Buffalo Trace Bourbon Prices vs. Inflation: What the Numbers Really Show
Inflation since 2020 has been anything but normal. So we compared Buffalo Trace Distillery bottle prices with both the inflation consumers actually experienced and the much slower long-term pace of inflation.
Actual Inflation
+28.20%
Dec. 2020 through July 2026
20-Year Inflation Rate
2.51%/yr
Annualized July 2006–July 2026
Normal 2020–26 Increase
+14.83%
Using the 20-year inflation pace
Biggest Bourbon Increase
+39.51%
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
Bourbon prices are higher than they were several years ago. So are groceries, housing, cars and just about everything else.
That raises an important question: Have Buffalo Trace Distillery bourbon prices really become more expensive, or have they simply moved with inflation?
The answer depends partly on which version of inflation you use.
Consumer prices rose approximately 28.20% between December 2020 and July 2026, according to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers.
But that period was far from normal.
Looking at the much longer period from July 2006 through July 2026, inflation averaged approximately 2.51% per year. Had that more typical rate continued from the end of 2020 through mid-2026, cumulative inflation would have been only about 14.83%.
In other words, Americans experienced nearly twice as much inflation after 2020 as the longer-term trend would have suggested.
So Buffalo Trace Daily compared five familiar bottles against both benchmarks.
First, Just How Unusual Was Inflation?
The same 2020-to-2026 period looks very different depending on whether we use actual inflation or the long-term historical pace.
What Actually Happened
+28.20%
CPI-U increased from 260.474 in December 2020 to 333.918 in July 2026.
Long-Term Inflation Pace
+14.83%
Approximate increase we would expect over the same period using the 20-year annualized inflation rate of 2.51%.
Bourbon vs. Actual Inflation vs. Normal Inflation
Cumulative percentage increase since December 31, 2020.
E.H. Taylor
39.51%
Blanton’s
31.73%
Actual CPI
28.20%
Eagle Rare
26.44%
20-Year CPI Pace
14.83%
Buffalo Trace
0.00%
Weller SR
0.00%
Actual inflation since Dec. 2020
Inflation using 20-year average pace
And This Is Where It Gets Interesting
Against the inflation Americans actually experienced, Blanton’s and Eagle Rare do not look particularly unusual.
Blanton’s increased 31.73% compared with actual inflation of 28.20%. Eagle Rare increased only 26.44%, meaning its price actually rose slightly less than overall consumer prices.
But compare those bottles with the country’s longer-term inflation trend and the picture changes dramatically.
The approximately 14.83% long-term benchmark is less than half the increase in Blanton’s and well below the increase in Eagle Rare.
That means Blanton’s and Eagle Rare look relatively normal only because inflation itself was so unusually high after 2020.
Bourbon Prices: Then and Now
Buffalo Trace Distillery prices from December 31, 2020 compared with current prices.
Blanton’s Single Barrel
Dec. 2020
$63.00
↓
Current
$82.99
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
Dec. 2020
$43.00
↓
Current
$59.99
Eagle Rare
Dec. 2020
$34.00
↓
Current
$42.99
Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Dec. 2020
$27.00
↓
Current
$27.00
Weller Special Reserve
Dec. 2020
$30.00
↓
Current
$30.00
E.H. Taylor Is the Clear Outlier
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch has risen from $43.00 to $59.99, an increase of approximately 39.51%.
That beats both inflation benchmarks.
If the bottle had merely followed the actual 28.20% increase in consumer prices, it would cost approximately $55.12.
At the 20-year historical inflation pace, it would be only about $49.38.
Its actual $59.99 price is therefore roughly $4.87 higher than actual inflation would suggest and $10.61 higher than the long-term inflation trend.
What Should These Bottles Cost?
Actual current price compared with the theoretical price under actual post-2020 inflation and the longer-term 20-year inflation trend.
