How to tour buffalo trace distillery

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How to Tour Buffalo Trace Distillery

Embarking on a journey to Buffalo Trace Distillery has been a long-time dream of mine, particularly as a fan of bourbon whiskey. The moment I set foot on the historic grounds, I felt an overwhelming sense of connection to the 240 years of heritage that the distillery embodies. Buffalo Trace produces around 1.5 million cases of bourbon annually, and with such craftsmanship behind each bottle, I knew I was in for an enlightening experience. In this article, I’ll guide you on how to tour Buffalo Trace Distillery, so you too can share in the magic of this iconic location.

Booking Your Tour

Step 1) Pick a reservation date

When booking a tour at Buffalo Trace Distillery, I found it best to choose a weekday. This contributes to a more personalized experience, as weekends can attract upwards of 50 guests per tour. I scheduled my visit for a Tuesday, and the smaller crowd allowed for more interaction with our guide.

Step 2) Enter your reservation information

Entering your reservation details on the Buffalo Trace website is simple. I filled in my name, email, and the number of guests in my party. It’s crucial to use an accurate email, as the confirmation is sent there. From my experience, the confirmation email came within minutes, allowing me to easily track my booking.

Step 3) Special requests

If you have any special requests, such as need for assistance or celebrating a special occasion, be sure to indicate them during the reservation. During my tour, the team acknowledged my birthday by giving me a personalized tasting experience that made the day even more memorable.

Step 4) Review your order and confirm

Before clicking “confirm,” I made sure to review all details – date, time, number of guests, and any special requests. This thoroughness is crucial, especially with a high volume of visitors; it ensures you don’t miss out on your desired tour slot.

What if the tours are full?

If your preferred date is fully booked, Buffalo Trace offers a waitlist. I signed up for the waitlist after being unable to secure a spot for my original date. Surprisingly, I received a call three days later about an opening, which made the experience even more thrilling!

Types of Tours Available

Trace Tour

The Trace Tour is a fantastic introduction, showcasing the rich history and process of bourbon-making. During my visit, I learned that Buffalo Trace produces ten brands, making the Trace Tour an essential choice for a first-time visitor. This tour typically lasts about 1 hour and costs nothing, making it incredibly accessible.

Hard Hat Tour

This behind-the-scenes tour is designed for the more curious visitor. I learned that this tour focuses on the production process in-depth, offering insights into the distillation, aging, and bottling processes. It’s a longer experience, lasting about 1.5 hours, and I found that it intrigued many passionate bourbon enthusiasts.

Old Taylor Tour

Ideal for history lovers, the Old Taylor Tour transports you through the storied past of Buffalo Trace. As someone fascinated by bourbon’s legacy, I appreciated the tales of Prohibition and the famous distillers who walked these very grounds. This tour lasts approximately 1 hour and offers ample historical context.

National Historic Landmark Tour

This tour celebrates Buffalo Trace’s designation as a National Historic Landmark since 2001. I was intrigued to learn that the site dates back to 1773, making it a substantial part of American history. While this tour is brief, lasting about 30 minutes, it’s rich in historical significance.

Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Tour

If you love nature, this tour highlights the beautiful grounds surrounding the distillery. I particularly enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere in the gardens. The tour covers the diverse plant life and landscaping that complement the distillery, lasting about 30 minutes.

Visiting Buffalo Trace Distillery

Check-in best practices

I arrived 20 minutes early, which allowed me to explore the beautiful grounds and take pictures. When checking in, I presented my confirmation and was met with friendly staff, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere I was eager to experience.

Photography guidelines

Buffalo Trace encourages photography in designated areas, but during the tour, I was asked to refrain from taking pictures in certain production areas. This respect for their process ensures a focused environment to appreciate the tour, which I completely understood and supported.

Safety guidelines

Prior to my tour, I was informed of safety guidelines, such as wearing closed-toed shoes and following guide instructions. Following these guidelines enhanced my experience, allowing me to feel secure while learning about the distilling process.

Distillery Hours and Tour Prices

Distillery hours

Buffalo Trace Distillery operates from 9 AM to 5 PM, offering tours throughout the day. I learned that peak times are especially busy in the summer months, so I recommend planning your visit accordingly for the best experience.

