Buffalo Trace is a name that is synonymous with quality bourbon. The distillery has been producing some of the finest bourbons in the world for over 200 years. The history of Buffalo Trace is a fascinating one, filled with stories of innovation, perseverance, and a commitment to quality that has made it one of the most respected names in the industry.
The Early Years
The history of Buffalo Trace begins in 1773, when a man named Hancock Lee built a small distillery on the banks of the Kentucky River. The distillery was located in what is now Franklin County, Kentucky, and it was one of the first distilleries in the region. Lee’s distillery was small, but it was successful, and it produced a variety of spirits, including bourbon.
In 1812, the distillery was purchased by a man named Harrison Blanton. Blanton was a successful businessman who saw the potential in the distillery and decided to expand it. He renamed the distillery to Old Fire Copper Distillery and began producing more bourbon than ever before.
The distillery changed hands several times over the next few decades, but it continued to produce high-quality bourbon. In 1857, the distillery was purchased by a man named Edmund H. Taylor Jr. Taylor was a visionary who saw the potential in the distillery and decided to make some significant changes.
Taylor was a pioneer in the bourbon industry, and he introduced several innovations that would change the way bourbon was produced. He was the first to use steam power to run the distillery, and he also introduced the concept of aging bourbon in oak barrels. These innovations helped to improve the quality of the bourbon and made it more consistent.
The Prohibition Years
In 1920, the United States government passed the 18th Amendment, which prohibited the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol. This was a devastating blow to the bourbon industry, and many distilleries were forced to close their doors.
Buffalo Trace was one of the few distilleries that managed to survive Prohibition. The distillery was granted a permit to produce medicinal whiskey, which was sold to pharmacies and hospitals. This allowed the distillery to stay in business and keep its doors open.
The Post-Prohibition Years
When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the bourbon industry was poised for a comeback. Buffalo Trace was one of the first distilleries to resume production, and it quickly became one of the most successful distilleries in the industry. The distillery continued to innovate and improve its bourbon, and it quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the finest bourbons in the world.
In the 1950s, the distillery was purchased by a man named Albert B. Blanton. Blanton was a true bourbon enthusiast, and he was committed to preserving the traditions and techniques that had made Buffalo Trace so successful. Under Blanton’s leadership, the distillery continued to produce high-quality bourbon, and it became one of the most respected names in the industry.
In the 1980s, the distillery was purchased by the Sazerac Company, a family-owned company that was committed to preserving the traditions and techniques that had made Buffalo Trace so successful. Under the leadership of the Sazerac Company, the distillery continued to produce high-quality bourbon, and it became one of the most respected names in the industry.
Today, Buffalo Trace is one of the most successful and respected distilleries in the world. The distillery produces a variety of bourbons, including Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and Blanton’s. Each of these bourbons is made using the same traditional techniques that have been used for over 200 years, and each is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years.
In addition to producing high-quality bourbon, Buffalo Trace is also committed to preserving the history and traditions of the bourbon industry. The distillery offers tours and tastings, and it has a museum that showcases the history of bourbon and the role that Buffalo Trace has played in the industry.
In conclusion
The history of Buffalo Trace is a fascinating one, filled with stories of innovation, perseverance, and a commitment to quality that has made it one of the most respected names in the bourbon industry. From its humble beginnings in 1773 to its status as one of the most successful and respected distilleries in the world, Buffalo Trace has remained true to its roots and committed to producing high-quality bourbon using traditional techniques. Today, Buffalo Trace is a testament to the enduring legacy of the bourbon industry, and it continues to be a leader in the production of fine bourbons.