Blanton’s Single Barrel
Actual Price
$82.99
Actual CPI
$80.76
Normal CPI
$72.34
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
Actual Price
$59.99
Actual CPI
$55.12
Normal CPI
$49.38
Eagle Rare
Actual Price
$42.99
Actual CPI
$43.59
Normal CPI
$39.04
Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Actual Price
$27.00
Actual CPI
$34.61
Normal CPI
$31.00
Weller Special Reserve
Actual Price
$30.00
Actual CPI
$38.46
Normal CPI
$34.45
Price if bottle followed actual CPI
Price if bottle followed long-term CPI trend
Blanton’s Looks Normal Until You Zoom Out
Blanton’s increased from $63.00 to $82.99, a jump of approximately 31.73%.
Compared with the 28.20% inflation consumers actually experienced since December 2020, that is surprisingly close.
A $63 bottle simply keeping pace with actual inflation would cost about $80.76 today, only $2.23 below the actual price.
But under the longer-term inflation trend, Blanton’s would cost only about $72.34.
Suddenly that $82.99 price looks a lot less ordinary.
Eagle Rare Tells the Story Even Better
Eagle Rare increased from $34.00 to $42.99, a cumulative increase of approximately 26.44%.
That’s actually less than the 28.20% increase in overall consumer prices since December 2020.
Based on actual inflation, Eagle Rare would be expected to cost approximately $43.59. Its current price is 60 cents lower.
But at the longer-term inflation pace, the expected price would be only about $39.04.
So Eagle Rare simultaneously looks like a bottle that hasn’t kept up with inflation and one whose price has far outpaced normal inflation.
Both statements are true.
And Then There Are Buffalo Trace and Weller
Buffalo Trace Bourbon was $27.00 at the end of 2020. It remains $27.00.
Weller Special Reserve was $30.00. It is still $30.00.
If Buffalo Trace Bourbon had followed actual inflation, it would cost roughly $34.61. Even at the much lower long-term inflation rate, it would be approximately $31.00.
Weller Special Reserve would be approximately $38.46 using actual inflation or $34.45 using the long-term trend.
Instead, both remain frozen at their 2020 prices.
The Full Comparison
Actual prices alongside both inflation-adjusted benchmarks.
Bottle
2020 Price
Current
Increase
Actual CPI Price
20-Year CPI Price
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
$43.00
$59.99
39.51%
$55.12
$49.38
Blanton’s Single Barrel
$63.00
$82.99
31.73%
$80.76
$72.34
Eagle Rare
$34.00
$42.99
26.44%
$43.59
$39.04
Buffalo Trace Bourbon
$27.00
$27.00
0.00%
$34.61
$31.00
Weller Special Reserve
$30.00
$30.00
0.00%
$38.46
$34.45
So, Have Buffalo Trace Prices Outpaced Inflation?
The fairest answer is: it depends on the bottle and which inflation story you’re telling.
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch clearly outpaced both actual post-2020 inflation and the longer-term historical inflation rate.
Blanton’s increased only modestly more than the unusually high inflation Americans actually experienced after 2020, while Eagle Rare increased slightly less.
But compared with the country’s more typical 20-year inflation pace, all three allocated bottles increased substantially faster than inflation.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Weller Special Reserve are the complete opposite. Their prices haven’t moved at all.
Perhaps the most interesting conclusion isn’t simply that bourbon got more expensive.
It’s that the inflation surrounding those price increases was extraordinary too.
That made some fairly dramatic bourbon price increases look surprisingly ordinary.
About the data:
Bourbon prices are based on Buffalo Trace Daily’s historical Buffalo Trace Distillery pricing records.
Actual inflation is calculated using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, All Items, U.S. city average, from December 2020 through July 2026.
The long-term benchmark uses the annualized growth rate of CPI-U between July 2006 and July 2026 and compounds that rate over the December 2020 through July 2026 comparison period.
CPI calculations: December 2020 CPI-U 260.474; July 2026 CPI-U 333.918; cumulative actual inflation 28.20%. July 2006 CPI-U 203.5; July 2026 CPI-U 333.918; annualized 20-year inflation rate approximately 2.51%. Compounding that long-term rate over the 67 months from December 2020 through July 2026 produces a comparative benchmark of approximately 14.83%. Values are rounded for display.
