W.L. Weller 12 Year has been reported to be available at the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop today, giving visitors a rare opportunity to purchase one of the most sought-after bottles in the Weller lineup. As always, availability is limited and the bottle may sell out quickly.

FRANKFORT, Ky. — On the morning of June 25, bourbon hunters received what many believed was the notification they had been waiting months to see.

Buffalo Trace Distillery appeared to announce that Weller Full Proof, one of the most difficult bottles to purchase at the Frankfort gift shop, would finally be available.

Within minutes, screenshots spread across Facebook groups, Discord servers, bourbon forums and text chains. Enthusiasts began making plans to drive to Frankfort. Some were already on the road.

Then, just as quickly as it appeared, the announcement disappeared.

Buffalo Trace confirmed the notification had been posted in error and announced that the release had been canceled while the distillery worked on a safer process for handling future high-demand bottle releases.

The explanation immediately raised more questions than it answered.

Why cancel a bottle that was apparently ready to release?

Why was Weller Full Proof treated differently than every other special release?

And why has Buffalo Trace continued releasing other limited bottles while Weller Full Proof remains on hold?

After reviewing Buffalo Trace’s public statements, Frankfort Board of Commissioners meeting records and the distillery’s release schedule over the past month, a clearer picture begins to emerge.

While Buffalo Trace has confirmed only part of the story, the timeline suggests the canceled Weller Full Proof release may represent a turning point in how the distillery handles its biggest bottle drops moving forward.

A Timeline of Events

Viewed individually, each event seems routine.

Viewed together, they tell a much different story.

June 20: One of the Year’s Biggest Releases

The sequence begins on June 20, when Buffalo Trace released Weller C.Y.P.B., another highly coveted member of the Weller family.

Weller C.Y.P.B. is only released annually, drawing significant attention from bourbon enthusiasts tracking the distillery’s daily offerings.

Although Buffalo Trace has not released attendance figures, Weller releases routinely draw visitors from across Kentucky and neighboring states. Unlike standard daily allocated bottles, Weller special releases spread rapidly across social media, bringing enthusiasts willing to travel several hours for a chance to purchase a single bottle.

At the time, nothing appeared unusual.

The release came and went much like previous special drops.

But behind the scenes, local officials were already beginning to recognize a growing problem.

June 22: The Conversation Becomes Public

Just two days later, the issue reached Frankfort City Hall.

During the June 22 Frankfort Board of Commissioners meeting, City Manager Steve Goodwin publicly acknowledged increasing congestion around Buffalo Trace Distillery and confirmed the city had begun coordinating with Buffalo Trace leadership, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and other agencies to address the problem.

Officials described ongoing discussions focused on reducing traffic congestion while continuing to support tourism generated by the distillery.

Meeting records indicate city staff were already evaluating options for handling increasing vehicle traffic surrounding Wilkinson Boulevard, the primary roadway serving Buffalo Trace.

That public discussion is significant because it demonstrates concerns about Buffalo Trace’s growing popularity existed before the canceled Weller Full Proof announcement.

City leaders were no longer discussing isolated traffic backups.

They were discussing long-term infrastructure planning.

June 25: Everything Changes

Three days later came the moment bourbon enthusiasts won’t soon forget.

On June 25, Buffalo Trace’s digital channels briefly indicated Weller Full Proof would be available in the gift shop.

News traveled almost instantly.

Unlike years ago, today’s bourbon community operates through hundreds of interconnected Facebook groups, Discord channels, bottle-tracking websites, push notifications and text-message networks. A single screenshot can reach tens of thousands of enthusiasts within minutes.

For Buffalo Trace, that speed has become both a blessing and a challenge.

The distillery spent decades building brands like Weller into some of the most desirable bourbons in America.

Now demand has reached a point where simply announcing one bottle can potentially send thousands of vehicles toward Frankfort before the gift shop even opens.

Minutes after the announcement appeared, Buffalo Trace removed it.

The distillery later confirmed the notification had been published in error and explained the release had been canceled while officials worked on a safer process for future special releases.

Importantly, Buffalo Trace did not cite inventory shortages.

Instead, the explanation focused almost entirely on traffic, parking and public safety.

According to the distillery, previous large events had resulted in severe congestion, overflowing parking areas and safety concerns significant enough to delay the release until a better plan could be developed.

That distinction matters.

Had Buffalo Trace simply run out of bourbon, the explanation likely would have centered on production or availability.

Instead, the concern was what might happen outside the warehouse, not inside it.

Why Weller Full Proof Is Different

One question has surfaced repeatedly since June 25:

If Buffalo Trace continued releasing other special bottles, why not Weller Full Proof?

The distillery has not publicly answered that question.

However, Weller Full Proof occupies a unique place within Buffalo Trace’s portfolio.

Alongside bottles such as Stagg, Blanton’s Gold and select Antique Collection releases, Weller Full Proof consistently ranks among the most sought-after bottles available at the gift shop.

Demand extends far beyond Kentucky.

For many enthusiasts, a surprise Weller Full Proof release is enough to justify driving several hours with little notice.

That level of demand creates a logistical challenge unlike nearly any other bottle Buffalo Trace sells.

Long lines inside the gift shop are manageable.

Thousands of vehicles arriving on the same state highway over a short period are a different matter entirely.

And that’s where the story appears to shift from bourbon to infrastructure.

The Weller Full Proof Is Still Waiting

Nearly a month after the canceled June 25 release, one thing stands out above everything else:

Weller Full Proof still hasn’t been released.

That fact alone may offer one of the biggest clues in understanding what happened.

Buffalo Trace has never indicated the June 25 inventory was unavailable or that the bourbon needed additional aging. Instead, the distillery said it canceled the release while it worked to develop a safer process for handling high-demand bottle releases.

Since then, Buffalo Trace has not announced or held another Weller Full Proof release.

If the inventory prepared for June 25 has remained untouched, it would suggest Buffalo Trace could still have much of the inventory originally intended for the June 25 release, an amount that appeared intended to accommodate visitors throughout the day rather than selling out in just a few hours.

If that’s the case, the remaining obstacle may no longer be bourbon availability—but how to safely release it.

Success Has Become Buffalo Trace’s Biggest Challenge

For decades, Buffalo Trace worked to build brands like Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, Stagg and the Weller line into some of the most recognizable names in bourbon.

Today, that success presents an entirely different challenge.

The issue is no longer simply producing enough bourbon.

It’s safely accommodating the people who want to buy it.

Twenty years ago, a surprise bottle release might have attracted a few hundred local enthusiasts.

Today, a notification announcing Weller Full Proof can spread across the country in minutes, reaching thousands of collectors through social media, bottle-tracking websites and text alerts before Buffalo Trace employees have even unlocked the gift shop doors.

That level of demand doesn’t just create long lines.

