Fantastic and friendly. 6 generous samples, beautiful grounds, cool spot! Plan to stand in line in October! read more

Buffalo Trace Distillery - Samples on level 2 - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

I didn't get to visit Buffalo Trace during my first trip to Louisville, but I made sure to include it in my itinerary this time around. I booked the distillery tour as soon as the reservation window opened and secured the date and time I wanted. Reservations filled up within minutes, so it's essential to act fast. We got an 11:00 am tour on a Friday, which was perfect timing to visit the gift shop 15-30 minutes before it opens and browse around until the time of the tour. If you have a tour at 10:00 am, they will expedite you through the line so you can get into the shop quicker. If you're unable to secure a tour in advance, it's possible to get one on the day of your visit. I went on a Sunday in the morning when they opened, and the check-in counter asked if I was interested in a tour that same day. The tour is absolutely worth it--it's free and includes a tasting. Each morning around 8:00 am, we checked online on their website which bottles were available to see if we should head out to the distillery. We visited three times during our trip to get Blanton's, E.H. Taylor, and Weller's. Each day, we arrived 15-30 minutes before the shop opened, and while the lines were a bit long, the wait wasn't too bad. The longest I waited was about 30 minutes on the busiest day. On two out of the three days, we stayed until 1:00 pm, and there were still plenty of Blanton's and E.H. Taylor bottles available. Overall a great experience and highly recommended. read more

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We were in town & decided to make a quick stop at Buffalo Trace to see if we could grab a bottle of Blanton's (we saw someone post on Facebook that they were selling Blanton's that day). We arrived at Buffalo Trace around 3:00pm on a Saturday. We were greeted at the parking lot entrance by two employees who told us to check in at the building with the buffalo after we parked. We had to stand in a short line in the check-in building. A staff member asked if we were doing any tours but we said no we were just going to check out the gift shop. She scanned our IDs & gave us wrist bands. We walked into the gift shop & there were lots of Blanton's still available. We each grabbed one. We walked around the store & grabbed a couple more items then headed to checkout. A staff member scanned our wrist bands & proceeded to ring up our items. As we were leaving the gift shop area we saw a sign that said "complementary tastings, 2nd floor." We took the stairs up. Another staff member scanned our wrist bands & we waited in a small line for about 5 minutes. The staff member who ran our tasting was great! He was funny & informative. We were able to taste: Wheatley vodka, Buffalo Trace, Blanton's, Sazerac Rye, Bourbon Cream, Freddie's Root Beer, AND a chocolate covered bourbon ball. Before we headed out I stopped at the women's restroom on the 2nd floor. It was very clean. As we were walking to the parking lot to leave we were thanked by another staff member for stopping by. Overall it was a great, quick experience! Every staff we interacted with was friendly. Some buildings were decorated with American Flags for the 4th of July & the flower arrangements were beautiful. read more

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First you have to figure out where to park and then it is a bit of a walk to get to the buildings. Once inside everyone has to show ID and get a wristband but after that line you're kind of free to do what you want. There was a sample at the time close to the entrance and another in back so there may be things like that to keep your eyes open for. We went upstairs to just do a basic tasting which was free. There was no line at the time so it didn't take long for someone to take us back to a bar to taste. Our server told us the fun stories as we sampled. There are water stations around too which is nice to clean your pallet. They even gave us delicious little chocolates. There is quite a large shop downstairs and other things to see, places to sit etc. Felt like signage could have been better but then it might be by design to make you wander through the store more. With so many people around shopping it kind of felt chaotic though. read more

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If you've driven to KY and haven't been here what are you waiting for? This place is rich in history and so much to learn about trees, prohibition, and libation. Even if you're not a bourbon drinker there's something here for everyone! Free tour and tasting and you can pay for the extra VIP tours if you want to get detailed. I stop here for their exclusive and unique bourbon ? Not that I'm a drinker but it's For souvenir, for gifts, for the history, and unique items they offer that you cannot purchase elsewhere that easily. They have limited purchase per person per 90 days and rotate their bottles in parts of the year. Just look at their menu/shop and stop By to check it out for yourself. read more

