Buffalo Trace Distillery grapples with historic flooding
The Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, has embarked on a meticulous recovery process following severe flooding from the Kentucky River. The river crested at 48.24 feet on April 7, 2025, marking the second-highest level in the distillery’s over 200-year history.
The venerable Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, has embarked on a meticulous recovery process following severe flooding from the Kentucky River. The river crested at 48.24 feet on April 7, 2025, marking the second-highest level in the distillery’s over 200-year history
This natural disaster led to the temporary closure of the distillery, with significant portions of its campus submerged, as reported by AP News.
In response to the flooding, Buffalo Trace initiated comprehensive damage assessments and cleanup operations. Engineers and restoration professionals are evaluating the impact on facilities and inventory. While some barrels were relocated to higher floors in time, detailed inspections are ongoing to determine any potential losses.
Historic landmark
Founded in 1875, Buffalo Trace produces bourbon, rye and vodka. The National Historic Landmark has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies.
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Despite the challenges, the recovery effort is going successfully. The interiors of buildings have now been emptied of water, and restoration efforts have begun. Power has been restored to the distillery’s key areas, enabling bottling operations to resume.
Starting Monday, April 14, the distillery reopened to visitors with a limited retail experience. The modified visitor offering for those with previously held tour reservations includes a small pop-up shopping experience inside the Freehouse building with opportunities to purchase select bottles and complimentary tastings in an outdoor canopy neighbouring the building.
Distillery response
Buffalo Trace’s leadership expressed gratitude for the preparedness and resilience of their teams. CEO and President Jake Wenz said: “Each day, significant progress is made allowing the Distillery to return to normal operations, and I am optimistic that, with this same spirit, we’ll be operating normally soon. We want to thank all of the contractors, our leaders, and our team members for their hard work.”
The distillery’s recovery efforts are part of a broader response to the historic flooding that affected multiple states, resulting in significant infrastructure damage and loss of life, as reported by New York Post.
Buffalo Trace remains committed to its restoration and the continued production of its renowned bourbons.
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