It creates traffic backups extending onto Wilkinson Boulevard, overflowing parking lots, blocked intersections and concerns about emergency vehicle access.

According to Buffalo Trace, those concerns became significant enough that officials determined the June 25 release should not proceed until a better system could be developed.

Why Buffalo Trace Can’t Solve This Alone

One of the most common suggestions following the cancellation was simple:

“Why doesn’t Buffalo Trace just open another parking lot?”

Unfortunately, public records indicate the answer is far more complicated.

Because Buffalo Trace sits adjacent to US-127 (Wilkinson Boulevard), many potential traffic improvements extend beyond the distillery’s authority.

Implementing a comprehensive traffic plan could require coordination among several agencies, including:

• The Frankfort Board of Commissioners
• Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC)
• Franklin County officials
• Frankfort Police Department
• Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
• Emergency Management officials
• Public Works
• Buffalo Trace leadership

Potential improvements discussed in public records include remote parking locations, shuttle transportation, temporary traffic orders, encroachment permits and agreements allowing public property to be used during high-demand release events.

Each of those steps involves approvals extending beyond Buffalo Trace itself.

In other words, even if the distillery wanted to implement a new parking strategy tomorrow, many of the necessary decisions require cooperation from local and state government.

What Happens Next?

Although Buffalo Trace remains a frequent topic of discussion in Frankfort, no formal traffic proposal appears on the agenda for the Board of Commissioners’ July 27 meeting.

That doesn’t necessarily mean progress has stalled.

Meeting records indicate city staff continue working administratively with Buffalo Trace and KYTC representatives behind the scenes to develop possible solutions before presenting them publicly.

If those discussions produce a formal proposal, the earliest opportunity for public review would likely come during the Commission’s Aug. 10 work session.

Should the proposal require approval involving city property, traffic modifications or other municipal agreements, it could potentially move to a vote during the Commission’s Aug. 24 regular meeting.

Neither meeting is guaranteed to include Buffalo Trace business, but they represent the next scheduled opportunities should a proposal be ready.

Analysis: What the Timeline May Be Telling Us

The following section represents analysis by Buffalo Trace Daily based on publicly available information. Buffalo Trace has not confirmed these conclusions.

When viewed chronologically, the timeline presents several noteworthy patterns.

On June 20, Buffalo Trace released Weller C.Y.P.B., one of its most anticipated bottles.

On June 22, city officials publicly acknowledged growing traffic problems surrounding the distillery and confirmed discussions with Buffalo Trace and KYTC had already begun.

On June 25, Buffalo Trace canceled what appeared to be a planned Weller Full Proof release, citing safety concerns, traffic congestion and parking logistics.

Then, beginning just four days later, Buffalo Trace resumed releasing special bottles—but none appeared likely to generate the same level of immediate demand as a widely announced Weller Full Proof release.

That sequence does not prove one event caused another.

However, it strongly suggests Buffalo Trace and local officials were already evaluating how to manage increasingly large crowds before the June 25 announcement appeared.

The release pattern that followed raises another interesting possibility.

Rather than concentrating thousands of visitors into a single morning, Buffalo Trace may now be distributing smaller special releases across multiple dates while a longer-term traffic solution is developed.

To be clear, Buffalo Trace has never publicly stated this is its strategy.

It remains speculation based solely on the timing of the releases and the distillery’s own explanation that crowd management—not bourbon availability—prompted the cancellation.

If that interpretation proves accurate, it would explain why visitors have continued seeing limited special releases throughout July while one of the distillery’s most anticipated bottles has yet to return.

The Bottom Line

Perhaps the biggest takeaway isn’t what Buffalo Trace has said.

It’s what the distillery hasn’t said.

At no point has Buffalo Trace announced that Weller Full Proof has been canceled permanently.

Nor has it suggested the bourbon isn’t ready.

Instead, the distillery said the June 25 release was withdrawn while officials develop a safer process for future high-demand events.

Whether that process ultimately involves remote parking, shuttle buses, revised release procedures or another solution remains unknown.

But one thing appears increasingly clear.

For years, Buffalo Trace’s greatest challenge was producing enough bourbon to satisfy demand.

Today, it may be figuring out how to safely welcome everyone who wants to buy it.

And until that challenge is solved, the next Weller Full Proof release may depend less on what’s sitting inside the warehouses than on what happens outside the front gate.

W.L. Weller 12 Year has been reported to be available at the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop today, giving visitors a rare opportunity to purchase one of the most sought-after bottles in the Weller lineup. As always, availability is limited and the bottle may sell out quickly.

Continue reading “Today’s Drop: Weller Single Barrel” →

Visitors to the gift shop today have something new to keep an eye out for: Single Oak Rye Bourbon is now available for $74.99, while supplies last.

For fans following the evolution of the Single Oak Project, this is a pretty exciting moment. Earlier this year on Buffalo Trace Daily, we highlighted signs that the distillery might be preparing to bring the Single Oak concept back in a bigger way—and releases like this continue to support that prediction. It’s another signal the experimental barrel program may be stepping into a more consistent presence moving forward.

If you’re planning a visit soon, this is definitely one to watch for at the counter. As always with gift shop releases like this, availability can change quickly.

Price: $74.99
Availability: While supplies last. Limited to a bottle every 90 days.

We’ll keep tracking how often this shows up and whether it starts appearing in a more regular rotation.

If you’ve ever wondered why Buffalo Trace seems to release a special bottle one week but goes quiet the next, you’re not alone. While the distillery doesn’t publish a schedule, years of release history reveal patterns. That’s exactly what the Buffalo Trace Daily Odds Model is designed to measure.

The Special Release Odds Model combines two separate analyses to estimate the chance of another special release on the next open day. The first is a daily timing model that updates after every confirmed release based on the average gap between releases. The second is a monthly historical analysis that reflects where Buffalo Trace has historically been most likely to release bottles during that month.

Together, these two components produce the daily forecast.

For subscribers, that means a data-driven forecast that updates as new releases occur, helping you better understand when the odds of another special release may be improving.

Start With the Next Open Day Odds

This is the main number most visitors check first. It estimates the chance of a special release on the next open day.

In this example, the model shows 23%, or Low Odds for July 11 because a special release already happened on July 10.

Example only: When a release happens, the timing cycle resets and pushes the next-day odds lower.

As more open days pass without another release, the odds can climb again based on the model.

Check What Is Driving the Forecast

Every new special release immediately changes tomorrow’s forecast, allowing subscribers to see how today’s release affects the odds for the next open day.

Timing Score: Compares the current gap since the last special release to Buffalo Trace’s historical average gap.

30-Day Hit Rate: Captures the most recent release activity.

60-Day Hit Rate: Smooths short-term fluctuations.

90-Day Hit Rate: Provides the longer-term baseline.

Together, these measurements keep the forecast responsive as new release data becomes available.

