When the sun sets over the rolling hills of Kentucky, something stirs at Buffalo Trace Distillery. This isn't just about making fine whiskey anymore—it's about stepping into the shadows of history where legends refuse to fade. For over two centuries, this spot has been a hub for crafting bourbon, but it's also collected its share of eerie tales. Now, with Halloween creeping up, the distillery is rolling out a pair of experiences that blend the thrill of the unknown with the smooth burn of a good pour. It's a chance to walk the grounds after dark, hear stories that have been whispered for generations, and maybe even catch a glimpse of what lingers from the past.
Buffalo Trace, tucked away in Frankfort, Kentucky, has roots that stretch back to 1775, when folks first started distilling spirits on this land. By 1792, the Old Taylor House stood tall, marking the beginning of a legacy that's seen master distillers come and go, each leaving their mark on the bourbon world. Today, it's recognized as a National Historic Landmark and sits on the National Register of Historic Places. But beyond the barrels and the awards—over 1,000 for their whiskies, including top honors like Best of Show for William Larue Weller and Stagg at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition—there's a side to this place that's downright mysterious. Tour guides and visitors have shared accounts of spotting an older man who looks a lot like Albert B. Blanton, the legendary figure who shaped much of the distillery's modern era. These encounters are described as friendly, like the spirits are just hanging around to keep an eye on the operation they helped build.
This October, the distillery is leaning into that mystique with "Night at the Distillery," a fresh take on Halloween that lets you explore the grounds in a whole new way. It's not your typical tour; it's designed to pull you into the folklore and untold stories that have built up over 200 years. Think of it as a mix of history lesson, ghost story session, and bourbon tasting all rolled into one under the moonlight.
The main draw for most folks will be the Night at the Distillery Self-Guided Tour. This is a walking trail that winds through the distillery after hours, where each stop brings a piece of the past to life. You'll hear about the legends and folklore tied to the place, with live entertainment popping up to make it feel real. There are spots perfect for snapping photos, capturing that eerie atmosphere. And of course, it's not just about the stories—it's about the whiskey too. Your ticket gets you three signature cocktail tastings, plus one neat pour to savor straight up. They've even thrown in a curated snack box to keep you going as you stroll.
At $35 a pop, it's a solid deal considering what else comes with it. Every guest walks away with a 1L bottle of Sazerac Rye 100 Proof, a rye whiskey that's got that bold, spicy kick perfect for fall nights. Plus, there's a collectible reusable tote from the event to carry it all home. The tours are set for specific dates: October 23 through 25, and then October 30 through November 1. If you're planning a trip, grab tickets online at the distillery's site— they're selling now, and spots might fill up quick with the holiday buzz.
For those who want to crank up the adrenaline, there's something even more intense: the Night at the Distillery Private Ghost Hunting Experience. This isn't open to just anyone—it's a special giveaway where one winner and their guest get to dive deep into the distillery's haunted side on Halloween night itself. You'll team up with professional paranormal investigators and a distillery tour guide to poke around the most spooky buildings on the property. These are places where the lore runs thick, and who knows what you might encounter.
The prize package is stacked to make it a full adventure. It kicks off with dinner in historic Frankfort on October 31, setting the mood in a town that's got its own old-world charm. Then, you get complimentary entry to the self-guided tour that same night, so you can ease into the evening with those cocktails and stories. After that, it's the main event: a private, after-hours ghost hunt. You'll trace the ghostly tales firsthand, using real equipment to investigate. When the hunt wraps up late, you don't just head home—you stay overnight in Stony Point, which used to be Albert Blanton's home. It's been spruced up for guests, but imagine bedding down in a place with that much history swirling around.
The fun doesn't stop there. On November 1, you'll get a daytime Trace Tour to see the distillery in the light of day, plus a premium shopping experience in the Buffalo Trace Gift Shop. To make it easy, the package covers round-trip coach airfare and ground transportation to and from the distillery. It's all tailored for folks 21 and up, of course, since this is whiskey country.
As Tyler Adams, the General Manager at Buffalo Trace Distillery, put it, “For more than 200 years, Buffalo Trace has been a place where history and legend intertwine. Night at the Distillery invites guests to step into those stories and experience that connection firsthand. We set out to create an experience unlike anything we’ve done before, one that lets guests walk in the footsteps of generations past and explore the Distillery’s lore in a whole new light.”
Buffalo Trace isn't new to innovation—they're the folks behind award-winners like Traveller Whiskey, which snagged the title of Most Awarded New Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Owned by the Sazerac Company, this family-run operation keeps things authentic, producing bourbon, rye, and vodka right on site. They've racked up over 40 distillery titles since 2000, proving they're masters at what they do. And they're big on giving back, supporting charities and encouraging nonprofits to get involved.
If the ghost hunting sounds like your kind of thrill, the giveaway is wrapping up fast. It went live on October 15 at noon Eastern Time and ends today, October 22, just before noon Eastern. No purchase needed to enter, and buying something won't boost your odds. You have to be a legal resident of the 50 U.S. states or D.C., 21 or older, and able to make the trip to Frankfort on October 31. Head to www.BuffaloTraceDistilleryHalloween.com to register and check the full rules.
What makes Buffalo Trace stand out is how it honors the giants who came before, like E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. These names are etched into bourbon history, and the distillery keeps their spirit alive—maybe literally, if the sightings are any indication. Whether you're there for the self-guided tour, sipping on those cocktails while the night air chills your bones, or dreaming of winning that private hunt, it's a reminder that some places hold onto their past tighter than others.
As the leaves turn and the days shorten, experiences like this pull you out of the everyday grind. It's about more than just a drink; it's chasing stories that have outlasted time, in a setting that's as American as it gets. If you've ever wondered what happens when the lights go out at one of the oldest distilleries around, now's your shot to find out. Just remember, the spirits here might be watching.
