Kentucky Floods Force Buffalo Trace to Shut Doors \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Buffalo Trace Distillery has temporarily shut down after catastrophic flooding swept through Frankfort, Kentucky. The historic bourbon maker’s property was submerged, forcing closures through at least April 10. Damage assessments are ongoing, and the full impact on inventory remains unclear.
Quick Looks
- Buffalo Trace Distillery closed temporarily after deadly Kentucky flooding reached its facilities
- Closure expected through at least April 10, subject to change based on conditions
- Distillery says the full impact to operations is unknown as damage assessments continue
- Lower levels and parking areas are submerged, with several buildings flooded
- Iconic water tower and visitor center surrounded by water
- Pappy Van Winkle inventory status unclear, no details yet on barrel or bottle damage
- Flooding caused by relentless rains across Kentucky, Midwest, and the South
- Kentucky River in Frankfort nearing its record crest from 1978
- Historic flood markers from 1978 are displayed on distillery property
- The brand is a major tourist attraction and key figure in bourbon heritage
Deep Look
Buffalo Trace Distillery Temporarily Closes as Historic Floodwaters Swamp Kentucky Bourbon Landmark
The iconic Buffalo Trace Distillery, one of the oldest and most revered names in American bourbon, has been forced to temporarily shut its doors after historic flooding surged into its Frankfort, Kentucky campus over the weekend.
The closure comes amid days of relentless rain across the U.S. South and Midwest, with Kentucky particularly hard hit. In a statement released Sunday, Buffalo Trace confirmed that its facilities had been affected by the flooding and would remain closed through April 10, though officials warned the reopening date may shift depending on evolving conditions.
“Due to the unprecedented and ongoing rain and flooding, we are not able to advise on the impact to our total distillery footprint,” the company said. “We will assess those realities in the coming days.”
Floodwaters Overtake Distillery Grounds
By Monday, portions of the Buffalo Trace property were visibly submerged. Drone and eyewitness footage showed flooded parking lots, underwater vehicles, and rushing water creeping into several lower-level buildings on the site.
The brand’s signature water tower, which stands tall over the distillery and is a familiar sight to bourbon tourists, remained visible above the waters—but only just. Nearby traffic signs and visitor markers were barely peeking above floodwaters as onlookers stopped to take pictures of the inundated site.
Though Buffalo Trace has flood markers from past events—including one from the devastating flood of 1978—the current situation could surpass previous high-water records, depending on how much higher the Kentucky River rises in the coming days.
Kentucky River Nearing Historic Crest
The Kentucky River, which winds through Frankfort and lies close to the distillery, was nearing record levels not seen since December 10, 1978, when it crested at 48.5 feet. As of Monday, the river was cresting at the Frankfort Lock, raising fears that even more damage could occur if rainfall continues.
CJ Padgett, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Louisville, confirmed the river’s alarming rise, adding that floodwaters are expected to linger, potentially hampering cleanup and reopening efforts.
Inventory Status Still Unknown
Buffalo Trace has not disclosed the extent of the damage to its inventory of aging bourbon barrels or bottled products, some of which include extremely rare and valuable releases like Pappy Van Winkle 23-year-old, a grail item in bourbon circles that can resell for tens of thousands of dollars.
A spokesperson declined to offer further comment beyond the company’s public statement. It’s unclear if any production equipment, storage warehouses, or aging rooms were affected or how the flooding might impact upcoming releases or supply chains.
More Than Just Bourbon: A Cultural Landmark
Owned by Sazerac Company, Buffalo Trace is a family-owned operation with over 200 years of history. It’s not only a major producer of top-shelf bourbon brands like Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, W.L. Weller, and George T. Stagg, but also one of Kentucky’s most visited bourbon trail destinations.
The site serves as a living museum, showcasing the craftsmanship and evolution of American whiskey. Tours, tastings, and historic architecture draw thousands of visitors each month, making its temporary closure a significant cultural and economic blow to the region.
Wider Impacts on Kentucky’s Bourbon Belt
While Buffalo Trace has garnered the most attention, it may not be the only distillery affected by the statewide flooding crisis. Kentucky is home to 95% of the world’s bourbon production, and many of its most well-known distilleries are situated along or near rivers and flood-prone areas.
Damage assessments at other sites are ongoing, but industry watchers worry that the current conditions could disrupt supply chains, bottle availability, and even tourism across the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in the short term.
Final Thoughts
The temporary closure of Buffalo Trace Distillery marks a somber moment for bourbon lovers and Kentuckians alike, as a landmark with two centuries of history sits partially underwater.
With floodwaters still receding and the extent of the damage not yet clear, bourbon fans around the world will be watching anxiously—not only for updates on treasured labels like Pappy Van Winkle, but also for signs that this cultural icon can bounce back as it has through floods, fires, and even Prohibition.
For now, the whiskey must wait.
Kentucky Floods Force
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