Gift shop hours

The gift shop is open during distillery hours. I enjoyed browsing through the merchandise, which includes unique bourbon-infused products that can only be found there. It was the perfect way to commemorate my visit!

How to Get to Buffalo Trace Distillery

Directions and parking

Buffalo Trace is conveniently located at 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY. I found the easiest route was via I-64, with clear signage directing me once I exited. The distillery provides ample free parking, making it worry-free for visitors.

Purchasing and Tasting at Buffalo Trace Distillery

Can we just do a tasting?

Yes! If you prefer to enjoy a tasting experience without a full tour, you can do that. During my second visit, I paid a small fee ($5) to taste samples of several bourbons. This tasting solidified my appreciation for the craftsmanship behind Buffalo Trace products.

Can we visit the gift shop without a reservation?

Absolutely! The gift shop is open to all, allowing visitors to browse and purchase unique merchandise without the need for a tour reservation. I took advantage of this after my tour and found some fantastic gifts to take home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to take a tour?

Yes, making a reservation is necessary for tours at Buffalo Trace. Given the distillery’s popularity, I strongly encourage securing your spot well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Is Buffalo Trace family friendly?

Absolutely! Families are welcome, and my visit was filled with children who enjoyed learning about the distillation process. Tours offer educational insights suitable for all ages, making it a fun experience for everyone.

Is the distillery ADA accessible?

Yes, Buffalo Trace Distillery is ADA compliant. I observed ramps and designated areas allowing all guests to navigate the distillery comfortably, so everyone can enjoy the experience.

Are there any dining options at the distillery?

While there is no restaurant on-site, the nearby area contains various dining options that I found delightful. It’s worth planning your visit to include a meal at one of the local restaurants.

Where to Stay Nearby

Frankfort hotels and places to stay

During my stay, I chose the Capital Plaza Hotel, which is just five minutes from the distillery. It made my early morning tour that much easier and more enjoyable. Plus, I loved the quaint atmosphere of Frankfort.

Lexington hotels and places to stay

In Lexington, I found the Hilton Lexington/Downtown to be a fantastic choice, offering a comfortable stay just 30 minutes from the distillery. The proximity allowed me to explore the city before heading to the distillery.

Louisville hotels and places to stay

If you’re interested in staying in Louisville, I recommend the Seelbach Hilton. With its historic charm, it’s a beautiful place to return to after a day of bourbon exploration. Additionally, it’s only an hour from Buffalo Trace.

Additional Tips for Your Visit

What to expect on your tour

On my tour, I expected to learn a great deal, but I was pleasantly surprised by how interactive and engaging the presentation was. Visitors can expect to hear captivating stories and witness the entire bourbon-making process firsthand.

Top ways to experience Buffalo Trace Distillery

In addition to taking a tour, I discovered that participating in seasonal events can elevate your experience. Attending special tasting events or festivals can offer unique insights into new releases and bourbon pairings.

Stay Updated

How can I keep up to date with all the changes and news at Buffalo Trace Distillery?

For the latest updates and upcoming events, I found following Buffalo Trace’s social media pages to be very helpful. Additionally, signing up for their newsletter ensures you are among the first to learn about new tours or limited-time experiences.

How much does it cost to tour Buffalo Trace Distillery?

The tours at Buffalo Trace Distillery are free, making it an incredible opportunity to experience one of the most renowned distilleries in the world without spending a dime. I couldn’t believe the value offered!

Can you visit bourbon distillery without a tour?

Yes! While tours are generally the highlight, you can visit Buffalo Trace Distillery and enjoy the gift shop without committing to a tour. This flexibility was a great addition to my itinerary.

Do they sell Blanton’s at Buffalo Trace Distillery?

Occasionally, Buffalo Trace does sell Blanton’s at the gift shop, but demand tends to exceed supply. I learned that calling ahead can help you find out if it’s available during your visit.

How far is it from Buffalo Trace to Woodford Reserve?

The drive from Buffalo Trace Distillery to Woodford Reserve is about 30 minutes. I took that route during my trip and appreciated the scenic countryside views along the way.