Use the Model Snapshot for Context

The Model Snapshot shows the quick facts behind the current forecast.

90 Day Releases: how many special releases happened in the last 90 open days.

90 Day Open Days: how many open days are included in the sample.

Last Release: the most recent confirmed drop.

Average Open Day Gap: the average spacing between releases.

These numbers help explain why the forecast moves up or down instead of leaving you guessing.

The Odds Update Every Open Day

After each confirmed special release, the timing model updates automatically. The last release date changes, the open-day gap recalculates and the recent hit rates are refreshed.

The monthly historical analysis remains in place throughout the month, providing a consistent seasonal weighting until the next month’s analysis takes effect.

Monthly Pattern Analysis

The model also considers where the upcoming date falls within the month. Without this monthly analysis, every day of the month would be treated equally. Historical data shows that isn’t usually the case.

After analyzing years of Buffalo Trace release history, we’ve found that some portions of the month consistently produce more special releases than others. Those historical tendencies are built into the model as a monthly weighting.

Unlike the timing model, this analysis only changes once each month. It is based on long-term historical trends for that month and is recalculated as new monthly data is added over time, not after each daily release.

This means two days with similar timing scores can still receive different odds if one falls during a historically active part of the month while the other falls during a quieter stretch.

Built on Data, Not Guesswork

The Buffalo Trace Daily Odds Model is designed to identify when historical data suggests the chances of a special release are improving.

By combining years of confirmed release history, daily timing analysis and recurring monthly patterns, the model provides a forecast grounded in measurable trends rather than speculation. As new releases occur, the timing model updates while the monthly analysis continues to provide historical context.

The result is a forecast that helps subscribers understand not only today’s odds but also why those odds have changed.

See Buffalo Trace Special Releases at a Glance

The Special Release Odds page makes it easy to look back through the 90-day release calendar, spot highlighted release days and click any green date to instantly see which special release was available that day.

Find Release Days Fast

Green dates on the 90-day calendar mark confirmed special releases. Instead of searching through old posts, you can quickly see exactly when bottles were released and identify recent patterns.

Tap Any Date for Bottle Details

Simply tap any highlighted date to open a popup showing exactly which bottle was released that day, making it easy to review Buffalo Trace’s release history.

Visitors to the gift shop today have something new to keep an eye out for: Single Oak Rye Bourbon is now available for $74.99, while supplies last.

For fans following the evolution of the Single Oak Project, this is a pretty exciting moment. Earlier this year on Buffalo Trace Daily, we highlighted signs that the distillery might be preparing to bring the Single Oak concept back in a bigger way—and releases like this continue to support that prediction. It’s another signal the experimental barrel program may be stepping into a more consistent presence moving forward.

If you’re planning a visit soon, this is definitely one to watch for at the counter. As always with gift shop releases like this, availability can change quickly.

Price: $74.99
Availability: While supplies last. Limited to a bottle every 90 days.

We’ll keep tracking how often this shows up and whether it starts appearing in a more regular rotation.

Visitors to the gift shop today have something new to keep an eye out for: Single Oak Rye Bourbon is now available for $74.99, while supplies last.

For fans following the evolution of the Single Oak Project, this is a pretty exciting moment. Earlier this year on Buffalo Trace Daily, we highlighted signs that the distillery might be preparing to bring the Single Oak concept back in a bigger way—and releases like this continue to support that prediction. It’s another signal the experimental barrel program may be stepping into a more consistent presence moving forward.

If you’re planning a visit soon, this is definitely one to watch for at the counter. As always with gift shop releases like this, availability can change quickly.

Price: $74.99
Availability: While supplies last. Limited to a bottle every 90 days.

We’ll keep tracking how often this shows up and whether it starts appearing in a more regular rotation.

Visitors to the gift shop today have something new to keep an eye out for: Single Oak Rye Bourbon is now available for $74.99, while supplies last.

For fans following the evolution of the Single Oak Project, this is a pretty exciting moment. Earlier this year on Buffalo Trace Daily, we highlighted signs that the distillery might be preparing to bring the Single Oak concept back in a bigger way—and releases like this continue to support that prediction. It’s another signal the experimental barrel program may be stepping into a more consistent presence moving forward.

If you’re planning a visit soon, this is definitely one to watch for at the counter. As always with gift shop releases like this, availability can change quickly.

Price: $74.99
Availability: While supplies last. Limited to a bottle every 90 days.

We’ll keep tracking how often this shows up and whether it starts appearing in a more regular rotation.

Visitors to the gift shop today have something new to keep an eye out for: Single Oak Rye Bourbon is now available for $74.99, while supplies last.

For fans following the evolution of the Single Oak Project, this is a pretty exciting moment. Earlier this year on Buffalo Trace Daily, we highlighted signs that the distillery might be preparing to bring the Single Oak concept back in a bigger way—and releases like this continue to support that prediction. It’s another signal the experimental barrel program may be stepping into a more consistent presence moving forward.

If you’re planning a visit soon, this is definitely one to watch for at the counter. As always with gift shop releases like this, availability can change quickly.

Price: $74.99
Availability: While supplies last. Limited to a bottle every 90 days.

We’ll keep tracking how often this shows up and whether it starts appearing in a more regular rotation.

Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat is available at the Distillery today, giving visitors a rare opportunity to purchase one of Buffalo Trace’s newest and most experimental releases.

The second release in the Daniel Weller series, Spelt Wheat continues the Distillery’s mission of exploring how different ancient wheat varietals influence the flavor of wheated bourbon. Instead of changing barrel treatments or aging methods, Buffalo Trace focused on a single variable—the grain itself.

The result is a 10-year-old wheated bourbon bottled at 94 proof that replaces traditional wheat with ancient spelt wheat, a grain known for adding subtle sweetness, nuttiness, and baking spice characteristics. According to Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, the goal was to let the grain’s unique personality shine without additional production variables. (The Whiskey Wash)

Daniel Weller is one of Buffalo Trace’s most premium experimental brands and carries a suggested retail price of $549.99. Since its initial release earlier this year, bottles have been distributed only in limited quantities to select retailers, bars, restaurants, and the Distillery itself. (The Whiskey Wash)

What to Expect

• 10 years old
• 94 proof
• Ancient spelt wheat replaces the traditional wheat in the mashbill
• Notes of caramel, butterscotch, baking spices, toasted oak, and gentle nuttiness
• Suggested retail price: $549.99 (The Whiskey Wash)

As always, availability at Buffalo Trace can change quickly throughout the day. If you’re planning a visit, arriving earlier generally gives you the best chance before the day’s inventory is exhausted.

Were you lucky enough to grab one today? Let us know in the comments and share your bottle photos!

You could also pair this with a headline image reading: “Available Today at Buffalo Trace Distillery: Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat” to drive more clicks on social media.

