BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST-EVER TRAVELING TASTING EXPERIENCE, BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ON TOUR

The complimentary experience brings an award-winning tasting lineup to four U.S. cities this October 

FRANKFORT, KY (September 3, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery announces today a first in the Distillery’s history: this fall, Buffalo Trace Distillery is taking its award-winning bourbon on the road with a brand-new traveling tasting experience. This October, the Distillery will launch Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour, a tasting and retail experience coming to four U.S. cities: St. Louis, Kansas City, Jacksonville and Tampa. 

With Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour, step into the legendary world of Buffalo Trace Distillery as the team brings an elevated tasting experience directly to bourbon fans around the U.S. This experience offers guests a curated setting to explore four thoughtfully selected tasting pours, each accompanied by rich stories and insights from an expert host. Discover the fascinating history of Buffalo Trace Distillery and the bourbon icons who shaped the industry, all while sipping your way through a flight of storied bourbons. Guests will also have the rare opportunity to shop custom, city-specific barware available only at the experience while supplies last.

“We’re honored to have welcomed so many visitors to Buffalo Trace Distillery over the years, and it’s been a privilege to be part of the memories they’ve made with us,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “We have long sought to bring our story to those who cannot, or have not yet, visited our Distillery. For the first time, Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour allows us to meet our fans where they are to share our history, craftsmanship, and award-winning whiskies. We’ve created an experience that tells the stories of our most impactful luminaries and brands that welcome everyone and allows space for discovery. On top of all that, bourbon is supposed to be fun – there will be guided tastings and maybe even a surprise or two.”

Each stop on Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour will offer a total of 10 complimentary tasting experiences spread out over four days with staggered afternoon and evening time slots. Each session will feature a guided tasting lasting approximately 1.5 hours and a lineup of popular brands including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare 10 Year Old, Weller Antique 107, and the new Sazerac Rye 100 Proof.

The dates and locations for each city are as follows:

• St. Louis, MO at the D’Amici Room – October 3-6
• Kansas City, MO at The First Creek Farm – October 9-12
• Jacksonville, FL at The Glass Factory – October 15-18
• Tampa, FL at Armature Works – October 19-22

“There’s something special about sharing a good pour with good company,” said Ed Bell, Sazerac Homeplace Director. “It’s a feeling people experience when they visit our Distillery, and now we’re excited to bring that same feeling to folks right where they live. We hope it’s a shared experience guests will never forget and one that inspires them to continue their own journey with bourbon.”

The experience is free to attend, though you must go online and reserve your ticket in order to participate. Tickets go live at 12PM noon ET/11AM CT on Wednesday, September 10th. Please limit four tickets per person. Ticket availability will be limited. Those interested can find tickets here.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history 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. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Kentucky Senator Bourbon Named “Bourbon of the Day” at Kentucky Downs for Third Consecutive Year

For the third consecutive year, Kentucky Senator Bourbon has been named as the Bourbon of the Day sponsor on September 7th at the iconic Kentucky Downs, one of America’s most exclusive and prestigious Thoroughbred racing venues. Known for its age-stated, small-batch character and deep Kentucky roots, Kentucky Senator Bourbon will once again take center stage during a meet that draws top horsemen, racing enthusiasts and spirited fans from across the country.

Continuing a cherished tradition, each winner on September 7th at Kentucky Downs will be presented with a custom-engraved bottle of Kentucky Senator Bourbon-a keepsake that perfectly pairs the thrill of victory with the craftsmanship of a fine, award-winning bourbon. These bottles not only celebrate the moment but also become lasting mementos, often displayed proudly long after the cheers of the winner’s circle fade.

Kentucky Senator Bourbon will be showcased throughout the September 7th race program at Kentucky Downs with a race entitlement, signage, key bar placements, program ads, a special cocktail, an interview and tv commercials on Fan Duel TV and trophy bottle presented throughout the day.

“We are thrilled to return to Kentucky Downs for the third consecutive year,” said Kentucky Senator Spirits co-founders Andre Regard and Damon Thayer. “This track is steeped in history and tradition- values we share in every bottle we produce. To have our bourbon poured and celebrated here is both an honor and an opportunity to share our story with a passionate, engaged audience.”

The Kentucky Downs spotlight provides more than just exposure- it places Kentucky Senator Bourbon alongside two of the state’s greatest cultural treasures: bourbon and horse racing. It is a unique stage to connect with new fans, deepen relationships with loyal supporters, and reinforce our mission to deliver a bourbon rich in character, heritage, and Kentucky Spirit.

About Kentucky Senator Bourbon

Kentucky Senator Bourbon is an award-winning small-batch Bourbon brand committed to crafting exceptional spirits with a side of American history. Each limited-edition release is named after a U.S. Senator and represents a blend of tradition, character and U.S. heritage; it is distilled and aged in Kentucky for at least six years (the same length as a U.S. senate term).

Founded by Andre Regard and Damon Thayer, Kentucky Senator Bourbon revives a historic brand once produced by Crigler and Crigler in Covington and later Double Springs Distillers in Bardstown. The brand launched its first revival release in 2021 and has since become known for producing richly aged, 107-proof Bourbon expressions that connect past and present.

