Buffalo Trace Distillery Makes Headway on $1.2 Billion Expansion
Expansion Critical to Increase Bourbon Supply For the Future
FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 10, 2021) Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to make great strides with its $1.2 billion expansion, including more barrel warehouses, construction of an additional still, additional fermenters, expanding the dry house operation, and much more over the past year.
While the Distillery continues with its $1.2 billion expansion, unfortunately it will still be a few years before bourbon supply catches up with demand. Buffalo Trace recognizes this is not the news its fans want to hear for the next few years but making great whiskey does take time and the Distillery is not prepared to cut quality corners to increase short term supply. In the meantime, it is committed to supplying every drop of high-quality whiskey at fair prices until it can supply more.
“The bourbon category continues to grow at a rapid rate, and while we have been increasing production across our portfolio for the last several years, we are still catching up to consumer demand,” said Sara Saunders, vice president of marketing, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “While we are producing and shipping a record amount of product, we understand the frustration from fans that our brands aren’t easy to find or readily available. We take pride in the quality of our product above all else, and we believe that there is no substitute for aging. Unfortunately, this lengthens the lead time of getting product into consumers’ hands.”
In the past year, this National Historic Landmark made headway on a number of projects, including a second still house, located adjacent to Buffalo Trace’s existing 1930’s still house. The addition of a second still house will double the production capacity for the Distillery, with a duplicate still standing 40 feet tall and having the capacity of 60,000 gallons.
Eight additional fermenters were added and went online in January 2021, joining the four new fermenters added in December of 2019 and bringing Buffalo Trace’s total fermenter count to 24. The new fermenters are 93,000 gallons each, slightly larger than the twelve older fermenters Buffalo Trace still uses, which have been in place since 1933.
One of the more interesting construction projects started in the past year involves repurposing the oldest aging barrel warehouse on property, Warehouse B, to a new dry house. Warehouse B was built in 1884 but has sat empty for two decades after it was determined that it was not ideal for aging the quality whiskey Buffalo Trace requires with today’s rigorous standards. An all-brick warehouse, its location at the back of the distillery near the cookers and fermenters made it an ideal location for drying spent mash to sell to farmers for livestock feed and it allows the Distillery to repurpose the building while maintaining its historic integrity. Buffalo Trace’s existing dry house will continue to operate once the new dry house is complete, but the additional dry house is necessary for the increased production. The Distillery’s dry house operations ensure that none of the Distillery’s byproduct goes to waste.
A new cooling system is also underway, which includes mash coolers, chillers and cooling towers, all necessary to cool the mash down after cooking so it can be transferred to fermenters as needed.
The Distillery has broken ground on a $40.0 million wastewater treatment facility, allowing it to be self-sufficient in its treatment of wastewater. Comprised of a moving bed biofilm reactor, the new treatment facility will allow wastewater to be treated efficiently and maintain water quality standards. Wastewater will be treated and disinfected clean enough to release into the Penitentiary Branch, which leads to the Kentucky River —ensuring both remain high-quality waters.
New barrel aging warehouses HH, II, and JJ have also been added in the past year and LL and MM are under construction now. Warehouses KK and NN are in the planning stages. Since most of Buffalo Trace’s bourbons age eight to 10 years, more warehouses continue to be built as production increases. A total of 10 new barrel warehouses have been built to date since 2017, each holding 58,800 barrels and costing about $7 million each to build and another $21 million each to fill with barrels.
The progress made over the past year joins previous expansion items as part of Buffalo Trace’s $1.2 billion investment, such as four new 22-foot tall cookers, four new fermenters, a 110,000 square foot bottling hall, and an expanded Visitor Center which triples the size of the former retail, tasting and event space. Buffalo Trace resumed tours over a year ago after a brief shut down due to COVID-19 and visitation has rapidly picked up pace, while maintaining safety protocols. Since re-opening last July, Buffalo Trace has seen more than 235,000 visitors, despite some capacity restrictions still in place.
Upcoming infrastructure projects for this 246-year-old Distillery in the near future include a new mill house, which will be located close to the original location of the hammer mill from 80 years ago. The mill house will increase the grain grinding capacity to match new distillation capacity by replacing the current hammer mills. Corn, wheat, rye and barley are trucked into Buffalo Trace from various non-GMO farmers in the region, but then must be ground on site before the grains can be used to make bourbon.