Visitors to the gift shop today have something new to keep an eye out for: Single Oak Rye Bourbon is now available for $74.99, while supplies last.

For fans following the evolution of the Single Oak Project, this is a pretty exciting moment. Earlier this year on Buffalo Trace Daily, we highlighted signs that the distillery might be preparing to bring the Single Oak concept back in a bigger way—and releases like this continue to support that prediction. It’s another signal the experimental barrel program may be stepping into a more consistent presence moving forward.

If you’re planning a visit soon, this is definitely one to watch for at the counter. As always with gift shop releases like this, availability can change quickly.

Price: $74.99
Availability: While supplies last

We’ll keep tracking how often this shows up and whether it starts appearing in a more regular rotation.

A special release of Stagg this morning!

Known for its barrel proof strength and rich flavors of caramel, dark fruit, vanilla, and oak, Stagg remains one of the most sought-after bourbons produced by the distillery.

If you’re planning a visit today, expect strong demand as bourbon fans line up for a chance to purchase a bottle.

Good luck, and happy hunting!

Whether you’re a longtime Blanton’s collector or just opened your first bottle, the right display can transform your bourbon collection into a true conversation piece. From handcrafted Blanton’s bottle displays and barrel stave shelves to stopper displays that showcase your horse and jockey collection, these pieces combine craftsmanship with functionality while celebrating one of the world’s most iconic bourbons.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to organize your bottles, display your Blanton’s stoppers or add authentic bourbon barrel decor to your home bar, these handcrafted displays are some of the best options available.

Bourbon Collector Find

The Ultimate Way to Display a Full Blanton’s Set

A premium handcrafted barrel stave display built to keep your Blanton’s bottles locked, level, evenly spaced and worthy of the hunt.

Handmade Bourbon Décor

These handcrafted barrel stave pieces are made for collectors, home bars, bourbon rooms, gift giving and anyone who believes good whiskey deserves a better stage.

Blanton’s Bottle & Stopper Display

This is the kind of display that makes a completed Blanton’s set feel finished. Instead of lining rare bottles across a shelf and hoping they look even, this handcrafted barrel stave display gives each bottle its own secure place.

The bottles stay locked, level and evenly spaced, while the stopper row turns the full horse collection into part of the presentation. It also includes six additional bottle spaces, making it ideal for Weller, Pappy Van Winkle or other bottles that deserve more than a crowded bar cart.

$176.00 Free shipping

Shop Blanton’s Display

Bourbon Barrel Stave Weller Bottle Display – 6 Bottle

Built for Weller fans, this six-bottle barrel stave display turns a hard-earned lineup into a clean, organized centerpiece. It is perfect for showing off Weller Special Reserve, Antique 107, Full Proof, 12 Year, Single Barrel or C.Y.P.B. without hiding them in the back of a cabinet.

$176.00 Free shipping

Shop Weller Display

Cigar Holder, Whiskey Stave, Bourbon Stave, Handmade Cigar

A simple upgrade for the bourbon drinker who also enjoys a good cigar. This handmade whiskey stave cigar holder adds a rustic, barrel-room feel to a home bar, tasting table or gift basket without taking up much space.

$48.00 Free shipping

Shop Cigar Holder

Handmade Charred Oak Whiskey Barrel Clock

This charred oak whiskey barrel clock brings serious statement-piece energy to a bourbon room, man cave, office or bar wall. It is functional décor with a handcrafted whiskey-barrel look that feels more personal than mass-produced wall art.

$380.00 Free shipping

Shop Whiskey Clock

Handmade Wine Barrel Stave Candle Holder Centerpiece

Handmade wine stave candle holder each stave is unique in size, color and bow. Engineered system to keep inverted stave stable. Size approx. 3 X 3 X 34. 5 candles included.

$130.00 Free shipping

Shop Candle Holder

Collectors Are Loving It

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Buffalo Trace Daily may earn a commission if you purchase through affiliate links. This helps support the site at no additional cost to you.

Just one day after announcing plans to release W.L. Weller Full Proof at the distillery on Thursday, June 25, Buffalo Trace Distillery has officially postponed the highly anticipated release.

The distillery shared the update on social media Wednesday morning, citing feedback from visitors who attended last weekend’s Weller C.Y.P.B. release during Father’s Day weekend.

According to Buffalo Trace, the decision was made after hearing concerns from guests about the overall experience, including lengthy lines and parking challenges that resulted from the overwhelming turnout.

“Thank you to the Buffalo Trace Distillery community for your energy and support this weekend. We heard your feedback,” the distillery wrote in its announcement.

Buffalo Trace said it is postponing Thursday’s Weller Full Proof release so it can make improvements before hosting another special bottle event.

“We are postponing Thursday’s Weller Full Proof drop so we can make sure the next one is a great experience for all,” the statement continued.

The announcement comes after Buffalo Trace Daily first reported Tuesday that Weller Full Proof was expected to be released on June 25. The distillery had also promoted the release across its social media channels before ultimately deciding to delay it.

While no new release date has been announced, Buffalo Trace indicated that updates will be shared in the near future.

Please Note, Buffalo Trace Daily Updated Our Special Release Odds Following Weller Full Proof Postponement

Visitors who were planning to travel to Frankfort on Thursday will still find several Weller-themed activities taking place at the distillery. Buffalo Trace said guests can enjoy complimentary Weller Full Proof tastings, 10% off merchandise, 10% off food purchases at the John G. Carlisle Café, and $5 cocktails.

For collectors hoping to add a bottle of Weller Full Proof to their collection, the postponement means a little more waiting. However, the distillery appears committed to ensuring the next release runs more smoothly than the crowded Father’s Day weekend event that prompted the change.

Buffalo Trace Daily will continue monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as a new Weller Full Proof release date is announced.

Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced that Weller Full Proof will be available in the Gift Shop on Thursday, June 25.

According to the announcement, the entrance to the distillery will open to both vehicles and pedestrians at 8:00 a.m.Visitors hoping to purchase a bottle should plan accordingly, as Weller Full Proof remains one of the most sought-after expressions in the Weller lineup.

About Weller Full Proof

Weller Full Proof is bottled at the same 114 proof at which it entered the barrel, rather than being proofed down before bottling. The wheated bourbon recipe is the same mash bill used across the Weller family, replacing rye with wheat as the secondary grain.

The bourbon has developed a strong following among enthusiasts thanks to its combination of rich caramel sweetness, dark fruit notes, vanilla, and a higher-proof punch.

What This Means for Visitors

Weller Full Proof is typically considered a special release bottle at Buffalo Trace Distillery and is not part of the regular daily allocation rotation. Demand is expected to be high, and visitors arriving later in the day may find supplies limited depending on turnout and bottle counts.

Anyone planning a trip should arrive early and be prepared for lines before the gates open.

