In 2016, they welcomed their one millionth visitor and probably counted their millionth award, as they are lauded with prizes for their expressions every year. Many of the bourbons are named in honour of the figures who made the distillery into the behemoth that it is today, from founder Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr who bought the distillery in 1870, to distillery president Colonel Blanton, to the buffalos who paved the way to finding their precious spot of land in the 18th century. Here are some of their best, that you can find here at The Whisky Shop.

Buffalo Trace

The distillery's namesake, Buffalo Trace bourbon was made in tribute to the mighty buffalo from which the distillery borrowed its own name. They carved trails through the wilderness that led to the banks of the Kentucky river, where the distillery finds its home. Often called one of the world's best bourbons, the expression is made from the finest corn, rye and barley malt, and aged in new oak barrels in century old warehouses until the peak of maturity. The taste is rich and complex, with notes of vanilla, toffee and candied fruits.

Eagle Rare

Eagle Rare is an award-winning bourbon that was originally created and distilled at Four Roses distillery in the 1970s by Charles Beam. The brand was then purchased by Sazerac in 1989, and shortly after production began at Buffalo Trace distillery – where it is crafted to this day. Eagle Rare has a top secret mash bill, and completes its maturation in new American oak barrels with an ‘alligator char’, resulting in flavours of toffee, chocolate, oak and almond. There are three expressions in the range: Eagle Rare 10 Year, Eagle Rare 17 Year and Double Eagle Very Rare – which is aged for 20 years and presented in striking crystal decanter.

E.H Taylor, Jr.

Named for Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., ‘The Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry', E.H Taylor whiskey is made with the innovative techniques that he invented, and aged in a warehouse that he himself constructed in 1881! He introduced copper fermentation tanks, state-of-the-art grain equipment, column stills, a more efficient sour mash technique and a first-of-its-kind steam heating system to the Kentucky bourbon world. He also fought for higher standards in the bourbon industry, pushing for the passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. The bourbon that honours his name was introduced by Buffalo Trace in 2013, and is made with Buffalo Trace's low-rye mash bill #1 recipe, consisting of corn, rye and malted barley. The flagship expression from E.H Taylor is the Small Batch, which boasts flavours of caramel, chocolate, oak and tobacco.

Pappy Van Winkle

The most coveted of Buffalo Trace distillery's output, Pappy Van Winkle is one of the most sought-after whiskies around - often reaching eye-watering amounts at auction. Expressly produced according to the historic Van Winkle family wheated-recipe and matured in deep-charred heavy oak barrels stored in the heart of the aging warehouses, the bourbon is notable for its rich and smooth profile. The whisky is named for its creator, Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr., who founded founded Stitzel-Weller distillery in 1931 at the age of 61 in Louisville. Pappy Van Winkle was conceived of during the 90s revival of bourbon drinking, in which Pappy’s grandson bottled the liquid from some of the old Stitzel-Weller barrels – and caused a fervour in the whiskey world. Since then, Buffalo Trace has began producing the liquid, it’s prominence only growing as one of the finest bourbons in the world.

Stagg

Released only twice a year in limited batches, this is a rare treat that's famously elusive amongst bourbon aficionados. Stagg is uncut, unfiltered and aged for nearly a decade in American white oak casks to gather the bold character that is reminiscent of its namesake, George T. Stagg. He built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century, during a time known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. This one boasts delectable flavours of brown sugar and milk chocolate, on a layer of bold rye spice.

Blanton's

Blanton’s Bourbon was the first producer to create single barrel bourbon before the term became synonymous with premium bourbon. It is named for Colonel Blanton, who was the president of Buffalo Trace distillery from 1921 to 1952. One year from retirement, Elmer T. Lee was tasked by Buffalo Trace distillery to craft a new exceptional bourbon. He thought back fondly to his time as an apprentice for legendary Colonel Blanton, and how he would maintain his own special reserve for himself and to serve to guests. He would handpick ‘honey barrels’ from the centre cut of Warehouse H, and have that bourbon bottled one barrel at a time. Therefore, Lee named his new batch of bourbon for his mentor – crafted according to this unique process. Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon is especially revered by collectors, as each of the stoppers spells out B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S letter by letter, as well as depicting a Kentucky horse race in action.

You can read our article about a customer who collected the lot with us, here.

W.L Weller

W.L Weller is the original wheated bourbon, crafted by William Laurue Weller in 1849 for a gentle and smooth drinking experience. His expression was distilled at Stitzel-Weller, the same almost mythical distillery where the original Pappy Van Winkle was made. They both now find a home with Buffalo Trace Distillery, which makes eight different W.L Weller bourbons. It's noted for its burnt orange colour and exceptionally smooth taste, with flavours of vanilla, cherry, caramel and oak.

Benchmark

An underrated Kentucky Bourbon, Benchmark is a rye-recipe whiskey named after the explorers whom found and surveyed the land on which Buffalo Trace distillery is located - in Frankfort, Kentucky. It's full name is McAfee’s Benchmark Old No.8 Brand, the McAfee in question being the three McAfee brothers – James, George and Robert – who travelled west in 1773 to explore uncharted territory that would become known as Kentucky. The marks they left behind from their work is known as benchmarks, therefore this whiskey honours the pioneering spirit of these early American explorers. It is continually award winning and its bottled as an original, a Small Batch,  Full Proof, Single Barrel, Bonded and Top Floor (matured in the humid top floor of the warehouse). A flavourful and easy-going affordable taste of Buffalo Trace, the whiskey holds flavours of vanilla, spice, oak and orange.

FAQ

  1. What specific characteristics makes Pappy Van Winkle bourbon so highly coveted among whiskey enthusiasts? Pappy Van Winkle bourbon is renowned for its rich and smooth profile, which is achieved through meticulous aging in deep-charred heavy oak barrels stored in the heart of aging warehouses. The production of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon at Buffalo Trace involves adhering to the historic Van Winkle family wheated-recipe and employing traditional aging methods.
  2. How does Buffalo Trace Distillery ensure consistency and quality across its various whiskey brands despite variations in production processes and aging techniques? Buffalo Trace Distillery maintains consistency and quality across its whiskey brands through meticulous attention to detail in every step of the production process. This includes sourcing the finest ingredients, utilising time-honored techniques, and closely monitoring the aging process to ensure that each batch meets their high standards.
  3. Can visitors to Buffalo Trace Distillery experience guided tours or tastings that provide insight into the production methods and history behind each whiskey brand? Yes, Buffalo Trace Distillery offers guided tours and tastings for visitors, providing an immersive experience that delves into the history, heritage, and production methods behind each whiskey brand. During the tour, guests can explore the distillery grounds, learn about the distillation process, and sample a selection of whiskeys to appreciate their distinct flavours and characteristics. You can also get married at the distillery.