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.
Would You Pay to Join a Buffalo Trace Bourbon Club That Ships Bottles to Your Door?
Kentucky already has a legal framework that allows distilleries to ship bourbon
directly to consumers in qualifying locations. So we have a question for Buffalo Trace fans:
What if the distillery created a paid bottle club?
Imagine opening your front door and finding a bottle from Buffalo Trace waiting for you,
without driving to Frankfort, standing in the gift shop line or hunting liquor stores.
Kentucky law makes that idea far less impossible than some bourbon fans may realize.
Kentucky has spent years expanding direct-to-consumer alcohol shipping laws, creating
a system that allows properly licensed producers to sell and ship spirits directly to
eligible consumers.
That raises an interesting possibility for Buffalo Trace fans.
The Big Question
If Buffalo Trace offered a paid bourbon club with access to bottles shipped directly to members, would you join?
Buffalo Trace has not announced such a program. This is purely a hypothetical.
But Kentucky’s shipping laws make the concept worth exploring.
First, Can a Kentucky Distillery Actually Ship Bourbon to Your House?
Yes, under certain circumstances.
Kentucky Revised Statute 243.027 establishes a direct shipper license for alcoholic
beverage manufacturers and suppliers. A Type A direct shipper license authorizes its
holder to ship alcoholic beverages directly to consumers.
For a manufacturer, the law generally limits direct shipping to products sold under
a brand the manufacturer owns or exclusively licenses and that it produced,
had produced under contract or bottled or canned for the manufacturer.
Kentucky law even allows a direct shipper license holder to use a third party to
handle fulfillment, meaning the distillery itself does not necessarily have to pack
every box that leaves the facility.
1
Direct Shipper License
Kentucky law provides a Type A direct shipper license for alcoholic beverages.
2
Third-Party Fulfillment
A licensed direct shipper may use a third party to fulfill shipments.
3
10-Liter Monthly Limit
Kentucky’s statute caps distilled spirits at 10 liters per consumer per month.
21+
Adult Signature Required
The recipient must provide valid identification and someone age 21 or older must sign for the delivery.
Kentucky Didn’t Always Allow This
The modern system developed in stages.
2018
Kentucky passed House Bill 400, allowing visitors at distilleries to ship
purchases home when the destination permitted the shipment.
2020
House Bill 415 went considerably further. The legislation removed the
in-person purchase requirement and established a broader direct-to-consumer
licensing, shipping and tax structure.
Today
Kentucky statutes continue to provide a direct-shipping framework for licensed
alcohol producers, subject to shipping limits, taxes, age verification,
destination restrictions and other requirements.
There’s One Big Catch: Your State Has a Say
Kentucky passing a direct-to-consumer law does not mean a Kentucky distillery can
automatically send bourbon to every doorstep in America.
The destination matters.
Kentucky’s tax statute requires direct shippers to meet the standards of the
destination state. The Kentucky Distillers’ Association also describes spirits
direct-to-consumer shipping as available in reciprocal states.
In other words, a future Buffalo Trace shipping program would still have to determine
where each bottle could legally be sent and comply with the rules in that jurisdiction.
Don’t rely on old state lists.
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association currently has a reciprocal-state list on its
FAQ page, but the list itself is labeled “As of April 1, 2021.” Shipping laws can
change, so eligibility would need to be checked against current law before any
bottle was shipped.
There Are Rules at the Door, Too
Kentucky law requires alcohol shipped under the direct shipper statute to travel by
common carrier.
The package cannot simply be dropped on the porch like a box of paper towels.
The recipient must show valid identification verifying that he or she is at least
21 years old before the package is transferred and a signature must be obtained.
Interestingly, the person signing does not have to be the same person who purchased
the bourbon. The recipient does, however, have to meet the age requirement.
Kentucky also prohibits a direct shipper from sending beverages to an address where
that type of alcohol may not legally be sold or received.
And Then There Are Taxes
Direct shipping doesn’t make the tax man disappear.
Kentucky law treats a direct-shipping sale as occurring at the consumer’s address.