Buffalo Trace Daily Take

This release continues an active stretch of special bottle drops at the distillery and gives visitors another opportunity to purchase one of the most desirable wheated bourbons produced by Buffalo Trace.

If you’re heading to Frankfort on June 25, Weller Full Proof is likely to be one of the most anticipated gift shop releases of the summer.

Bottle: Weller Full Proof
Date: June 25
Gate Opening: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Gift Shop at Buffalo Trace Distillery

Stay tuned to Buffalo Trace Daily for updates on line conditions, sellout timing, and future release predictions.

Buffalo Trace fans know what this means — when the sign says “While Supplies Last,” it’s time to move. A limited amount of Weller C.Y.P.B. (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon) will be available for purchase at open-of-business in the Gift Shop, with a strict limit of one bottle per person. A first-come, first-served morning rush, so anyone hoping to score a bottle will want to arrive early and be ready when doors open. As always with highly allocated releases, once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced its special Father’s Day Weekend bottle releases, giving visitors two opportunities to purchase limited bottles during the holiday weekend.

According to the announcement, the Father’s Day Weekend Bottle Drop schedule includes:

Saturday, June 20

• Weller C.Y.P.B.

Sunday, June 21 (Father’s Day)

• Blanton’s 375 mL

The distillery also noted that no other bottle drops are planned for Father’s Day weekend. As with previous special releases, quantities will be limited and bottles will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

For bourbon fans, the appearance of Weller C.Y.P.B. is particularly noteworthy. The bottle, whose name stands for “Craft Your Perfect Bourbon,” was created after Buffalo Trace asked whiskey enthusiasts to vote on their ideal bourbon recipe and aging profile. It remains one of the more sought-after bottles in the Weller lineup and is rarely available at retail prices.

The Father’s Day Blanton’s release will feature the 375 mL format rather than the standard 750 mL bottle. While smaller in size, the bottle still gives collectors and visitors a chance to purchase one of Buffalo Trace’s most recognizable single barrel bourbons directly from the distillery.

What This Means

The announcement is notable because Buffalo Trace specifically stated that no additional bottle drops are planned for the weekend. In recent years, special holiday weekends have often generated speculation about surprise releases or multiple allocated offerings. This announcement appears intended to set expectations and encourage visitors to plan around the two scheduled releases.

As always, availability is expected to be limited. Visitors interested in purchasing either bottle should plan to arrive early, as special releases at the distillery can sell out quickly.

Buffalo Trace Daily will continue tracking distillery releases and provide updates if any changes are announced leading up to Father’s Day weekend.

Buffalo Trace fans may want to mark their calendars.

According to a bottle drop announcement, a limited quantity of Weller 12 will be available at the gift shop on Thursday, June 18. The release will be sold on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

Weller 12 is one of the most sought after bottles in the Weller lineup. Bottled at 90 proof and aged for 12 years, it features the wheated bourbon mash bill that has made the Weller brand a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts. Expect notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and baking spices with a long, smooth finish.

The timing of this drop is particularly noteworthy. Weller 12 is not a regular offering at the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop and typically appears only a handful of times each year. When it does show up, demand is usually strong and bottles can sell out quickly.

Visitors planning to attend should arrive early and be prepared for limited availability. As always, Buffalo Trace Distillery reserves the right to adjust inventory and availability without notice.

What We Know

• Bottle: Weller 12
• Date: Thursday, June 18
• Location: Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop
• Availability: Limited quantities
• Sales Method: First come, first served

For Buffalo Trace Daily readers, this announcement serves as another reminder that special bottle drops continue to be one of the most exciting parts of visiting the distillery. If you’re hoping to add a bottle of Weller 12 to your collection, this may be one of the best opportunities of the summer.

Stay tuned to Buffalo Trace Daily for additional bottle drop announcements, release tracking, and daily predictions.

Buffalo Trace fans may want to mark their calendars.

According to a bottle drop announcement, a limited quantity of Weller 12 will be available at the gift shop on Saturday, June 13. The release will be sold on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

Weller 12 is one of the most sought after bottles in the Weller lineup. Bottled at 90 proof and aged for 12 years, it features the wheated bourbon mash bill that has made the Weller brand a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts. Expect notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and baking spices with a long, smooth finish.

The timing of this drop is particularly noteworthy. Weller 12 is not a regular offering at the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop and typically appears only a handful of times each year. When it does show up, demand is usually strong and bottles can sell out quickly.

Visitors planning to attend should arrive early and be prepared for limited availability. As always, Buffalo Trace Distillery reserves the right to adjust inventory and availability without notice.

What We Know

• Bottle: Weller 12
• Date: Saturday, June 13
• Location: Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop
• Availability: Limited quantities
• Sales Method: First come, first served

For Buffalo Trace Daily readers, this announcement serves as another reminder that special bottle drops continue to be one of the most exciting parts of visiting the distillery. If you’re hoping to add a bottle of Weller 12 to your collection, this may be one of the best opportunities of the summer.

Stay tuned to Buffalo Trace Daily for additional bottle drop announcements, release tracking, and daily predictions.

A special release of Stagg this morning!

Known for its barrel proof strength and rich flavors of caramel, dark fruit, vanilla, and oak, Stagg remains one of the most sought-after bourbons produced by the distillery.

If you’re planning a visit today, expect strong demand as bourbon fans line up for a chance to purchase a bottle.

Good luck, and happy hunting!

Elmer T. Lee is always one of the more sought after surprise appearances in the daily rotation and it typically moves quickly whenever it shows up. Hopefully some of you who made the trip today were able to grab one before closing.

Thanks as always to everyone who helps share updates and keep the Buffalo Trace Daily community informed. We appreciate the tips and reports that help make these posts possible.

Today’s allocated bottle at Buffalo Trace Distillery is Stagg.

Known for its barrel proof strength and rich flavors of caramel, dark fruit, vanilla, and oak, Stagg remains one of the most sought-after bourbons produced by the distillery.

If you’re planning a visit today, expect strong demand as bourbon fans line up for a chance to purchase a bottle.

Good luck, and happy hunting!

Sazerac has officially launched AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey, a new brand that marks the company’s first flagship entry into the Tennessee whiskey category. While Buffalo Trace fans are best known for chasing bottles like Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, Weller, and E.H. Taylor, this latest release gives whiskey enthusiasts a glimpse at what Sazerac has been building outside of Kentucky.

AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey is produced at the AJ Bond Distillery in La Vergne, Tennessee. The distillery’s name honors Master Distiller Allisa Henley and the late John Lunn, two individuals who helped shape the project over many years.

The whiskey is crafted using a combination of pot still and column still distillates. Like traditional Tennessee whiskey, it undergoes charcoal mellowing through sugar maple charcoal before aging. The whiskey is then matured in Tennessee oak barrels and blended to create the final product.

