For bourbon lovers who dream of stepping into the heart of Kentucky's whiskey-making legacy without leaving their hometown, something big is on the horizon. Buffalo Trace Distillery, that storied spot in Frankfort, Kentucky, is hitting the road for the first time ever with a traveling show that's all about bringing their world-class spirits and tales straight to fans. This fall, they're launching Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour, a pop-up tasting event that's rolling into four cities across the U.S.: St. Louis, Kansas City, Jacksonville, and Tampa. It's a chance to dive deep into the craft of bourbon, hear the real stories behind the bottles, and even snag some exclusive gear that's made just for each stop.
Picture this: you walk into a setup that's designed to feel like you're right there at the distillery, surrounded by the kind of atmosphere that makes bourbon tasting more than just a drink—it's an experience. The team from Buffalo Trace has put together a guided session where guests get to sample four of their standout pours, each one paired with background on what makes it special. An expert host leads the way, sharing insights into the distillery's long history and the key figures who turned bourbon into an American icon. It's not just sipping; it's learning about the people and processes that have kept this tradition alive for generations.
Image credit: Buffalo Trace
Andrew Duncan, the global brand director at Buffalo Trace, sums it up best when he talks about why they're doing this. He points out how the distillery has hosted countless visitors over the years, creating lasting memories for folks who make the trip to Kentucky. But not everyone can get there, whether it's due to distance, time, or whatever life throws at you. So, they're flipping the script and coming to the people. Duncan emphasizes that this tour is about sharing the distillery's story, the hard work that goes into every batch, and the award-winning results. He adds that they've built in elements to highlight the big names in bourbon history and the brands that stand out, making it welcoming for newcomers and die-hards alike. And let's not forget the fun part—bourbon is meant to be enjoyed, so expect some guided tastings with maybe a few unexpected twists thrown in to keep things lively.
Each city on the tour gets four full days of these events, with a total of 10 free tasting sessions spread out. They're scheduled in the afternoons and evenings, staggered so you can pick a time that fits your schedule. Every session runs about an hour and a half, giving plenty of room to relax and take it all in. The lineup of bourbons is a solid mix of favorites: there's the classic Buffalo Trace Bourbon, known for its smooth, balanced flavor that's perfect for everyday sipping; Eagle Rare 10 Year Old, aged just right to bring out those deep, complex notes; Weller Antique 107, a wheated bourbon that's got a bit more kick and richness; and the new Sazerac Rye 100 Proof, which adds a spicy rye twist to round things out. It's a flight that covers the bases, from straightforward to bold, letting you compare and appreciate the differences.
The tour kicks off in St. Louis, Missouri, at the D’Amici Room from October 3 through 6. Then it heads to Kansas City, Missouri, setting up at The First Creek Farm from October 9 to 12. After that, it's down south to Jacksonville, Florida, at The Glass Factory for October 15 to 18. Wrapping up in Tampa, Florida, at Armature Works from October 19 to 22. These venues are picked to create that intimate, engaging vibe, turning each stop into a mini-distillery visit.
Ed Bell, the Sazerac Homeplace director, captures the essence of what makes this special. He talks about that simple joy of sharing a quality pour with friends or family—the kind of moment that sticks with you long after the glass is empty. That's the feeling people get when they tour the actual distillery in Kentucky, and now they're packing it up and delivering it locally. Bell hopes it'll be an unforgettable gathering that sparks even more interest in bourbon, encouraging folks to explore further on their own terms.
Best of all, the whole thing is complimentary, but spots are limited, so you'll need to jump online to grab tickets. They go on sale at noon Eastern Time—or 11 a.m. Central—on Wednesday, September 10. You can reserve up to four tickets per person, which is great for bringing along a buddy or two. Just head to the distillery's site to find the link and secure your place before they're gone.
Buffalo Trace Distillery itself has roots that go way back, all the way to 1775, making it one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the country. It's a family-owned operation based in Frankfort, Kentucky, and it's earned its stripes as a National Historic Landmark and a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The place is steeped in legend, thanks to pioneers like E.H. Taylor Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee, who each played a role in shaping what bourbon is today. They're still fully up and running, cranking out bourbon, rye, and even vodka right on site.
Over the years, Buffalo Trace has racked up an impressive trophy case. Since 2000, they've claimed more than 40 distillery titles and collected over 1,000 awards for their lineup of premium whiskies. Just this year, their William Larue Weller and Stagg took home Best of Show at the Denver International Spirits Competition, proving they're still at the top of their game. And their Traveller Whiskey has been hailed as the most awarded super premium whiskey release of 2024, adding to the buzz.
Beyond the bottles, Buffalo Trace is committed to giving back. They support a range of charitable causes and encourage nonprofit groups to reach out if they're interested in partnering up. You can register your charity through their website to learn more.
At the tour stops, guests won't just taste—they'll get a shot at buying unique barware that's customized for each city. Think glasses or tools with a local twist, available only while supplies last. It's a nice touch that lets you take a piece of the experience home, maybe to add to your own bar setup or share with fellow enthusiasts.
This tour isn't just an event; it's a bridge between the distillery's past and the fans who keep the spirit alive. For anyone who's ever raised a glass to good times, good stories, and great bourbon, Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour offers a fresh way to connect with that heritage. Whether you're a seasoned sipper or just curious about what makes these whiskies tick, it's an opportunity to sit back, learn a bit, and enjoy the ride. With dates locked in and tickets about to drop, now's the time to mark your calendar and get ready for bourbon's big adventure.