Applicable taxes must be collected and the direct shipper is responsible for meeting
the appropriate tax requirements.
Those requirements can include sales tax, use tax, excise tax, wholesale tax
equivalents, regulatory fees and other applicable assessments.
So What Could a Buffalo Trace Bourbon Club Look Like?
This is where things get fun.
To be clear, Buffalo Trace has not announced that it is creating a paid
bourbon shipping club. We are asking whether fans would want one if the
distillery ever decided to explore the idea.
Kentucky’s DTC framework means a program could theoretically be structured around
direct bottle purchases for eligible members in locations where shipping is legal.
The exact design of any membership program would still have to comply with federal,
Kentucky and destination-state alcohol laws.
Hypothetical Only
The Buffalo Trace Bottle Club
Imagine paying an annual membership fee for special opportunities to buy Buffalo
Trace Distillery bottles and have eligible purchases shipped directly to you.
Member Bottle AccessPeriodic opportunities to purchase selected bottles
Direct ShippingAvailable where state and local laws permit
Limited ReleasesPotential member drawings or purchase windows for special bottles
The Allocated Bourbon Question Changes Everything
A club built only around bottles that are already widely available would probably
be a very different proposition from one that occasionally offered access to
harder-to-find Buffalo Trace products.
Would fans pay $25 or $50 a year simply for the convenience of ordering bottles
directly?
Would $100 be reasonable if membership included opportunities to purchase bottles
normally requiring a trip to the distillery?
And the biggest question of all: would bourbon fans expect membership to include
access to allocated releases?
We want to know where Buffalo Trace Daily readers draw the line.
Buffalo Trace Daily Reader Poll
Would You Pay to Join a Buffalo Trace Bourbon Shipping Club?
Assume membership gives you opportunities to buy bottles directly from the
distillery for shipping where legally permitted. Bottle prices and shipping
would be separate.
Your vote has been recorded. Thanks for weighing in.
We could not save your vote. Please try again.
Buffalo Trace Daily Reader Results
This is an independent Buffalo Trace Daily reader poll. Buffalo Trace Distillery
has not announced a bourbon subscription club and is not affiliated with this poll.
Would Buffalo Trace Ever Do It?
That’s the part we don’t know.
Buffalo Trace currently operates its Frankfort gift shop and an online merchandise
store and offers fans an email newsletter. We found no announcement from the
distillery of a paid direct-to-consumer bourbon membership program.
But Kentucky has already created much of the legal infrastructure necessary for
distilleries to participate in direct-to-consumer shipping.
Whether Buffalo Trace would ever decide to use that framework for a membership club
is another matter entirely.
Judging by how far bourbon fans already travel for certain bottles, though, it is
certainly an interesting question to ask.
Buffalo Trace Daily is not affiliated with Buffalo Trace Distillery or Sazerac.
This article discusses a hypothetical membership program for informational and
reader-discussion purposes only. Alcohol shipping laws vary by jurisdiction and
change over time. Nothing in this article should be considered legal advice.
If you’re planning a trip to Buffalo Trace Distillery, recent bottle availability gives bourbon fans plenty of reason to be excited. For the past 30 days, visitors to the Buffalo Trace gift shop have found at least three of the five bottles tracked daily by Buffalo Trace Daily available every single day, including favorites such as Blanton’s, E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch, Eagle Rare, Single Oak Rye Bourbon, and Weller Antique 107.
The numbers are especially encouraging for out-of-town visitors hoping to buy allocated bourbon at Buffalo Trace. Instead of arriving to find just one allocated option, recent visitors have regularly had several bottles to choose from, and the selection has improved significantly throughout the summer. Special releases including Weller 12 Year, Stagg and E.H. Taylor Jr. Four Grain have also occasionally appeared alongside the regular gift shop lineup.
To see what first-time visitors can realistically expect, Buffalo Trace Daily analyzed 90 days of Buffalo Trace gift shop availability from May 12 through Aug. 9, 2026. We also analyzed the most recent 30 days of Buffalo Trace special releases to see how often they occurred, which bottles were released and whether recent releases show any day-of-week trends.