Awards & Recognition

• Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s inaugural release, the Alben W. Barkley Release, was highlighted in Forbes’ Online Magazine 
• Fred Minnick, a noted Bourbon author, ranked Kentucky Senator Bourbon in his Top 100 Whiskeys of 2021, 2022 and 2023
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon has won Gold ASCOT Awards for taste and a Double Platinum ASCOT Award for marketing and brand design
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon recently won its first Double Gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its 2024 John Brown release

A New Addition To Our Fine & Rare Tour

We are delighted to welcome a new addition to our ‘Fine & Rare’ tasting experience: The double gold award-winning Glengoyne Mizunara Oak. This is a tutored tasting hosted in the Sample Room at Glengoyne Distillery:

White Oak 24 Year Old
 25 Year Old Sherry Oak
 Mizunara Oak
 30 Year Old Sherry Oak

Embark on a journey of flavour with our Oak Masters’ Series and discover unique flavours from North America, Spain and Japan with these four exceptional single malts.

BOOK NOW

KNOB CREEK® AND ELI MANNING RETURN WITH BOLD PICKS: A SEASON-LONG CELEBRATION OF FANTASY FOOTBALL AND UNWAVERING CONVICTION

Knob Creek® Bold Picks returns with a new season of Manning’s expert fantasy football advice and a limited-edition cask strength bourbon, arriving in time for post-season

CLERMONT, Ky., Aug. 19, 2025 — As fans gear up for the 2025-2026 football season, Knob Creek®, a founding spirit of the James B. Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection™ and a leader in American Whiskey, proudly reunites with legendary quarterback and two-time champion Eli Manning for the next evolution of Knob Creek® Bold Picks—a season-long recognition of the bold selections fantasy football fans are making in pursuit of victory.

To commemorate the season, Knob Creek® and Eli Manning are reuniting for a new limited time offering: Knob Creek® Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, Eli Manning’s Bold Pick: 2026 Batch, available nationwide just in time for the post-season.

“As football fans and bourbon makers, we respect the confidence it takes to win – on the field and at our distillery,” said Freddie Noe, Eighth Generation Master Distiller. “Welcoming Eli back to the distillery, we knew we wanted this year’s release to be bold. The Knob Creek® Eli Manning’s Bold Pick: 2026 Batch is bottled at cask strength; unfiltered, unapologetic, and made for those who stand by their convictions. It’s the kind of whiskey that speaks to the intensity of game day and the high standards we’ve upheld at Knob Creek®.”

As the season heats up, Manning will return with his own picks offering fearless predictions and his own advice to help fans stand out on gameday. All season, fans can follow along on Instagram @KnobCreek for Eli’s bold picks and enjoy ‘Eli’s Gameday Old Fashioned’ with Knob Creek® 9 Year Bourbon – a pour to enjoy from draft day to the big game.

The Bold Picks campaign’s social and digital media plan centers on places where fans go to live and breathe fantasy football. Whether it’s through the social influencers and YouTube channels they follow for lineup advice, their Reddit fantasy football communities, or the sites like Instacart and Fanatics where they go to shop, Knob Creek® will be present to add value and entertainment to their fan experience.

“I appreciate a bourbon that delivers full, bold flavor – that’s why Knob Creek® is my go-to pour and a great partner for another round of bold picks,” said Manning. “To kick off the fantasy football season, I’ll be sharing advice for fans’ fantasy drafts and raising a glass to those who stand by their convictions.”

Fans are also invited to make their own picks and payoff this season by entering the Bold Picks Sweepstakes for a chance to win the ultimate watch party at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, KY. One lucky winner and their fantasy league – or 11 friends – will be treated to an exclusive Knob Creek® experience for the Big Game. Daily Instant Win prizes, including Knob Creek® Old Fashioned Kits, will also be awarded throughout the pre-season to help prepare fans for their fantasy draft parties. Fans can enter by going to www.TheBoldPicksSweepstakes.com. No purchase necessary. Must be 21+ to participate. Sweepstakes ends November 1, 2025.

For more information about Knob Creek® Bold Picks campaign and Knob Creek’s® award-winning* bourbon and rye portfolios, visit https://www.knobcreek.com/news/bold-picks or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @KnobCreek.

About Knob Creek® Bourbon
Knob Creek® has set the standard for super-premium whiskey for three decades by crafting extraordinary full-flavored bourbon with a rich taste. Knob Creek® bourbons and ryes are patiently aged to perfection in new, maximum charred American Oak barrels to impart the biggest and fullest flavor on their whiskey. No matter the expression, Knob Creek® is crafted without shortcuts and embodies the pre-Prohibition style that founding distiller Booker Noe created in 1992. Since then, Knob Creek® has lived up to such standards with the introduction of Knob Creek® Straight Rye Whiskey in 2012, and later on, Knob Creek® Single Barrel Select Rye Whiskey. In recent years, Knob Creek® announced the permanent addition of Knob Creek® 12 Year Old Bourbon and launched three limited releases, Knob Creek® 15 Year Old Bourbon, Knob Creek® 18 Year Old Bourbon, and Knob Creek® Bourbon x Rye. Knob Creek has continued to build out its rye portfolio; the brand announced the addition of an age statement to its flagship rye whiskey, Knob Creek® 7 Year Old Rye Whiskey, and released Knob Creek® 10 Year Old Rye Whiskey.