Bottled at 95 proof, AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey carries a suggested retail price of $39.99. According to the distillery, drinkers can expect aromas of caramel corn and butterscotch, followed by flavors of baked apple, charred fruit, cinnamon, cream soda, and chocolate.

For many Buffalo Trace Daily readers, the bigger question is whether this bottle will eventually find its way to the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop.

As of now, there has been no announcement that AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey will be sold at Buffalo Trace Distillery. The initial launch is focused on Tennessee, with broader distribution expected later this year.

However, there are several reasons Buffalo Trace fans should keep an eye on this release. The distillery gift shop already carries a variety of Sazerac-owned products beyond Buffalo Trace bourbon, including Traveller Whiskey, Sazerac Rye, Wheatley Vodka, and other spirits from across the company’s portfolio. Over the years, Buffalo Trace has increasingly become a showcase for new Sazerac products and special releases.

At $39.99 and 95 proof, AJ Bond could offer visitors something different from the Kentucky bourbons typically associated with Buffalo Trace. It would also give fans an opportunity to compare a Tennessee whiskey produced by Sazerac against the company’s well-known Kentucky offerings.

While nothing has been confirmed, AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey seems like a natural candidate for the distillery’s additional offerings lineup at some point in the future.

For now, Buffalo Trace fans may simply want to familiarize themselves with the newest member of the Sazerac family. If the brand gains traction and expands distribution, don’t be surprised if AJ Bond eventually makes an appearance in Frankfort.

We’ll continue watching for any indication that AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey is headed to the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop.

Buffalo Trace just changed the future of the E.H. Taylor lineup.

The return of E.H. Taylor Four Grain in 2026 already caught collectors off guard, but the bigger development may have been the announcement of E.H. Taylor Cured Oak returning more than a decade after its original release.

That is the detail that matters most.

Four Grain always felt possible because Buffalo Trace had already brought it back once after its original 2017 debut. Cured Oak was different. Released in 2015, it had become one of the most elusive and discussed bottles in the E.H. Taylor archive. Most collectors assumed it was permanently retired.

Now it is back.

That dramatically changes how the entire E.H. Taylor experimental lineup should be viewed.

For years, bottles like Seasoned Wood, Amaranth, Warehouse C and 18 Year Marriage felt more like historical artifacts than future releases. But Buffalo Trace has now shown a willingness to revisit older concepts tied to grain experimentation, barrel science, warehouse aging and historical bourbon production methods.

The important question is no longer whether Buffalo Trace can bring these bottles back.

The real question is how much planning and operational effort each one would require.

Some of these releases only need the right barrels sitting in the right warehouse.

Others would require Buffalo Trace to have planned the whiskey nearly two decades ago.

Here is the ranking from most likely to least likely based on how difficult each bottle would be to recreate today.

E.H. Taylor Warehouse C Bourbon

Original Release: 2021

Warehouse C Bourbon now feels like the easiest and most realistic E.H. Taylor comeback.

Unlike many of the distillery’s experimental releases, Warehouse C was not built around a rare grain recipe, custom fermentation method or unusual barrel construction. Its identity came from where the whiskey aged.

The bourbon was distilled and aged under Bottled-in-Bond standards before spending 10 years inside the historic Warehouse C at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Specifically, the barrels used for the release came from the second and fifth floors.

That detail matters because Warehouse C ages differently depending on location.

The second floor provides a drier environment with slower maturation and less aggressive oak extraction. The fifth floor sees stronger airflow and greater temperature fluctuation due to open windows and elevation, which accelerates interaction between the whiskey and barrel.

Buffalo Trace blended barrels from both environments to create a bourbon with concentrated caramel, dark fruit, tobacco, oak spice and leather while still preserving balance at 100 proof.

What makes Warehouse C such a strong comeback candidate is operational simplicity.

Buffalo Trace already continuously ages whiskey in Warehouse C.

The distillery does not need:
• A unique mash bill
• A special grain supply
• Experimental barrel construction
• A historical fermentation process

It simply needs the right inventory aged in the right location.

That dramatically lowers the difficulty compared to nearly every other bottle on this list.

The biggest obstacle is not production. It is prestige. Buffalo Trace likely wants to avoid oversaturating the Warehouse C name because of its legendary connection to the Tornado Surviving release.

Still, from a pure production standpoint, this is the easiest bottle to bring back.

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Rye

Original Release: 2024

Barrel Proof Rye immediately jumps near the top because Buffalo Trace already did the hardest part: establishing the product.

Released in 2024 as the 13th release in the E.H. Taylor collection, Barrel Proof Rye was bottled uncut and unfiltered at 126 proof. Unlike many of the older experimental Taylor releases, this bottle was not tied to a one time production process or historical recreation.

Instead, it expanded an already existing product line.

Buffalo Trace has long produced E.H. Taylor Straight Rye as part of the core lineup. Barrel Proof Rye essentially took that existing concept and elevated it into a more limited, enthusiast focused format.

That matters because the infrastructure already exists.

Buffalo Trace already has:
• The rye mash bill
• Existing rye distillation programs
• Established barrel inventory
• Consumer demand for barrel proof whiskey

Operationally, this is dramatically easier than recreating something like Old Fashioned Sour Mash or 18 Year Marriage.

The biggest challenge is inventory allocation. Barrel proof releases require selecting barrels strong enough to stand on their own without dilution while maintaining flavor consistency and enough volume for a meaningful release.

Still, compared to most experimental E.H. Taylor bottles, Barrel Proof Rye is highly repeatable.

The bottle also arrived during Buffalo Trace’s broader push into higher proof limited releases across several brands, which makes future batches feel realistic if the company chooses to continue the line.

E.H. Taylor Seasoned Wood

Original Release: 2016

Seasoned Wood may now have the strongest momentum behind it.

Released in 2016, the bourbon used specially seasoned oak staves during barrel construction and aged for more than a decade before bottling under Bottled-in-Bond standards at 100 proof.

Unlike Warehouse C, the innovation here centered around barrel wood treatment.

Buffalo Trace worked with specially prepared staves designed to influence flavor extraction and maturation differently than standard oak barrels. The release also stood out because it used a wheated mash bill, giving it a softer, sweeter profile compared to many rye based E.H. Taylor expressions.

Flavor notes included rich caramel, toasted oak, dark fruit, baking spice and leather with a softer mouthfeel driven by the wheat component.

The return of Cured Oak is the single biggest reason Seasoned Wood now feels realistic.

The two bottles are closely related conceptually:

Cured Oak focused on extended air drying of oak staves before barrel construction.

Seasoned Wood focused on enhanced seasoning treatment of the staves themselves.

Both releases revolve around barrel science and wood experimentation, which ties directly into Colonel Taylor’s reputation for production innovation.

That connection matters because Buffalo Trace has now proven it is willing to revisit highly specific barrel treatment projects.

