Ultimate Guide to Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Its Legendary Lineup

🥃 The Legacy of Buffalo Trace: America’s Oldest Operating Distillery

When it comes to American bourbon, few names carry as much weight—or as much mystery—as Buffalo Trace. From the dusty trails of Kentucky to the top shelves of collectors’ cabinets, Buffalo Trace Distillery has shaped the course of bourbon history for over two centuries.

🏞️ A Walk Through History

Located in Frankfort, Kentucky, Buffalo Trace claims the title of the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States—a legacy dating back to 1775, when early settlers began distilling spirits near the Kentucky River.

While the exact founding date of the distillery is debated (some say 1787, others say 1812), one thing is clear: it has weathered prohibition, war, economic downturns, and changing tastes to become one of the most revered names in bourbon.

During Prohibition (1920–1933), Buffalo Trace (then known as George T. Stagg Distillery) was one of only a few distilleries granted a special license to produce “medicinal whiskey.” This loophole kept the distillery alive—and legally distilling—when others went dark.

In 1999, the distillery was renamed Buffalo Trace, honoring the ancient trails carved into the land by herds of buffalo making their way west.

🏭 Who Owns Buffalo Trace?

Buffalo Trace is owned by Sazerac Company, a private family-owned business based in New Orleans. Under Sazerac’s stewardship, Buffalo Trace has expanded its lineup while staying true to its Kentucky roots.

🥃 Bourbon Brands Produced by Buffalo Trace

One of the most exciting aspects of Buffalo Trace is the sheer diversity of its portfolio—from affordable daily sippers to rare unicorn bottles. Here are the major brands you should know:

🔹 Buffalo Trace Bourbon

• The flagship product.

• Known for being smooth, well-balanced, and surprisingly affordable.

🔹Eagle Rare

• Aged 10+ years.

• Offers more oak, complexity, and depth—still at a great value.

• NEW - Aged 12 year coming out this year!

🔹 Blanton’s 

• The original single barrel bourbon

• Other varieties: Gold, Straight from the Barrel, Red, Black, Green

• Highly collectible, especially with its iconic horse toppers.

🔹 Elmer T. Lee

• Named after the master distiller who created Blanton’s.

• A smooth, refined bourbon with a loyal fanbase.

🔹George T. Stagg

• Part of the Antique Collection.

• Uncut, unfiltered, and barrel-proof—legendary among bourbon lovers.

🔹Stagg Jr. (now just “Stagg”)

• A younger, high-proof sibling of George T. Stagg.

• Bold, spicy, and cultishly popular.

🔹W.L. Weller Lineup

• Weller Special Reserve, Weller Antique 107, Weller 12, Weller Full Proof, Weller Single Barrel.

• Known for being wheated bourbons—softer, sweeter, and often dubbed the “poor man’s Pappy.”

🔹Pappy Van Winkle Line

• The crown jewel of bourbon hunting.

• Includes: Van Winkle Special Reserve (12 yr), Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve (15, 20, and 23 yr).

• Technically produced in partnership with the Van Winkle family.

🔹Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr.

• Bottled in Bond line with old-school charm.

• Includes Small Batch, Single Barrel, Barrel Proof, and Limited Editions.

🔹Benchmark

• A budget-friendly line that’s been expanded to include Full Proof and Single Barrel expressions.

🔹Ancient Age

• Another affordable bourbon with a long-standing history.

🔹Old Charter Oak Series

• Focuses on experimentation with different oak types and aging conditions.

🔹Traveller Whiskey

• New to the lineup in 2024 - in collaboration with Chris Stapleton

🍂 What Makes Buffalo Trace Special?

• Heritage: Over 200 years of distilling tradition.

• Innovation: Experimental Warehouse X and constant exploration of aging and mash bills.

• Quality Across Price Points: Whether you’re sipping a $25 bottle of Buffalo Trace or hunting down a $2,500 bottle of Pappy, you’re getting a product crafted with care.

📸 Plan a Visit

If you’re ever near Frankfort, Buffalo Trace offers free tours (yes, free!) and tastings—often including rare expressions not available elsewhere. Book early, as spots fill fast.

📝 Final Pour

Whether you’re new to bourbon or deep into the hobby, Buffalo Trace Distillery is a name you can’t ignore. It’s a gateway bourbon, a collector’s dream, and a living piece of American history. And best of all—it’s still making incredible whiskey in the heart of Kentucky.