Buffalo Trace Distillery recently started keeping its gift shop open to the public until 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights, and as soon as I heard, I knew I had to check it out. There’s just something about being at the distillery in the evening that feels different—quieter, a little more relaxed, and maybe even a bit more special. While I was there, I chatted with one of the employees who let me in on a little secret: these later hours aren’t exactly new. In fact, the gift shop has been staying open on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 7 p.m. for quite some time—but only for store employees. This August, they decided to give the public a taste of those after-hours vibes and see what kind of crowd might wander in.
First Impressions
I arrived just after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, curious to see if the evening crowd would be different from the usual morning rush. The vibe was relaxed with no frantic lines or early-bird energy. It felt more like a casual browse than a bourbon hunt.
Gift Shop Offerings
The store had a solid selection of non-bourbon items. There were plenty of high-quality cigars and a good variety of drinking glasses, perfect for gifting or adding to your own home bar.
But if you were hoping for something rare or exclusive, you would be disappointed. There was nothing “special” released for Elmer T. Lee’s birthday, despite the date’s significance for many fans.
An employee did mentioned that probably starting sometime in early September, Buffalo Trace plans to offer on-site bottle engraving. Shoppers will be able to create a special bottle with limited engraving, making it a great option for gifts, special occasions, or simply adding a personal touch to a favorite bourbon.
On the bourbon front, the shelves held just two allocated options:
Weller Special Reserve
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
Availability Late in the Day
When I left around 6:30 p.m., there was still plenty of E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch available, more than I expected for that time of day. Weller Special Reserve, on the other hand, was running low. My guess is the E.H. Taylor will still be on the shelves tomorrow, likely joined by another allocated bottle.
Takeaway
The extended evening hours were a nice change of pace. It made for a less hectic visit, and if you’re local or not a fan of the morning scramble, it’s a great way to shop. I’m just a little low-key annoyed they didn’t go all in with a rare bottle to stir up some excitement.
do you still need reservations to come to the gift shop?
You don’t need reservations any longer.