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I had booked a tasting but we were able to get upgraded to a tour thanks to Mollie. Our tour guide Ron was really good. A excellent tasting at the end. We will return for another tour/tasting more time on grounds and of course to shop! read more

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While we were in Kentucky, we had to make the pilgrimage out to Buffalo Trace Distillery to tour the grounds and buy some liquid gold. The distillery is a large property and right when you step onto it, you're greeted with amazing smells of sourdough and other grains in the air. I wish I could've bottled that aroma up and take it home. We were lucky to get a walk-in tour without a reservation. The tour we did was the Old Taylor tour which was a deep dive into the history of the distillery and Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. We had the opportunity to enter a rickhouse and other working warehouses. It was super neat to be up close to all of the machinery that produces some of the best bourbon in the world! At the end of the tour, we tasted a good sampling of Sazerac's products. The store was also a highlight and offered a bunch of great items. They have a daily release of some of their limited releases such as E.H. Taylor Small Batch, Blanton's, etc. I was sad to miss their release of Single Oak Project which they released while we were in Kentucky but just happened to be busy that day (only released twice a month). They update this release every morning on their website. The tasting tour of the Buffalo Trace property was super great and even better that Sazerac was generous enough to offer it complimentary. Special shout out to Denny for being an awesome docent for our tour! read more

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Buffalo Trace has the system down- they make amazing products, have top tier teams for tours, and go above and beyond to help your experience. Since they are so popular you will feel the Fomo of not being able to get all of their stuff. I know I feel that as the day I arrived was not the allocation I was hoping to get and also because of all their specialty product that will never hit the gift shop. That said their basics are excellent! Add this to your list next time you head to bardstown. read more

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One of the best tours we had in Ky. David N was an amazing tour guide as well for the Trace tour we had. The majority of the tours are free so book it, take the drive down here, and get here early. They do a release of a rotating bourbon in the gift shop and majority of the time if you aren't there early you snooze you lose. Their website will have what is on the rotation for that day. When we arrived early for our tour we were able to snag a couple of bottles and then store them in the car to get ready for the tour. You will get to see the day to day operations as this is a real moving process plant for the products. There is also a tasting at the end. I am not a bourbon fan but I truly enjoyed this tour and surprisingly the tasting. read more

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Buffalo Trace was great in its history and grand campus. I was unable to join a walking tour of the campus but we were able to join a free bourbon tasting. We went during a warm February day and found that there is also a venue for weddings. There's a big store for the Buffalo Trace bourbon that also sold a lot of branded items. read more

Buffalo Trace Distillery - Flight - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

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Buffalo Trace is one of our favorite distilleries and tours. It's hard to get a reservation for the tours. They open the reservations 2 months before the date you want to visit. I was on a waitlist and got in the 1st time, the 2nd time I was on the waitlist and didn't get in and this year I got in right off the bat. Third time's a charm. Buffalo Trace releases one of their top bourbons every day. The lines are long to get in the gift shop to purchase but BT is a well-oiled machine, and it goes smoothly from checkin to purchase. You can purchase a release every 90 days, and you're allowed only 1 bottle per person. The daily release changes daily. After we shopped, we went on the Trace Tour. Buffalo Trace doesn't charge for their tours. Our tour guide was Mark and he was great. On out tour, we were lucky to see the bourbon dumped and then bottled and labeled. Mark conducted a great tasting at the end of the tour. He was friendly and spent time with us answering all our questions. We bought Blanton's (the daily release) on our tour day and then came back the next morning just to purchase the daily release which was Eagle Rare 10yr. Make sure you don't miss this distillery. read more

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Buffalo Trace is one of our most favorite stops. Tours are fantastic, staff is friendly and helpful, tastings are fabulous, and products are all great. read more