Operationally, this bottle is more difficult than Warehouse C because Buffalo Trace must plan barrel construction years in advance. The distillery would need specialty staves prepared before aging ever begins.

Still, if Buffalo Trace quietly continued similar barrel programs after 2016, Seasoned Wood could already be aging in warehouses today.

E.H. Taylor Amaranth Grain of the Gods

Original Release: 2019

Amaranth represents one of the boldest mash bill experiments Buffalo Trace has ever attempted under the E.H. Taylor label.

Released in 2019, the bourbon replaced rye with amaranth, an ancient grain historically known as the “Grain of the Gods.” The whiskey aged for more than 10 years before being bottled at 100 proof under Bottled-in-Bond standards.

The flavor profile stood apart immediately from traditional Buffalo Trace products. Amaranth delivered nutty sweetness, herbal spice, toasted grain, dried fruit and a softer earthy complexity compared to rye based bourbon.

The return of Four Grain dramatically increases Amaranth’s comeback odds because both releases revolve around grain experimentation.

Four Grain proved Buffalo Trace is once again comfortable using E.H. Taylor as a platform for recipe driven bourbon experimentation instead of relying solely on warehouse identity or age statements.

The challenge with Amaranth is production scale.

Unlike Warehouse C, this is not simply a barrel selection project.

Unlike Seasoned Wood, it is not primarily a cooperage project.

Amaranth requires:
• Specialized grain sourcing
• Dedicated mash bill development
• Separate distillation runs
• Long term inventory planning

That makes it more complicated operationally than the first three bottles on this list.

Still, if Buffalo Trace continued experimental grain distillation behind the scenes after the original release, the groundwork for a future comeback may already exist.

E.H. Taylor Old Fashioned Sour Mash

Original Release: 2011

Old Fashioned Sour Mash may be the purest historical tribute in the entire E.H. Taylor lineup.

The release recreated an older sour mash fermentation method associated with Colonel Taylor’s era. According to Buffalo Trace, the idea originated during discussions with retired distillery workers in 1996 before the whiskey was eventually distilled in 2002 and released in 2011.

The defining feature was not the barrel or mash bill.

It was fermentation itself.

Buffalo Trace intentionally allowed the mash to sour naturally for an extended period before distillation, recreating an older production style rarely used at modern large scale distilleries.

That dramatically increases the difficulty of bringing this bottle back.

This is not simply a matter of choosing barrels from a warehouse. It requires Buffalo Trace to intentionally structure production around a highly specific fermentation process years before release.

The bourbon reportedly delivered earthy sweetness, citrus, oak spice and tangy grain character unlike most modern Buffalo Trace products.

From a historical standpoint, this bottle perfectly fits the E.H. Taylor identity.

From an operational standpoint, it is extremely demanding.

Buffalo Trace would need to:
• Dedicate distillation runs to the process
• Manage fermentation variability
• Plan aging years in advance
• Commit production resources to a niche release

That complexity pushes it lower in likelihood despite its historical appeal.

E.H. Taylor 18 Year Marriage

Original Release: 2020

18 Year Marriage remains the most difficult E.H. Taylor bottle to recreate.

The release combined three separate 18 year old bourbon mash bills:
• One wheated bourbon recipe
• Two rye bourbon recipes

The whiskey was distilled in 2002, aged for nearly two decades and blended into a Bottled-in-Bond release at 100 proof.

The result was one of the most layered and mature bourbons Buffalo Trace has ever released under the E.H. Taylor name. The profile combined deep oak, leather, tobacco, cherry, baking spice and vanilla while balancing the characteristics of multiple mash bill structures.

The issue is inventory management.

Any distillery can age bourbon for 18 years.

Very few can successfully maintain enough high quality stock across multiple mash bills to create a large scale prestige blend after nearly two decades.

Barrel loss increases dramatically with age due to evaporation and over oaking. That means Buffalo Trace would have needed to intentionally preserve enough compatible barrels for nearly 20 years before release.

Unlike Warehouse C or Seasoned Wood, this is not a project Buffalo Trace can quickly revisit unless the whiskey already exists.

That makes 18 Year Marriage the hardest comeback in the E.H. Taylor lineup outside of Tornado Surviving itself.

Final Ranking

1. E.H. Taylor Warehouse C Bourbon
2. E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Rye
3. E.H. Taylor Seasoned Wood
4. E.H. Taylor Amaranth Grain of the Gods
5. E.H. Taylor Old Fashioned Sour Mash
6. E.H. Taylor 18 Year Marriage

Final Analysis

Right now, all of this remains speculation, but the return of Four Grain and especially Cured Oak proved Buffalo Trace is willing to reopen older E.H. Taylor experiments once thought finished forever. The easiest paths forward involve releases tied to existing infrastructure like warehouse aging or established rye programs, while mash bill experimentation, historical fermentation methods and ultra aged blending projects require significantly more long term planning. Whether any of these bottles actually return likely depends on what Buffalo Trace quietly started laying down years ago.

Buffalo Trace fans know what this means — when the sign says “While Supplies Last,” it’s time to move. A limited amount of Weller C.Y.P.B. (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon) will be available for purchase at open-of-business in the Gift Shop, with a strict limit of one bottle per person. That typically signals a first-come, first-served morning rush, so anyone hoping to score a bottle will want to arrive early and be ready when doors open. As always with highly allocated releases, once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Buffalo Trace fans may want to clear their schedules because tomorrow marks the final scheduled Whiskey Wednesday tied to the distillery’s limited E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain release.

The Frankfort distillery previously announced that complimentary samples of the highly sought after bourbon would be served during Whiskey Wednesdays on May 13, 20 and 27. Alongside the tastings, bottles of E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain have also been available for purchase inside the Buffalo Trace gift shop for $79.99 while supplies last.

Now, Wednesday, May 27, appears to be the final confirmed day for the promotion.

That’s significant for bourbon hunters because Four Grain has quickly become one of the hottest surprise releases Buffalo Trace has rolled out this year. The limited edition bourbon combines corn, rye, wheat and malted barley in a single mash bill and marks the first time the distillery has released a permanent E.H. Taylor expression using all four grains.

The previous two Whiskey Wednesdays drew heavy crowds as collectors lined up early hoping to secure a bottle before the daily allocation sold out.

While Buffalo Trace has not announced whether additional Four Grain drops could happen later, tomorrow is currently the last publicly confirmed opportunity connected to the Whiskey Wednesday rollout.

As always, quantities are expected to be limited and availability can change quickly throughout the day.

Visitors to the gift shop today have something new to keep an eye out for: Single Oak Rye Bourbon is now available for $75.00, while supplies last.

For fans following the evolution of the Single Oak Project, this is a pretty exciting moment. Earlier this year on Buffalo Trace Daily, we highlighted signs that the distillery might be preparing to bring the Single Oak concept back in a bigger way—and releases like this continue to support that prediction. It’s another signal the experimental barrel program may be stepping into a more consistent presence moving forward.