More barrel aging warehouses are also planned for the future, as well as another craft bottling hall which will allow Buffalo Trace to produce more single barrel and small batch bourbons.
“We’ve made great strides in our expansion so far, but we still have a long way to go in order to meet the needs of our fans,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “We continue to take all the proper steps to ensure every barrel is of the highest quality as we increase supply.”
To see photos of the progress Buffalo Trace has made on its $1.2 billion expansion in the past year, click here.
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2018 and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2nd and 3rd finest whiskeys in the world for 2020. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery visit
BRAND NEW: Benromach 2012 Contrasts Peat Smoke
A very small-batch release from Benromach matured exclusively in first-fill sherry hogsheads using Scottish barley peated at a whopping 55ppm! Natural colour, free from chill filtration and bottled at 46% abv, this is one for all you peat heads who enjoy the fruity, sweet balance of an iconic Speyside dram too!
Whisky fans can allow themselves to be a little excited for this new release. There was great enthusiasm the last time Benromach decided to produce a dram that was completely foreign to their signature range, and this is no different.
A small-batch expression, this Benromach Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured is a rarity. It is only the second time that Benromach have produced a truly peaty, heavily sherried malt. Laid down in 2012 into first-fill sherry hogshead casks before being bottled in 2021, this whisky has a cask-imparted light mahogany colour.
For us, we love it when distilleries take a risk to create something truly out of the ordinary, and they have succeeded here. Have a wee taste and find out for yourself!
Nose: cinnamon, ginger, soft demerara sugar.
Palate: cocoa powder, honeycomb, stewed red berries, vanilla, pepper.
Finish: full-bodied finish, with cherry, peat smoke and lingering sweetness.
A Small Batch Craft Whiskey Favorite Finally Arrives in California
Prohibition Craft Spirits “NULU Reserve” California Exclusive Barrel Proof Small Batch CA1 Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($64.99)
“…few single barrels can stand up to a well-crafted small batch in terms of balance and complexity. This gorgeous little Indiana batch is the perfect example.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer
For some time now, our spirits buyers have had their eyes on the NULU line from Prohibition Craft Spirits out of Louisville, and they’ve awaited its arrival on the west coast with great anticipation. What they didn’t anticipate was the distillery’s offer of a unique small-batch bottling made specifically for California. Upon tasting a sample, spirits buyer David Othenin-Girard “just about bought the entire batch.” This expertly crafted blend of four- to six-year-old bourbons is a case study in complete profiles. That’s the beauty of the small batch. While the single-barrels offer a one-of-a-kind experience, often something is still missing. The small batches, however, give us a complete experience, and this beautiful, barrel-proof bottling goes to show exactly why we love them. Of course, small batch implies limited availability by definition, so bourbon enthusiasts will want to act quickly. Word travels fast in our market, so we don’t expect this gem to be around for long.
Prohibition Craft Spirits is based in Louisville, KY and distills its own spirits while also sourcing from MGP in Indiana. Founded by Keith Hazelbaker, the little distillery in downtown Louisville has made a name for itself bottling cask-strength single barrels of high-quality bourbon distilled up north. The bar/distillery operation is located in the historic Highland’s neighborhood and has quickly become a destination for bourbon lovers looking to acquire their well-regarded single barrels. The only thing better than a great single barrel, though, is an incredible small batch. Marrying casks from 4 to 6 years old, PCS has crafted an incredibly balanced and complex batch of cask-strength, non-chillfiltered bourbon. It’s a truly hands on operation, and they’ve taken every care creating this exceptional little batch for the California market.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 10, 2021
I was really excited to see the NULU products making their way out to California, but when I found out that they’d be offering us a unique small batch, instead of the typical single barrel, I just about bought the entire batch. There’s no question that we fetishize the single barrel in our industry, and while they offer unparalleled uniqueness, few single barrels can stand up to a well-crafted small batch in terms of balance and complexity. This gorgeous little batch of Indiana bourbon is the perfect example. Let’s taste it. The color is yellow gold. The nose starts out a bit restrained before opening up considerably with just a few minutes in the glass. Aromas of sweet corn oil, caramel candy, toasted vanilla, and yellow fruit. Wonderfully supple on the palate, with an oily texture and some strong barrel spice coming through on the back end. It turns out to be a quite a big, spicy one with building pepper and clove heat. The richness keeps it in check, and altogether this is incredibly enjoyable bourbon!