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IMHO the BEST bourbon tour in KY. For two simple reasons, it's (1) free and (2) it's dog friendly. We weren't able to get a reservation for a free tour, but after waiting in line and walking up, they were still able to fit us in the same day, heroes all around. The grounds are beautiful, the tour was informative without being too long and generous with the tasting at the end. If you're in the area to do the bourbon trail, absolutely make this a stop, it's an icon. read more

If you're into Bourbon, then the Bourbon Trail should be your objective if you're in the area. Kentucky ain't only for fried chicken, it's got plenty of unbridled spirit to yield. We came here on our short but fulfilling bourbon trail experience due to their generous pet policy which allowed us to bring our pups on the tasting alongside their top-notch bourbon selection. The staff was super friendly and very accommodating for us and our pups. Once you park in their lot, it's a short walk to the welcome center which gets you set up with a wristband to do the tour. They offer samples of most of their bottled goods with a detailed explanation of the composition behind each bottle as they can vary in aging methods. At the end of the tour, you'll land in the gift shop offering you the option of taking some of Kentucky's unbridled spirit home with you. This is certainly one of the stops on the Bourbon Trail that you shouldn't miss. The premises are meticulously maintained which really highlights their attention to detail. I'm glad I stopped here on my trip through Kentucky and I'll certainly respect anytime I see their bottled goods on the shelves of my local liquor stores. Kentucky, you got it going on. read more

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As you step out in the parking lot of Buffalo Trace Distillery, you'll enjoy the sweet smell of the fermentation. We have come here once before just to stop by the visitor center to pick up the 'John Wick' version of the Blanton. Upon going in you need to get a wristband. What is nice is that they will offer up free tastings. If you venture up the stairs be a little bit careful because the steps are a little bit sunken in, there's a newer 'higher end' small section with memorabilia and goods. The first floor has a wide variety of Buffalo Trace products including everything from stuffed animals, shirts, glasses, and of course all the varieties of their alcohol products. Service is always very friendly there and there's a ton of staff. I have heard great reviews of their tours and we do hope to enjoy one, one of these days - but you do have to reserve well in advance. read more

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I didn't take a tour, so this review focuses on the Visitor Center. I must say that Buffalo Trace does their experience the way all distilleries should. Every single person we interacted with was absolutely friendly and welcoming. We didn't have to pay a dime for any of the tastings (and we tasted a bunch) nor for the detailed explanations of the various pours--though they were less than a tablespoon each. The gift shop had more swag than one could imagine, and the prices on the bourbons available were competitive with what may be found in a liquor store. The gift shop was well staffed, so there wasn't much waiting in line even though it was busy. There was plenty of parking, though be prepared to walk a bit. read more

Haven't been to Buffalo Trace in several years. Took the free hour-long Trace Tour. Busy, busy day. Whitney hosted a great tour. Good bit of walking. A tasting and a Bourbon Ball after the tour, as always. Not a Bourbon drinker, but the Bourbon Creme is good in coffee or on ice cream. Not a soda drinker, but Freddie Johnson's Root Beer is pretty tasty and made from all natural ingredients. The gift shop is overwhelming, if you're in the market for all things Buffalo Trace. A nice afternoon jaunt. 48 read more

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The beautiful historic site was like an adult Disneyland. So much to do and see and drink. Staff was awesome and the tours were fun

Visited Buffalo Trace Distillery and it was a top tier experience. We had a Trace Tour and we learned a lot about the history of the distillery and the Buffalo Trace way of making bourbon. We ended out with a tasting. I'd recommend visiting this distillery. It's so Kentucky!! read more

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Claims to be the oldest continuously operating distillery in United States, this place is a national historic landmark. Enjoyed Old Taylor Tour which goes over bourbon history alongside E.H. Taylor Jr., the man who revolutionized the industry. From the Old Taylor House; to the OFC Building and OFC Fermenter #7, nicknamed "Old Taylor"; and finally to Warehouse C. Sazarac had build an amazing portfolio which included Taylor, Stagg, Weller, Pappy, Blanton & Elmer. All tours are complimentary and include a tasting but reservations are required. Plan ahead! read more