If you’re planning a visit soon, this is definitely one to watch for at the counter. As always with gift shop releases like this, availability can change quickly.

Price: $75.00
Availability: While supplies last

We’ll keep tracking how often this shows up and whether it starts appearing in a more regular rotation.

Visitors to the gift shop today have something new to keep an eye out for: Single Oak Rye Bourbon is now available for $75.00, while supplies last.

For fans following the evolution of the Single Oak Project, this is a pretty exciting moment. Earlier this year on Buffalo Trace Daily, we highlighted signs that the distillery might be preparing to bring the Single Oak concept back in a bigger way—and releases like this continue to support that prediction. It’s another signal the experimental barrel program may be stepping into a more consistent presence moving forward.

If you’re planning a visit soon, this is definitely one to watch for at the counter. As always with gift shop releases like this, availability can change quickly.

Price: $75.00
Availability: While supplies last

We’ll keep tracking how often this shows up and whether it starts appearing in a more regular rotation.

Buffalo Trace fans may want to keep a very close eye on what happens after May’s E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain release because another long lost favorite could be waiting in the wings.

According to a May 21 article published by Food & Wine, Buffalo Trace recently confirmed the return of two cult favorite E.H. Taylor bourbons that whiskey fans haven’t seen in years: Four Grain and Cured Oak.

And with Four Grain already pouring during Buffalo Trace’s special “Whiskey Wednesdays” events on May 13, 20 and 27, speculation is already building that Cured Oak may not be far behind.

Buffalo Trace announced that visitors attending Whiskey Wednesdays can sample complimentary pours of E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain all day, with limited bottles also available for purchase in the gift shop. That alone is a major moment for collectors considering Four Grain has only appeared twice before, in 2017 and 2018.

For E.H. Taylor fans trying to fill out a complete vertical of the brand’s harder to find releases, the return of Four Grain is already a huge development. But the possibility of Cured Oak showing up again could make 2026 one of the biggest years for Taylor collectors in quite some time.

According to Food & Wine, unlike standard E.H. Taylor releases, Cured Oak uses barrels built from oak staves that were air dried for 13 months, more than double Buffalo Trace’s normal process. The distillery said the extended curing process allows the whiskey to pull deeper and more complex flavors from the wood during aging.

The bourbon was last released in 2015 and has developed near mythical status among some collectors ever since.

Buffalo Trace also described the new version as a “rare, limited offering,” which in bourbon terms usually means bottles could be extremely difficult to find once they arrive.

Both Four Grain and Cured Oak are bottled in bond bourbons aged for 10 years and bottled at 100 proof. They also share the same suggested retail price of $80, according to Food & Wine.

For now, Buffalo Trace has only officially confirmed Four Grain for Whiskey Wednesdays. But with the distillery actively spotlighting the revived E.H. Taylor lineup throughout May, many bourbon fans are beginning to wonder if a surprise Cured Oak appearance could eventually follow.

And if it does, expect lines at the gift shop to get even longer.

Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Four Grain is making its return at Buffalo Trace Distillery today, and bourbon hunters were out early for one of the most anticipated Whiskey Wednesday drops of the year.

The limited release appeared as part of the distillery’s ongoing May Whiskey Wednesday promotion tied to the grand opening celebration for the new John G. Carlisle Cafe. Buffalo Trace previously teased that guests visiting on select Wednesdays in May would have access to a “soon to be announced release,” and Four Grain ended up being the bottle behind the mystery. (Breaking Bourbon)

For longtime Buffalo Trace fans, the return of Four Grain is a big deal. The expression is made using four different grains — corn, rye, wheat and malted barley — instead of Buffalo Trace’s more traditional mash bills. The bottle has developed a near mythical reputation among collectors because of its rarity and limited release history.

While Buffalo Trace’s standard rotating gift shop lineup usually includes bottles like Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, Weller Antique 107 and E.H. Taylor Small Batch, Four Grain is rarely seen at the distillery. (Buffalo Trace Distillery)

Rumors about the release had been building online for weeks after Buffalo Trace announced the return of E.H. Taylor Four Grain as part of its May events calendar. (Reddit)

The drop continues what has already been an unusually active stretch at the Frankfort distillery. Release activity has climbed steadily throughout 2026, and Buffalo Trace Daily previously noted that the distillery had been ramping up both standard allocations and surprise special releases. (Buffalo Trace Daily)

Collectors who missed today’s drop will likely be watching closely to see whether Buffalo Trace surprises visitors with another limited bottle later this month as part of the ongoing Whiskey Wednesday events.

Visitors to the gift shop today have something new to keep an eye out for: Single Oak Rye Bourbon is now available for $75.00, while supplies last.

For fans following the evolution of the Single Oak Project, this is a pretty exciting moment. Earlier this year on Buffalo Trace Daily, we highlighted signs that the distillery might be preparing to bring the Single Oak concept back in a bigger way—and releases like this continue to support that prediction. It’s another signal the experimental barrel program may be stepping into a more consistent presence moving forward.

If you’re planning a visit soon, this is definitely one to watch for at the counter. As always with gift shop releases like this, availability can change quickly.

Price: $75.00
Availability: While supplies last

We’ll keep tracking how often this shows up and whether it starts appearing in a more regular rotation.

Fans of the legendary Buffalo Trace lineup may want to circle the next three Wednesdays on the calendar. Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced a special Whiskey Wednesdays event featuring complimentary pours of the hard-to-find E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain bourbon — and yes, bottles will also be available for purchase in the Distillery Gift Shop while supplies last.

The event will take place:

• Wednesday, May 13
• Wednesday, May 20
• Wednesday, May 27

Guests visiting the distillery can enjoy free samples of E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain all day long, making this one of the more unique tasting opportunities Buffalo Trace has offered recently.

For bourbon hunters, the bigger news may be the bottle availability. Limited quantities of Four Grain will be sold in the gift shop during the promotion, though Buffalo Trace noted supplies are limited and expected to go quickly.

Originally released as part of the Colonel E.H. Taylor lineup, Four Grain stands out because it uses all four traditional whiskey grains in its mashbill: corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley. The result is a bourbon known for balancing sweetness, spice, and rich oak character in a way that differs from Buffalo Trace’s standard mashbill offerings.

The bottle has become increasingly difficult to find on shelves, often commanding premium secondary market prices whenever a release surfaces. That alone could make these Whiskey Wednesdays one of the more talked-about distillery events this month.

Visitors planning the trip should expect lines and early crowds, especially as word spreads across bourbon social media groups and hunting communities.

If you’re heading to Frankfort later this month, this may be one of the better chances to both sample and purchase a bottle of E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain directly from the source.