Following the recent lifting of Scottish Government restrictions, we are thrilled to be back taking visitors on a tour of the distillery. Accompanied by a Distillery Ambassador, you will get to see firsthand our distillers tend to Scotland’s slowest copper stills. Then, learn all about the magic of maturation from our No.1 Warehouse and finish with a tutored tasting in the Glengoyne Tasting Room overlooking our beautiful glen.
Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne, Near Killearn, Glasgow, G63 9LB.
T: +44 (0)1360 550 254
reception@glengoyne.com
Auld Goonsy is an old-timer in the whisky industry with a wealth of knowledge and experience gained at distilleries throughout Scotland. With the help of old friends, ex-distillery managers and whisky enthusiasts, he has carefully selected special casks of whisky that are perfect to put in a bottle.
Two exciting new single cask offerings from indie bottler Little Brown Dog Spirits.
‘Li’l Brown Dawg’, an American Rye whiskey, distilled in 2017 at an undisclosed distillery in Indiana & a lovely little Linkwood, which was distilled in 2008 & spent a period of time being finished in a Brandy cask.
Limited stock available…
If you have any questions, queries or just fancy a chat, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Slàinte
BUSHMILLS® IRISH WHISKEY ANNOUNCED AS POETRY PARTNER AND LEAD SPIRIT SPONSOR FOR NEW EVENING STANDARD STORIES FESTIVAL IN ASSOCIATION WITH NETFLIX
-Storytelling festival will take place from 24th-26th September with tickets available from:
https://www.picturehouses.com/stories
London, August 2021: Bushmills® Irish Whiskey, the pioneers of Irish single malt whiskey, from the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, have partnered with the Evening Standard and Netflix to support the brand-new Stories Festival.The three-day event will see distinctive festival programming, established narrators and fresh voices tell compelling stories across written word, audio and screen from 24th-26th September at London’s Picturehouse. Bushmills has recently launched the Singular Tales campaign in partnership with George the Poet, to toast the unique tales that make up our lives and encourage people to reconnect as they share their own stories, over a bonding glass of award-winning handcrafted Single Malt Whiskey.
Bushmills will be serving up bespoke cocktails for celebrities, participants and distinguished guests at the Stories Festival launch party on 23rd September. The Irish Whiskey brand will then be the solus spirits sponsor for the dedicated poetry section on 26th September with a Single Malt tasting – during the adults only time. The session will be supported with a screening of George the Poet’s new evocative poem inspired by Bushmills’ rich history in storytelling, craft and sense of community, while people enjoy their whiskey.
A stellar cast of famous speakers will also be sharing their musings, from Will Young on his memoir How to be a Gay Man to Line of Duty writer, Jed Mercurio on his latest graphic novel, Sleeper. Other highlights of the festival include Ed Balls, former model Jack Guinness and author Daisy Buchanan. More names to be announced.
The Singular Tales campaign was born from Bushmills’ passion for sharing experiences and stories. Each cask of Single Malt Whiskey tells its own tale with remarkable flavours and different levels of maturation, that are only bottled when they have reached a harmonious perfection. Bushmills whiskey balances artistry and craft informed by days gone by and the desire to push boundaries and innovate.
Facebook & Instagram: @BushmillsUK
#BushmillsWhiskey
Tasting notes
A fresh, fruity whiskey: BUSHMILLS 10 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT
Nose: Fresh and zesty, honey, ripe fruit, vanilla and milk chocolate
Taste: Soft vanilla, milk chocolate, toasted wood
Finish: Crisp, clean and gently drying
RRP £35, 70cl, ABV 40%
A bold and spicy dram: BUSHMILLS 16 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT
Nose: Big, robust, treacle toffee and sweet spice
Taste: Concentrated, full bodied, caramelised fruits and toasted nuts
Finish: Deep, jammy berries, milk chocolate
RRP £85, 70cl, ABV 40%.