E.H. Taylor Has Been the Most Consistent Bottle
Buffalo Trace Daily currently tracks five bottles as part of the daily lineup: Blanton’s, E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch, Eagle Rare, Weller Antique 107 and Single Oak Rye Bourbon.
Buffalo Trace Gift Shop Bottle Availability
Availability based on the last 90 days
Bottle
Gift Shop Price
Days Available
Availability
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
$59.99
86of 90 days
95.6%
Weller Antique 107
$59.99
74of 90 days
82.2%
Blanton’s
$74.99
72of 90 days
80.0%
Single Oak Rye Bourbon
$74.99
36of 90 days
40.0%
Eagle Rare
$42.99
23of 90 days
25.6%
What this means:
Availability shows how often each bottle was available at the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop during the most recent 90-day period.
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch has been the most consistently available bottle, appearing on 86 of the past 90 days, or 95.6% of the time. Weller Antique 107 was available on 74 days, or 82.2%, while Blanton’s appeared on 72 days, or 80%.
Eagle Rare has been considerably harder to catch. It was available on just 23 of the past 90 days, giving it a 25.6% availability rate. That makes it the least frequently available of the five bottles tracked and potentially one to prioritize when it does appear.
Single Oak Rye Bourbon’s Release Pattern Has Changed
Single Oak Rye Bourbon is a little different from the other bottles on the list. Earlier in 2026, Buffalo Trace Daily tracked SORB as a special release. That changed when the bottle began appearing much more frequently in July.
Because SORB is now regularly appearing alongside the normal daily allocated lineup, Buffalo Trace Daily has moved it into daily tracking rather than treating every appearance as a special release.
However, that is a Buffalo Trace Daily tracking decision based on recent release patterns. Buffalo Trace Distillery has not officially added Single Oak Rye Bourbon to its listed rotating allocated offerings.
Three or Four Bottles Has Become the Norm
Across the 90-day period, visitors averaged 3.23 of the five tracked bottles available per day. Days with only one or two bottles have become increasingly uncommon.
How Many Bottles Are Typically Available?
Number of tracked bottles available per day during the last 90 days
Bottles Available
Days
Percentage
1 bottle
3days
3.3%
2 bottles
11days
12.2%
3 bottles
42days
46.7%
4 bottles
30days
33.3%
5 bottles
4days
4.4%
80%
of days had 3 or 4 tracked bottles available.That’s 72 of the last 90 days.
At least three tracked bottles were available on 76 of the past 90 days, or 84.4% of the time. Four or all five were available on 34 days.
Three bottles was the most common result, occurring on 42 days, followed by four bottles on 30 days. Together, three-bottle and four-bottle days accounted for 80% of the entire period.
The Selection Has Improved Considerably
The 90-day average doesn’t tell the whole story. Breaking the data into three 30-day periods shows how quickly the daily selection has improved.
Gift Shop Availability Is Trending Up
A look at bottle availability across the three most recent 30-day periods
30-Day Period
Avg. Bottles Per Day
Days With 4+ Bottles
May 12 – June 10
2.63
2of 30 days
June 11 – July 10
3.23
10of 30 days
Latest
July 11 – Aug. 9
3.83
22of 30 days
22
days featured at least four tracked bottles.That’s nearly three out of every four days during the latest 30-day period.
Visitors averaged 2.63 tracked bottles per day during the first 30 days. That climbed to 3.23 during the next period and reached 3.83 bottles per day from July 11 through Aug. 9.
That’s an increase of nearly 46% from the first 30-day period to the most recent one.
The number of days with four or more bottles increased even faster. There were just two such days in the first 30-day period, followed by 10 in the second and 22 in the most recent 30 days.
In fact, there wasn’t a single one-bottle or two-bottle day from July 11 through Aug. 9. Eight days had three bottles, 19 had four and three days had all five. That means 73.3% of the most recent 30 days had at least four tracked bottles available.
Special Releases Happened on 20% of Recent Days
Buffalo Trace also occasionally releases bottles that aren’t part of the normal daily lineup. For these special releases, Buffalo Trace Daily focused on the most recent 30 days to give visitors a better picture of the current pattern.
