spice. Buffalo Trace Bourbon is a versatile spirit, suitable for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned. Priced affordably, it’s a favorite among both casual drinkers and connoisseurs.
Weller Bourbon: The Wheated Bourbon Revolution
Another standout product from the Buffalo Trace Distillery is Weller Bourbon. Weller is famous for its wheated bourbon mash bill, replacing rye with wheat to create a softer, sweeter flavor profile. The Weller family includes several expressions, such as Weller Special Reserve, Weller Antique 107, and Weller 12 Year Old. Each has its own distinct characteristics, but all maintain the smooth, full-bodied quality that wheated bourbons are known for. Weller Bourbon is considered a hidden gem in the world of bourbon, often rivaling more expensive bottles like Pappy Van Winkle due to its comparable quality and more accessible price point.
Pappy Van Winkle: The Legendary Bourbon
Perhaps the most iconic product produced by Buffalo Trace is Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon. Known for its rarity and exceptional quality, Pappy Van Winkle is highly coveted by collectors and whiskey enthusiasts. This bourbon is available in several expressions, including Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old, Pappy Van Winkle 12 Year Old, and Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old. The long aging process contributes to its complexity, with flavors of oak, caramel, and dark fruit, making it one of the most expensive and highly rated bourbons in the world. Due to its limited availability, finding a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle can be a challenge, but it remains a symbol of excellence in the bourbon world.
Buffalo Trace Antique Collection: A Collector’s Dream
Each year, Buffalo Trace Distillery releases the highly anticipated Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). This collection includes several rare, aged bourbons, such as William Larue Weller, George T. Stagg, and Thomas H. Handy. These products are released in limited quantities, often making them hard to find at retail prices. However, their rarity and high quality make them highly sought after by collectors. The BTAC is known for its intense, full-bodied flavors, often bottled at cask strength for maximum intensity. For bourbon enthusiasts, obtaining a bottle from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is a prized achievement.
Eagle Rare Bourbon: A Refined Classic
Eagle Rare Bourbon is another flagship product from Buffalo Trace. This bourbon is known for its deep, rich flavor and is available in both 10-year-old and limited-edition versions. Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old is an accessible, well-balanced bourbon with flavors of oak, toffee, and herbs, making it a great option for both sipping and mixing. The rare expressions of Eagle Rare, such as those aged longer or released in special editions, can fetch higher prices due to their unique qualities and limited availability. Eagle Rare’s smooth, nuanced flavor profile has made it a favorite among bourbon aficionados.
Buffalo Trace Rye Whiskey: A Spicy Alternative
For those who prefer a spicier, more robust whiskey, Buffalo Trace Rye Whiskey offers an excellent alternative to its signature bourbons. The rye whiskey is crafted with a mash bill that includes a high percentage of rye, resulting in a spicier, more peppery flavor profile compared to traditional bourbons. This whiskey has a balance of rich sweetness and bold spice, with flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel. Buffalo Trace Rye Whiskey is excellent for sipping neat or enjoying in cocktails like the Manhattan or Whiskey Sour.
Blanton’s Single Barrel: The First of Its Kind
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon holds a special place in the hearts of bourbon collectors and enthusiasts. Produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, Blanton’s was the world’s first single-barrel bourbon. Each bottle is sourced from a single barrel, making every bottle unique in flavor. The bourbon is known for its smooth texture, rich flavor, and subtle hints of caramel, vanilla, and spices. Over the years, Blanton’s has become a symbol of top-tier bourbon, with different expressions such as Blanton’s Gold and Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel offering distinct variations on the original.
People Also Ask: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best Buffalo Trace product to try first?
For newcomers to Buffalo Trace, Buffalo Trace Bourbon is an excellent choice. It offers a well-rounded, accessible flavor that is perfect for both sipping and mixing. If you prefer wheated bourbons, Weller Special Reserve is another great option to consider.
2. Why is Pappy Van Winkle so expensive?
Pappy Van Winkle is expensive due to its rarity, aging process, and high demand. The bourbon is aged for 12 to 23 years, resulting in a complex flavor profile that appeals to connoisseurs. Its limited production makes it difficult to find, which drives up its price on the secondary market.
3. What is the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection?
The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) is a limited-edition series of rare bourbons released annually by Buffalo Trace Distillery. The collection includes William Larue Weller, George T. Stagg, and other rare expressions that are often bottled at cask strength. These bourbons are highly sought after by collectors.
4. How long is Eagle Rare aged?
Eagle Rare Bourbon is aged for 10 years. This aging process gives the bourbon its rich, nuanced flavor with notes of oak, toffee, and herbs. There are also limited-edition releases of Eagle Rare that may be aged longer, contributing to their rarity and increased value.
5. What makes Blanton’s Single Barrel unique?
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is unique because it is the first-ever single-barrel bourbon. Each bottle comes from an individual barrel, making each one distinct in flavor. This creates a unique experience for those who enjoy tasting different expressions of the same bourbon.
6. Can you visit the Buffalo Trace Distillery?
Yes, the Buffalo-Trace Distillery offers tours to the public. Visitors can explore the historic site, learn about the bourbon-making process, and sample various Buffalo Trace products. The distillery also has a visitor center where exclusive bottles and memorabilia can be purchased.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Innovation
Buffalo-Trace Distillery’s products represent some of the finest examples of American whiskey. From the flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon to the ultra-rare Pappy Van Winkle, each bottle showcases the distillery’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and tradition. Whether you’re a novice bourbon drinker or a seasoned connoisseur, Buffalo-Trace offers something for everyone. Its diverse range of products, from wheated bourbons to single-barrel and rye whiskeys, continues to set the standard for excellence in the whiskey world. For those seeking the ultimate whiskey experience, Buffalo Trace Distillery remains a symbol of innovation and dedication to the craft.