Buffalo Trace Distillery Begins Recovery Efforts After Kentucky River Flooding

Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, is beginning its recovery after recent flooding from the Kentucky River inundated its historic campus. The floodwaters, triggered by days of heavy rain, reached parts of the distillery’s facilities, including areas where bourbon barrels were stored and the visitor center.

With waters receding, the distillery has resumed shipping its spirits and anticipates restarting its bottling operations in the coming days. The visitor center remains closed to guests through Sunday, but plans are underway to reopen a modified retail hub for visitors with prior tour reservations.

Damage assessments are ongoing, particularly for any bourbon barrels touched by floodwaters. Crews were able to move many barrels to higher floors before flooding, and thorough inspections and quality testing of affected barrels are now in progress. The distillery expects no significant loss of inventory but emphasizes that testing will be meticulous.

Buffalo Trace, owned by the Sazerac Company, produces several popular bourbon brands, including Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and W.L. Weller. Restoration of the National Historic Landmark remains the distillery’s top priority as it works to safely welcome visitors back while maintaining product integrity.