Buffalo Trace Distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

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Badass is just one of the terms you'll use when visiting Buffalo Trace while on the whiskey trail in Kentucky. If you're hoping to snag a bottle of EH Taylor, Blantons, Weller SR, or Eagle Rare make sure you get there sooner than later as some days draw crowds. Free tours (you need to reserve them online) and free tastings are a great way to enjoy the property. Learn of their rich history and make sure to stop in the gift shop for bottles and all your gift needs. read more

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We love this place. The grounds are beautiful, staff is so friendly and not to mention the bourbon is really good. The make a bourbon brittle candy that is amazing read more

A large group of us (co-workers) came here since we were in Lexington for work and the experience was great! Lee Ann was our hostess/tour guide/Brainy Bourbon Babe.... She knew an incredible amount about everything to do with this place, which we found fun and educational! The entire facility is amazing and learning about it through the tour is awesome! I'm not much into bourbon, but I thoroughly enjoyed this visit and I'd return! read more

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Tasting appointments are available 8 weeks ahead of time and they get fully booked quickly! On the day of your visit, check what they are selling for the day. When you arrive, line up, get a wristband, and head to the gift shop because their stock sells out! Special bottles are limited to 1 purchase per person. You can get merchandise and items to supplement your bar. Also base prices for bourbon! They've got a large parking lot and a staff that knows how to handle large groups. read more

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Absolutely amazing distillery!! They are a huge facility that's only getting bigger. They offer free tours and have multiple tour options. The Taylor Tour allows you to see bourbon Pompeii!! You get to see the process that goes into creating some of the worlds best bourbon!! A must for all Bourbon lovers!! read more

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When you are visiting Kentucky you just have to visit some of the bourbon distilleries ! Whether you enjoy drinking bourbon or not the tours are interesting and informative. Buffalo Trace is so great , the brewery is a historical site with amazing old buildings ! They are the only distillery I know of that is FREE ! This includes the testing at the end of the tour. Most other places charge $30 or more . You do have to make a reservation and it fills up quickly but if you are lucky you can just walk in and many times they have open spots. Bring your license as they will need to see it . The gift shop is also always open to the public. We had a fun tour with Clay who was very knowledgeable and made the tour interesting! Not everyone will do it but it's nice to tip the tour guide to show your appreciation.. remember you are getting a free tasting ! My favorite is their BourbonCream , as I'm not a big whisky drinker , it is so good ! I've used this over ice cream and in my coffee , yum ! The tasting included a Vodka , Buffalo Trace, Weller, Taylor and the Bourbon Cream and a bourbon ball from the famous Rebecca Ruth's Candy! Check it out and enjoy the visit and the tasting, you won't be disappointed! read more

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One of my favorite distilleries to visit with out of town guests. Buffalo Trace is easy to drive to from Louisville. Their tours are always complimentary... due to that they sell out quickly. If you're planning a visit familiarize yourself with the online booking via the Buffalo Trace website. Over the years I have done all the tours. I still enjoy visiting as I pick up a new fun fact from every tour guide. Staff are always friendly & welcoming. Buffalo Trace has staff situated all over the property to assist with navigating staff. Definitely do not leave without a box of bourbon chocolates ... Buffalo Trace has the best! read more

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It's like Walmart on Christmas eve. You've never seen so many men anxiously shopping. You have arrived at Bourbon Disneyland. Lines form early and well ahead of opening for both tours and gift shop, where special bottles are released every morning; ie E.H. Taylor, Blanton's, Eagle Rare, Pappy Van Winkle, etc. The staff at BT prioritized our group to skip the long line for our 10 am tour. The staff here are excellent, friendly and helpful. Note to management: Please do more to represent diversity in your program. It was the Native American's land before white settlers took it from them. A woman is credited with creating the Bourbon ball dessert but her picture and name are nowhere to be found. Name a spirit after her and put her picture on the wall with the other 10 portraits of men that hang on the wall next to the tasting rooms. read more

