Who Makes Buffalo Trace Whiskey? Unpacking the Distillery Behind the Icon
Summary: Buffalo Trace Whiskey is made by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, a historic distillery located in Frankfort, Kentucky, which is owned by Sazerac Company, a privately held, American family-owned beverage company.
A Legacy Steeped in History: The Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is more than just a production facility; it’s a living testament to American whiskey-making history. Its origins can be traced back to 1775, making it one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States. Situated on the banks of the Kentucky River, the distillery has weathered wars, Prohibition, and changing consumer tastes, emerging as a producer of some of the world’s most sought-after bourbons and whiskeys. The distillery’s name comes from the ancient buffalo trace that crossed the Kentucky River in this location, attracting early settlers.
Sazerac Company: The Parent Organization
While the Buffalo Trace Distillery crafts the spirit, it operates under the umbrella of the Sazerac Company. Sazerac, a family-owned company based in Metairie, Louisiana, acquired Buffalo Trace in 1992. Sazerac has a diverse portfolio of spirits, wines, and liqueurs. This ownership provides Buffalo Trace with the resources and infrastructure to continue its production and distribution while maintaining its commitment to quality and tradition.
The Art of Distillation: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Buffalo Trace prides itself on using time-honored techniques alongside modern innovations in its distillation process. The process of crafting Buffalo Trace whiskey involves several key stages:
- Grain Selection: The distillery sources high-quality grains, primarily corn, rye, and barley, depending on the specific expression of whiskey being produced.
- Mashing: The grains are ground and cooked in water to create a mash, converting the starches into fermentable sugars.
- Fermentation: The mash is transferred to fermentation tanks, where yeast is added to convert the sugars into alcohol. This process typically takes several days.
- Distillation: The fermented liquid, now called “distiller’s beer,” is distilled in copper stills to concentrate the alcohol and remove impurities. Buffalo Trace uses both column stills and pot stills, depending on the desired character of the whiskey.
- Aging: The distilled spirit is then aged in new, charred oak barrels. The length of aging varies depending on the specific whiskey, but it typically ranges from several years to decades. This is where the whiskey develops its color, flavor, and aroma.
- Bottling: After aging, the whiskey is bottled at the appropriate proof and released to the market.
Beyond Buffalo Trace: A Family of Brands
The Buffalo Trace Distillery is responsible for a wide range of well-known whiskey brands, not just the flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon. These include:
- Eagle Rare
- Blanton’s Single Barrel
- Weller (including W.L. Weller Special Reserve, Antique 107, and Full Proof)
- Van Winkle (Pappy Van Winkle) – Note: Produced at Buffalo Trace, but a separate operation run by the Van Winkle family.
- Ancient Age
- Sazerac Rye
- E.H. Taylor, Jr.
- George T. Stagg
The Buffalo Trace Distillery: A Destination for Whiskey Lovers
Beyond its production, Buffalo Trace Distillery is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take guided tours of the distillery, learn about the history of bourbon making, and sample some of the distillery’s award-winning whiskeys. The distillery offers various tour options, including in-depth explorations of the distillation process and tastings of rare and limited-edition releases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Buffalo Trace Distillery privately or publicly owned?
The Buffalo Trace Distillery is privately owned by the Sazerac Company. Sazerac is also a privately held, family-owned enterprise, granting them the freedom to focus on long-term quality rather than short-term shareholder gains.
Does Sazerac own other distilleries besides Buffalo Trace?
Yes, Sazerac Company owns a vast portfolio of distilleries worldwide, including Barton 1792 Distillery, A. Smith Bowman Distillery, and Glenmore Distillery in the United States, as well as numerous distilleries internationally.
Is it hard to get Buffalo Trace Bourbon?
While the standard Buffalo Trace Bourbon is generally available, but popularity can vary by region. Other expressions produced by the distillery, like Weller and Van Winkle, are notoriously difficult to find due to high demand and limited supply.
Where is the Buffalo Trace Distillery located?
The distillery is located in Frankfort, Kentucky, on a site that has been used for distilling since 1775. The address is 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY 40601.
What makes Buffalo Trace Bourbon unique?
Buffalo Trace’s unique flavor profile results from a combination of factors including careful grain selection, traditional fermentation techniques, precise distillation, and aging in new, charred American oak barrels. The specific mash bill (grain recipe) and aging location also contribute to its distinct character.
How long is Buffalo Trace Bourbon aged?
While there isn’t a specific age statement on the standard Buffalo Trace Bourbon bottle, it is typically aged for around 8-10 years. This aging process contributes to its smooth, balanced flavor.
What is the mash bill of Buffalo Trace Bourbon?
The exact mash bill is a closely guarded secret, but it is believed to be a low-rye recipe, meaning it contains a smaller percentage of rye compared to some other bourbons. It is primarily corn, with rye and malted barley as secondary grains.
Is Buffalo Trace Bourbon a wheated bourbon?
No, Buffalo Trace Bourbon is not a wheated bourbon. Wheated bourbons, like Maker’s Mark and the Weller line, use wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye. Buffalo Trace uses rye in its mash bill.
Can I visit the Buffalo Trace Distillery?
Yes, Buffalo Trace Distillery offers guided tours and tastings to the public. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. Several different tour options are available, offering varying levels of detail and access.
How does Buffalo Trace control the quality of its whiskeys?
Buffalo Trace maintains strict quality control through every stage of the production process, from grain selection to bottling. They employ experienced distillers, maintain meticulous records, and utilize rigorous testing procedures to ensure consistent high quality.
What are some popular cocktails to make with Buffalo Trace Bourbon?
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is a versatile spirit that can be used in various cocktails. Some popular choices include:
- Old Fashioned
- Manhattan
- Whiskey Sour
- Mint Julep
Does Buffalo Trace offer online sales or shipping?
- Direct online sales from Buffalo Trace are not available. Availability depends on local and state regulations regarding alcohol sales and shipping. Check with local retailers and online spirits marketplaces for availability in your area.