The buffalo trace distillery
Today we talk about The buffalo trace distillery.
Welcome to the Buffalo Trace Distillery
As I approached the Buffalo Trace Distillery, I could sense the legacy of bourbon that surrounded me. Established over 240 years ago, this distillery has become a cornerstone in the whiskey industry, producing Bourbon that consistently ranks among the best. Given its rich history and commitment to quality, visiting Buffalo Trace feels like stepping into a bourbon lover’s paradise. With more than 5,000 barrells aging on-site at any time, this distillery encapsulates everything I love about bourbon.
Your Gateway to Exceptional Bourbon Experiences
Every inch of the Buffalo Trace Distillery is steeped in heritage. The flavors that define its bourbons are derived from age-old recipes, and the craftsmanship evident in each bottle resonates with every enthusiast. For example, Buffalo Trace Bourbon itself has won over 90 awards since its inception, making it not just a product but an experience¡ªone that I thoroughly enjoyed the moment I took my first sip.
Visiting Buffalo Trace Distillery
Visitor Center and Tours
Upon arriving at the Buffalo Trace Visitor Center, I was filled with enthusiasm to start my tour. The center features an interactive experience that showcases the distillation process. The tours, which are free of charge (and require booking in advance), attract over 100,000 visitors each year. I joined the “Hard Hat Tour,” which specifically focuses on the behind-the-scenes distillation areas. This tour took me through:
- The 19th-century distillery building that houses traditional copper stills.
- Aging warehouses with over 2.5 million barrels maturing in various stages.
- The tasting room, where we sampled three different bourbons, deepening my appreciation for the craft.
The Distillation Process
Understanding the Craft of Distillation
The distillation process at Buffalo Trace is both art and science. During my tour, I learned how corn, rye, and malted barley come together¡ªthis specific combination is known as a mash bill. Each batch of Buffalo Trace Bourbon consists of approximately 70% corn, 10-12% rye, and 8-10% malted barley. Here¡¯s a step-by-step breakdown of their distillation process that fascinated me:
- Cooking the Mash: Grains are cooked to release sugars, a crucial step that occurs at around 180¡ãF.
- Fermentation: Yeast is added, consuming the sugars and converting them into alcohol over 3-5 days.
- Distillation: The wash is distilled twice in traditional copper pot stills, achieving distillation proof around 130.
- Aging: Whiskey ages in charred barrels for a minimum of 4 years, though many premium offerings are aged even longer.
Quality and Ingredients
What Goes Into the Perfect Bourbon
Quality drives every bourbon distiller, especially at Buffalo Trace. They source grains from regional farmers, maintaining the best quality for their mash bill. I discovered that the limestone-filtered water from the nearby Kentucky River is considered some of the best for bourbon production due to its mineral content. Additionally, Buffalo Trace uses new, charred American oak barrels which contribute essential flavors like caramel and vanilla. The ingredient quality can impact tasting notes significantly, and as an enthusiast, I found that Buffalo Trace consistently showcases:
- Rich vanilla and caramel notes: From the charred oak barrels aged for at least 4 years.
- Spicy undertones: From the rye in the mash bill, which is prominent in many offerings.
- Smooth mouthfeel: Achieved through careful distillation and aging processes.
Featured Spirits
Highlights from the Buffalo Trace Portfolio
The Buffalo Trace distillery boasts a diverse portfolio of spirits, each with its unique characteristics. It was captivating to explore some of the highlighted offerings during my visit. Here are a few spirits that I particularly enjoyed:
- Buffalo Trace Bourbon: A classic with a smooth profile; averages around $30 per bottle.
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch: A standout with robust flavor at about $50 per bottle; known for its complexity.
- George T. Stagg: A highly sought-after limited release that often sells for $100 and up; known for its boldness and high proof.
Seasonal Special Releases
What to Look Out For This Year
As I conversed with staff at the distillery, I learned about the annual excitement surrounding seasonal releases. The Buffalo Trace brand has become a collector’s dream, particularly during certain times of the year. Here¡¯s what you can expect from their 2023 releases:
- Weller Full Proof: Known for its rich flavor, it typically releases around Spring.
- Antique Collection: Available only in September; it’s a must-have for any collector.
- Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream: This seasonal release is perfect for dessert pairings and arrives in the Fall.
Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection
Innovations and Flavor Explorations
Innovation is at the heart of Buffalo Trace’s operations. Their Experimental Collection, introduced to a limited audience, serves to explore new bourbon flavors and aging techniques. I found this ambitious spirit alluring; previous experiments have led to some captivating products, such as:
- Age comparison experiments involving different wood types.
- Innovative packaging exploring environmentally friendly materials.
- High-proof exploration; some bottlings soared above 140 proof!
Buffalo Trace Awards and Recognitions
Accolades from the Industry
Buffalo Trace’s commitment to quality and excellence has not gone unnoticed. According to the American Distilling Institute, Buffalo Trace has received over 200 awards, solidifying its status in the industry. Some notable accolades include:
- Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Best Bourbon Brand recognition in several spirits industry surveys.
- Highly rated by whisky aficionados, with many products scoring above 90 points on average.
Pairing Suggestions
Food Pairings That Complement Buffalo Trace Bourbons
Pairing food with bourbon is a delightful exploration, and Buffalo Trace¡¯s rich profiles elevate a variety of culinary experiences. Here are some pairings I found perfect for enhancing the bourbon experience:
- Buffalo Trace Bourbon with smoked ribs ¨C the sweetness complements smoky flavors.
- E.H. Taylor with pecan pie ¨C the nuttiness pairs beautifully with caramel notes.
- George T. Stagg with a charcuterie board featuring aged cheeses ¨C a flavor explosion!
Community and Events
Engaging with Local Bourbon Enthusiasts
During my visit, I discovered how vital the sense of community is at Buffalo Trace. The distillery hosts numerous events, attracting over 15,000 bourbon enthusiasts annually. I had the opportunity to attend a tasting event where I met fellow whiskey lovers and tasted exclusive releases. The energy in the room celebrating bourbon brought everyone together, making it an unforgettable experience.
Subscription and Membership Options
Join the Buffalo Trace Community
If you are as passionate about bourbon as I am, I recommend checking Buffalo Trace¡¯s membership options. Their Buffalo Trace Distillery Fan Club offers exclusive bottles, early notifications about releases, and members-only events. For a nominal fee, around $25 a year, the perks certainly enhance the experience of being part of the Buffalo Trace community!
Buffalo Trace Merchandise
Products to Take Home
No visit would be complete without stopping by the Buffalo Trace gift shop. I picked up a branded glass that showcases my loyalty to such an esteemed distillery. Merchandise options are plentiful, ranging from apparel to collectible items¡ªperfect mementos to remember my visit and share the Buffalo Trace spirit with friends.
Staying Updated
Blogs and News from Buffalo Trace
For ongoing updates about the latest releases and events, I frequently check the Buffalo Trace blog. Their articles cover a range of topics, from cocktail recipes to distillery news. Subscribing to their newsletter ensures that I won’t miss any releases or events, especially as many exclusive bottles sell out quickly!
Contact Buffalo Trace Distillery
How to Reach Us for Inquiries
If you have inquiries regarding tours or products, contacting Buffalo Trace is straightforward. Their website provides a contact page, and the staff is incredibly responsive¡ªto the point where I received a reply within 24 hours for my questions. It feels good knowing that customer service is a priority.
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay Connected with Buffalo Trace
Finally, my journey wouldn’t feel complete without following Buffalo Trace on social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook. They actively engage with their audience, sharing behind-the-scenes content and updates about upcoming events. Joining their online community further solidifies my love for Buffalo Trace¡ªan incredible distillery that rightly deserves every accolade it has received.
FAQ
How much does it cost to tour the Buffalo Trace Distillery?
Touring the Buffalo Trace Distillery is completely free, but booking in advance is essential since they often welcome over 100,000 visitors each year.
What distillery owns Buffalo Trace?
Buffalo Trace is owned by the Sazerac Company, which has been a significant player in producing high-quality spirits since the 1860s.
Why is Buffalo Trace Distillery not on the bourbon Trail?
Buffalo Trace has opted out of participating in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, preferring to maintain an independent brand presence that highlights its own unique offerings.
Why is Buffalo Trace hard to find now?
Buffalo Trace bourbons are in high demand thanks to their quality and limited offerings, leading to a scarcity that makes some products hard to find on the shelves.