About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

10 Years of Edinburgh Whisky Academy

When we were thinking of ways to celebrate this special milestone, a 10-year-old single malt bottling felt like a fitting way to both mark our journey so far and to share a dram with the many candidates and friends who have been part of it. So, we’ve purchased a cask (Founder Kirsty McKerrow & Lecturer Dr Gordon Steele, pictured above, sampling the whisky), and we’re now working through the exciting process of bringing this celebratory release to market.

We’ll be able to share more details soon, but for now we’d like to invite you to register your interest. By joining our ‘Expression of Interest list’, you’ll be the first to hear updates and have the opportunity to secure a bottle of this limited release.

👉 Join the Expression of Interest List

Monthly Tasting Events

in our Whisky Shop

Join us in our Tasting Room for an exclusive Tasting Experience for only £10 per person.

Our monthly events give you the chance to experience and sample A. D. Rattray Whiskies and other guest brands.

Plus your £10 ticket price is redeemable against a purchase on the day.

VIEW ALL EVENTS

Book a space on our FREE OPEN DAY DISTILLERY TOURS:

1PM TOUR               3PM TOUR

Book a Table

Cask Collection No.77

Saturday 6th September from 2pm – 3.30pm

Hosted by Max Maartense from A. D. Rattray

Join us in our tasting room and try our latest Cask Collection release. This is the first exclusive chance to try these single cask whiskies before they are available anywhere else.

Take a seat in our tasting room and let your host Max take you through a tasting of 5 single cask whiskies. He will explain the reasons why we selected each cask for this collection, what makes each of these individual casks special and the journey we have taken them on over their years of maturation.

Highlights include an Annandale Peated 10 Year Old Bourbon Barrel, Dalmore 12 Year Old 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel and an Invergordon Grain 18 Year Old Bourbon Hogshead.

BUY TICKETS

Jura Espresso Martini

A rich, velvety remix of the cult classic, with the depth of Jura 12-Year-Old whisky. Ideal for summer evening pick-me-ups.

Ingredients:

• 35ml Jura 12-Year-Old
• 15ml Coffee liqueur
• 1 shot espresso
• 10ml Sugar syrup

Method:

Shake all ingredients over ice and fine strain into a martini glass. Garnish with three coffee beans for a vibrant finish.

Jura 12 is available from a range of retailers including The Whisky Exchange, RRP £35.

We told you there’d be more from us in the coming days!

We can finally announce new tastings in York and Newcastle! Woohoo!! They are not until October, so you have plenty of time to plan ahead, plus they are on a Friday and Saturday, so no need to worry about the next day…;-)

We also have our next tasting instalment in Manchester, the night before the festival, so the perfect warm-up. Scroll down for the finer details…

In other news, we have decided to make Manchester Cathedral our permanent home for the Manchester Whisky Festival, after several successful years. We think that, for those of you that have been there, this is fantastic news and worthy of celebrating!

So, for the first time ever, we are starting sales of 2026 tickets from 12pm today – Early-birds and all!

Anyway, read-on and see you at the bottom of the email!

Friday 19th October 7pm
York Medical Society, Stonegate

Saturday 20th October 7pm
Blackfriars Restaurant, Friar St., Newcastle

We are so happy to be back doing these, our original intimate tastings, where we can chat and laugh, learn and have our eyes opened. These tastings are an amazing opportunity to taste some amazing stuff whilst also learning about the folks behind the bottlings.

Emily Coyle – who some of you will remember from being behind the Rare Finds stands at our shows – will be there to present some wonderful whiskies. Eddie should be there too, to ensure good behaviour. From you, not him!

Book the York Rare Finds Tasting Now!

Book the Newcastle Rare Finds Tasting Now!

Thursday 20th November 7pm

Sevenoaks, 5 Nicholas St., M1 4HL

The night before Manchester Whisky Lounge, why not get your whisky weekend started early?

Berry Bros. & Rudd are bringing along six cracking drams that may look light in colour, but deliver big on flavour. Expect fruit, malt, sweetness, and a touch of smoke – from Speyside charmers to an Islay classic. Highlights include a rich Benrinnes, characterful Balmenach, a bright and breezy Knockdhu, and a wonderfully smoky Caol Ila that proves pale can still be powerful.

It’s whisky for curious drinkers, not colour-judgers – and it’ll be a brilliant night in the heart of Manchester.

👉 Tickets are limited – book now and join us Beyond the Pale.

Book Manchester Beyond the Pale Tickets

And Finally…

Do I really need to introduce this one? All you really need to know are the dates right? 😉

Friday 16th/Saturday 17th October 2026

Manchester Cathedral

Get booking…

Book Manchester Festival 2026 Tickets

have a great bank holiday weekend folks and see you next week for some more exciting updates…

Sláinte,

Eddie, Amanda and Tom
The Whisky Lounge Team