Buffalo trace special tours
Today we talk about Buffalo trace special tours.
When I first approached the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, I was already familiar with its rich history rooted in the bourbon industry, but nothing prepared me for the immersive experience that awaited. Having won over 250 awards in the past two decades—including the prestigious Best Distillery and Most Awarded Distillery—it promised a journey unlike any other.
Tour Details
What to Expect on the Tour
On my recent tour, I learned that Buffalo Trace hosts approximately 150,000 visitors annually, each drawn in by high-quality craftsmanship. The guides, knowledgeable and passionate, walked us through the bourbon-making process from grain to glass. Each tour typically lasts about 90 minutes and includes a tasting of at least one of their award-winning bourbons, making it well worth the time.
Types of Tours at Buffalo Trace
The Trace Tour
This introductory tour offers insight into the bourbon-making process and the history of Buffalo Trace. The best part? It’s complimentary! I felt privileged to learn how their bourbon is distilled and aged in charred American oak barrels—these barrels can hold bourbon for a minimum of four years, allowing the flavors to mature perfectly.
Hard Hat Tour
As someone intrigued by the distillation process, I booked the Hard Hat Tour. I learned that these tours are typically limited to 12 people, which ensured personalized attention. I found it exciting to don a hard hat and enter the active production areas where thousands of barrels of bourbon age, knowing that the facility produces over 1 million bottles a year.
Old Taylor Tour
This nostalgic tour dives deep into the history of the Old Taylor brand, a name that dates back to the late 1800s. I was amazed to find that Old Taylor was originally designed to appeal to the burgeoning market for premium bourbon, and it still represents a significant part of Buffalo Trace’s identity today.
Botanical Gardens Tour
For nature lovers, the Botanical Gardens Tour offers a serene experience through over 2 acres of beautifully maintained gardens. I learned that various herbs used in bourbon flavoring are cultivated right here, showcasing the distillery’s commitment to quality ingredients.
National Historic Landmark Tour
This tour celebrates Buffalo Trace’s designation as a National Historic Landmark. Standing in the distillery, I felt a palpable sense of history, as it has been operational since 1787. The stories shared by our guide made me realize how lucky I was to witness this historic establishment first-hand.
Tour Times and Availability
Regular Tour Schedule
Buffalo Trace offers tours seven days a week, with times varying by season. Typically, they run every hour on the hour from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. I recommend checking their calendar online before my visit to secure the time slot I desired.
Special Event Tours
In addition to their regular tours, Buffalo Trace hosts special event tours, especially during festivals. According to their website, these tours tend to fill quickly, especially for their limited-edition bourbon tastings, so booking early is key.
Planning Your Visit
Hours of Operation
Operating hours vary, but I noticed that they typically are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during the summer months to accommodate more visitors.
Driving Directions
The distillery is conveniently located off US-60 and is just a 30-minute drive from Louisville, making it easily accessible. Clear signage along the way helped guide me without any hassle.
Parking Information
Parking is plentiful, with a spacious parking lot that can accommodate buses and RVs. I felt relieved knowing I had a designated space when I arrived.
What to Bring on Your Tour
Photography Guidelines
I wanted to capture every moment, but I made sure to respect the photography guidelines—while photos are encouraged in some areas, certain production spaces are off-limits to protect their proprietary processes.
Dress Code Recommendations
Comfort is key! I opted for durable shoes, essential for walking around the distillery’s grounds. The dress code is casual, but layers are wise, as the temperatures inside the aging warehouses can differ significantly from the outside.
Purchasing and Tasting at Buffalo Trace Distillery
Tour & Tasting Packages
I found the Tour & Tasting packages to be particularly appealing. For around $35, I could experience guided tours along with tastings of several fine bourbons, an excellent value considering the quality.
Gift Shop Offerings
The gift shop is a treasure trove of bourbon-related merchandise and collectible bottles. I took the time to explore over 150 different items, ensuring I brought home a piece of this experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Tour?
Each tour includes a guided experience through the distillery, education about the bourbon-making process, and at least one tasting of their award-winning products, truly enhancing my understanding of their craft.
Are reservations necessary?
Yes, I found it best to make reservations at least a few days prior, especially for the Hard Hat and special event tours, which are popular and tend to fill quickly.
Other Experiences You Might Enjoy
Similar Distillery Tours
If you’re drawn to Buffalo Trace’s charm, you might also consider visiting nearby distilleries like Woodford Reserve and Four Roses, each offering unique insights into bourbon production.
Events and Festivals
Keep an eye on the distillery’s calendar for bourbon festivals and tasting events throughout the year. Attending the Kentucky Bourbon Festival last year was a highlight for me, drawing bourbon enthusiasts from all over.
Customer Care and Support
Contact Information
If you have questions, the Buffalo Trace team is incredibly responsive. Their website offers various contact options for inquiries, ensuring I received the information I needed before my visit.
Feedback and Reviews
User reviews highlight the fantastic guides and educational experience across platforms like TripAdvisor and Google Reviews, reflecting their commitment to providing top-notch service.
Connect with Buffalo Trace Distillery
Social Media Links
Follow Buffalo Trace on social platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Their posts keep you updated with news, and I enjoyed seeing real-time interactions from fellow bourbon enthusiasts.
Newsletter Signup
Signing up for their newsletter provided me with exclusive insights about special releases and upcoming tours, equipping me with timely updates directly from the distillery.
How much does it cost to tour the Buffalo Trace Distillery?
Costs for tours generally start around $10. Considering the average tour price in the industry ranges from $5 to $20, I found Buffalo Trace’s prices to be incredibly affordable.
What city is best for a bourbon tour?
Frankfort is excellent, but Louisville consistently ranks as a prime city for bourbon tours due to its proximity to many distilleries and rich bourbon history.
How long is the Old Taylor tour at Buffalo Trace Distillery?
The Old Taylor tour spans about 1 hour, providing an in-depth look at the historical significance of the Old Taylor brand and its influence on bourbon culture.
Can you taste Pappy Van Winkle at the distillery?
Sadly, Pappy Van Winkle is not typically available for tasting at the distillery itself. However, it is often featured at special events—definitely worth keeping an eye out for!