Buffalo Trace Distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

Loved my pre bday trip here, it was neat to see the history and try some tasting options, the special limited batch was so yummy . Neat gift shop read more

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When planning a trip to Kentucky, many recommendations pointed to going to Buffalo Trace. I am glad this was an early distillery during this trip because it had the best tasting, one full of good bourbon and history. When you finish your tasting or tour, go to the gift store downstairs and buy away, there is plenty to choose from. read more

Buffalo Trace Distillery - View from visitor parking - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

Ok we toured quite a few distilleries while on the bourbon trail. Many of the distilleries charge way more than MSRP for their liquors, not Buffalo! Thank you Trace for caring to gift your patrons with good prices. read more

Beautiful location in Frankfort Ky! We were visiting during the Thanksgiving week. Check in was easy and smoothly run. We were too late to sign up for a tour, but we did do some delicious tasting upstairs from the gift shop. The tastings were great (bourbon, rye, root beer, and we had a great representative (David) doing the tasting and giving us some great history regarding the distillery. The gift shop room was full of bourbon choices and fun items. The staff were friendly and professional even being very busy. Getting Buffalo Trace in coastal NC can be very limited and competitive, so we made sure to bring some home! read more

Buffalo Trace Distillery - Buffalo Trace Tower - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

I visited Buffalo Trace Distillery as part of a Bourbon Trail group trip. I loved it! The selection and merchandise was incredible. I did not take a tour but my friends did and they had a great time - Whitney did a wonderful job! 10/10 - will visit again. read more

Buffalo Trace Distillery - Daily offerings board in Welcome Center - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

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We visited Buffalo Trace and arrived shortly before they opened to find a long line of patrons! Which we were told is a normal thing there. I'm guessing since it's all free, even the tours, which typically fill up months in advance. Upon entering we were asked if we had a tour and offered an open spot, which was amazing since my husband had wanted to do that. We were not disappointed. Devin was our guide, he was very knowledgeable. The old warehouses and buildings are amazing, there is a lot of rich history. Luckily we got a bottle of Blantons as that was the special release of the day. We needed up going back the next day to get a bottle of their Eagle Reserve. We had a great visit! We caught three distillery tours while we were in town, I thought I would be bored by the third since my husband is the bourbon guy, but each one was unique and fascinating. read more

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We've been here several years ago and wanted to try again. The tours have changed a bit and they now have turned viewing and walking the pretty grounds into a tour. Before you could just walk the grounds at your leisure so that was one thing I was disappointed in. Overall it was a nice experience and since all tours are free it's worth going. The gift shop of course is huge! read more

This is by far our favorite distillery to visit when in town. We brought our two boys (4 + 8) on the tour and they enjoyed it as well. Our tour guide was fantastic and we always enjoy the tastings! This time we weren't able to go to the park but we will definitely visit again and enjoy that part too!! read more

Buffalo Trace Distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

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Had a great time visiting. Cannot relented the Taylor tour enough. End with an uncut & unfiltered bottle at the end

Wonderful place super fun the bourbon experience is worth the price, my favorite was eagle rare.

Wonderful tour and tasting, a beautiful property and some interesting history. An excellent distillery to visit if you are new to bourbon and want to start with the good stuff. Do check their website in the morning to see what brands are available that day. Not all brands are available every day. Blantons is limited to 1 bottle every 90 days and you'll need a wrist band and ID to purchase. Best to go in the morning if you want Eagle Rare or Blantons as they do sell out before the end of the day. read more

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2nd time here and same thought as before, it was as good as the first time. Now I understand why the tour company talked it down and discouraged us from coming here, this place is amazing and it FREE!! That's right free for the tastings, free tours so the tour companies don't make any money from these guys. And that is why I'm giving my tour company a bad but true rating (Mint Julep). Here there's a bourbon of the day. You're going to spend some money here but you're going to love it. Because this place embodies history and heritage. In my opinion the best line of bourbon anywhere and great people read more

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