A complex and rare treat: BUSHMILLS 21 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT
Nose: Honey, ripe fruit and sweet hazelnuts
Taste: Rich, dark chocolate notes, vanilla and toasted wood
Finish: Long and delicate
RRP £165, 70cl, ABV 40%
About Bushmills® Irish Whiskey
Bushmills® Irish whiskey is crafted with care and passion at the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, The Old Bushmills Distillery. Bushmills has more than 400 years of whiskey-making
heritage, which has been passed down through generations. The brand’s award-winning triple distilled single malt whiskey is renowned for its signature smooth taste. www.bushmills.com
Accolades for our Single Malts
Bushmills® Irish whiskey 10 Year Old – Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2019
Bushmills® Irish whiskey 16 Year Old – Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2015
About PROXIMO
PROXIMO is a global innovator of quality spirits that create excitement with every sip. Its unique portfolio of brands includes the world’s largest selling tequila, Jose Cuervo®, Bushmills® Irish whiskey, The Kraken® Black Spiced Rum, TINCUP® American Whiskey and Boodles® British Gin. www.proximospirits.com
©2021 PROXIMO. Please drink responsibly
About George the Poet
George the Poet is a London-born spoken word performer of Ugandan heritage. His innovative brand of musical poetry has won him critical acclaim both as a recording artist and social commentator and seen his work broadcast to billions of people worldwide. In summer of 2018, he opened the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with his poem ‘The Beauty of Union’, and in 2019, his audio offering ‘Have You Heard George’s Podcast?’ won a prestigious Peabody Award, 4 Radio Academy Awards and 5 Gold British Podcast Awards, including the highly-coveted Podcast of the Year. The podcast was described by BBC R4 as “a story that could change the world”.
As well as performing and broadcasting, George is a proud ambassador to Sentebale (the charity founded by Prince Harry which helps support young people affected by HIV & Aids in southern Africa), and is a trustee of Arts Council England.
Scotch in China: positioned for premiumisation
Greater China has the largest and fastest-growing super premium and above spirits segment in the world1 – and our portfolio of super premium and luxury Scotch whiskies is helping us meet Chinese consumers’ desire to ‘drink better, not more’.2
Our super premium and luxury Scotch portfolio includes Johnnie Walker, which is Greater China’s biggest Scotch brand by volume and retail sales value.3 It also includes fast-growing brands such as Mortlach and Talisker, and The Singleton, which is Greater China’s largest single malt brand by volume.4 The growth of Johnnie Walker Blue Label over the last four years shows how we are harnessing the trend of premiumisation through the combination of an outstanding liquid, powerful brand building and innovation driven by insights into local culture.
This year, the brand launched a series of eye-catching innovations, including the Forbidden City Edition and a limited edition Chinese New Year bottle celebrating the Year of the Ox – both of which sold out quickly. These innovations combine Chinese consumers’ deep pride in their culture with their demand for unique products that suit gifting and business entertainment occasions. They also trigger a desire to explore and learn about Scotch whisky. We are helping to grow that consumer interest, working with key customers and consumers on product education and mentoring events. For example, we have held 13 Whisky Summits across China and reached over 15,000 people through our Diageo Whisky Academy since 2017.
New and Exclusive: Arran 1996 #862
Many of you will be aware of the rarity of old Arran casks. Here we present a single sherry cask aged 24 years, harking back to the distillery’s earliest years. In our latest Autumn issue of Whiskeria, Charles MacLean writes: “An outstanding example of the make – rich and complex, sweet and sour, wholly satisfying. A rare opportunity to acquire a very scarce bottle indeed.” We couldn’t agree more! Act fast.
£230.00
Limited to 1 per customer
Only available to collect from The Whisky Shop – View 15 shops with stock
Exclusive to The Whisky Shop London, this Arran 1996 single cask is one of the oldest expressions ever released by the distillery. Long-aged Arran casks are hard to find, as the distillery only began operating the year before in 1995. This expression spent 24 years lying in rest in a sherry cask. It is free from chill filtration and has a natural deep amber colour. Bottled at 47.8% abv, there are only 231 bottles available which are strictly limited to one per customer.
A rich, and juicy nose, it has flavours of macerated dried fruits, red cherries, dark chocolate, and this sweetness is paired with a savoury herbal character. The finish is warm and luxurious, both sweet and savoury, and with a lingering note of chocolate orange. This is a premium single malt that exemplifies the innovative spirit of the Arran distillery, and one we feel privileged to offer.
