Buffalo Trace Distillery, a name synonymous with exceptional quality and heritage in the bourbon world, has recently made headlines with price increases at the distillery’s gift shop on some of its most beloved products. The E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch and Blanton’s Single Barrel bourbons have both seen price hikes, prompting discussions among enthusiasts. Let’s explore these changes in detail and consider their implications for bourbon aficionados.
A Closer Look at E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch
The E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch bourbon has enjoyed a stable price point for many years. From December 31, 2020, until June 30, 2023, the price remained at $43.00. This period of consistency reflected Buffalo Trace’s commitment to providing high-quality bourbon at a reasonable price.
| Date | Price | Increase % |
|---|---|---|
| 12/31/20 | $43.00 | 0.00% |
| 06/30/21 | $43.00 | 0.00% |
| 12/31/21 | $43.00 | 0.00% |
| 06/30/22 | $43.00 | 0.00% |
| 12/31/22 | $43.00 | 0.00% |
| 06/30/23 | $43.00 | 0.00% |
However, on December 31, 2023, the price saw its first increase in years, rising to $45.00—a 4.65% increase. This modest hike was followed by a more significant jump on August 1, 2024, when the price reached $51.99, marking a 15.53% increase.
| Date | Price | Increase % |
|---|---|---|
| 12/31/23 | $45.00 | 4.65% |
| 08/01/24 | $51.99 | 15.53% |
Blanton’s Single Barrel: Stability Then Surge
Similarly, Blanton’s Single Barrel bourbon maintained a stable price of $63.00 from December 31, 2020, through June 30, 2023. This stability underscored Buffalo Trace’s ability to manage costs while continuing to produce top-tier bourbon.
| Date | Price | Increase % |
|---|---|---|
| 12/31/20 | $63.00 | 0.00% |
| 06/30/21 | $63.00 | 0.00% |
| 12/31/21 | $63.00 | 0.00% |
| 06/30/22 | $63.00 | 0.00% |
| 12/31/22 | $63.00 | 0.00% |
| 06/30/23 | $63.00 | 0.00% |
| 12/31/23 | $63.00 | 0.00% |
However, like the E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch, Blanton’s Single Barrel experienced a price increase on August 1, 2024, jumping to $69.99—a significant 11.10% increase.
| Date | Price | Increase % |
|---|---|---|
| 08/01/24 | $69.99 | 11.10% |
Should Customers Expect Price Increases for W.L. Weller Special Reserve or Eagle Rare?
With the recent price increases for E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch and Blanton’s Single Barrel, bourbon enthusiasts are understandably concerned about potential hikes for other Buffalo Trace products, such as W.L. Weller Special Reserve and Eagle Rare. Here’s a closer look at their historical pricing and what might be on the horizon.
W.L. Weller Special Reserve: Stability Amidst Change
The price of W.L. Weller Special Reserve has remained remarkably consistent over the years. From December 31, 2020, through December 31, 2023, the price has held steady at $30.00.
| Date | Price |
|---|---|
| 12/31/20 | $30.00 |
| 06/30/21 | $30.00 |
| 12/31/21 | $30.00 |
| 06/30/22 | $30.00 |
| 12/31/22 | $30.00 |
| 06/30/23 | $30.00 |
| 12/31/23 | $30.00 |
This consistency suggests that Buffalo Trace has managed to keep production costs and other expenses stable for this product. However, with recent increases in other products, it’s possible that W.L. Weller Special Reserve could see a price adjustment in the future to align with market trends and increased costs.
Eagle Rare: A Recent Uptick
Eagle Rare has already experienced a price increase. From 2020 to 2022, the price remained at $34.00. However, in 2023, the price rose to $40.00, where it has remained as of August 1, 2024.
| Date | Price |
|---|---|
| 12/31/20 | $34.00 |
| 06/30/21 | $34.00 |
| 12/31/21 | $34.00 |
| 06/30/22 | $34.00 |
| 12/31/22 | $34.00 |
| 06/30/23 | $34.00 |
| 12/31/23 | $40.00 |
| 06/30/23 | $40.00 |
| 08/01/24 | $40.00 |
Given this recent increase, it’s less likely that Eagle Rare will see another price hike in the immediate future. However, as with all premium bourbons, future increases can never be entirely ruled out, especially if production costs continue to rise.
What to Expect
While W.L. Weller Special Reserve has enjoyed stable pricing, the recent trends with other Buffalo Trace products suggest that a price increase could be possible in the near future. Eagle Rare’s recent price adjustment might indicate a period of stability, but long-term trends in the industry could still influence future pricing.
Conclusion
For bourbon enthusiasts, keeping an eye on market trends and understanding the factors driving price changes is essential. While enjoying these exceptional products, it’s also important to stay informed about potential shifts in the market. Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to offer high-quality bourbons, and even with price increases, the value and craftsmanship behind each bottle remain undeniable.
Stay tuned for updates, and in the meantime, savor the rich flavors and heritage that Buffalo Trace brings to every pour. Cheers!