From July 11 through Aug. 9, a special release occurred on six of 30 days, or 20% of the time.
Recent Buffalo Trace Special Releases
A look at the most recent special bottle drops at the distillery gift shop
Date
Day
Special Release
July 14
Tuesday
Stagg 26A
July 20
Monday
Weller Single Barrel
July 21
Tuesday
Weller C.Y.P.B.
July 22
Wednesday
Weller 12 Year
July 27
Monday
Weller 12 Year
Latest
Aug. 4
Tuesday
E.H. Taylor Jr. Four Grain
6
special release days since July 14.Four of the six releases fell on Monday or Tuesday.
Weller products accounted for four of the six releases, including Weller Single Barrel, Weller C.Y.P.B. and two appearances by Weller 12 Year. The other two releases were Stagg 26A and E.H. Taylor Jr. Four Grain.
Recent Special Releases Have Favored Early in the Week
All six special-release days during the most recent 30-day period fell between Monday and Wednesday.
Special Releases by Day of the Week
Which days have produced special releases during the current period
Day
Special Release Days
Monday
2
Most
Tuesday
3
Wednesday
1
Thursday
0
Friday
0
Saturday
0
Sunday
0
50%
of recent special release days fell on Tuesday.All six special releases occurred Monday through Wednesday.
Tuesday had the strongest recent pattern. Three of the four Tuesdays during the period featured a special release, a 75% rate. Two of the four Mondays also had a special release, along with one Wednesday.
There were no special releases recorded Thursday through Sunday during the same period. That doesn’t establish a Buffalo Trace release schedule, but it does show where releases have recently clustered. For an out-of-town visitor with flexibility in their itinerary, it’s another piece of recent history worth considering.
Special Releases Are a Bonus as Buffalo Trace’s Daily Bottle Selection Grows
Special releases get plenty of attention, but the regular gift shop selection has been the more consistent story.
Twenty-four of the most recent 30 days did not feature a special release. Despite that, visitors averaged 3.83 tracked bottles per day during the period and no day had fewer than three available.
Catching Stagg, Weller 12 Year or E.H. Taylor Jr. Four Grain can make a good visit even better. But visitors traveling to Frankfort shouldn’t view a special release as the only way to have a successful gift shop trip.
How Much Should You Budget?
Bottle prices matter when you walk into the gift shop and discover you have several options.
Buffalo Trace Gift Shop Prices
Current gift shop prices for commonly available tracked bottles
Bottle
Gift Shop Price
Eagle Rare
$42.99
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
$59.99
Weller Antique 107
$59.99
Blanton’s
$74.99
Single Oak Rye Bourbon
$74.99
Price range:
These five bottles currently range from $42.99 to $74.99 at the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop.
Eagle Rare is the least expensive of the five tracked bottles, but it has also been the hardest to catch, appearing on only 25.6% of days during the 90-day period.
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch costs $59.99 and has been available on more than 95% of days, while Blanton’s costs $74.99 and has appeared on four out of every five days. If several bottles are available, those differences can help visitors decide which opportunity may be harder to replace.
Have a Purchase Strategy Before You Arrive
With several allocated bottles regularly available at the same time, first-time visitors should consider arriving with a ranked shopping list rather than focusing on one specific bottle.
Allocated bottles are limited to one of each offering per person per day, meaning visitors can purchase one of each allocated bottle available that day. Buffalo Trace also limits purchases to a total of 12 750ml bottles per person per day. With several allocated offerings regularly available at the same time, visitors should know which bottles are hardest to find at home, how much they want to spend and which bottles are highest on their wish list before they arrive.
Recent availability can help with that decision. Eagle Rare appeared on only 25.6% of the past 90 days, compared with 80% for Blanton’s and 95.6% for E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch.
Special releases should be treated as a bonus. One occurred on 20% of the most recent 30 days, while the regular daily lineup offered at least three tracked bottles every day during the same period.
What Should a First-Time Visitor Expect?
For an out-of-town bourbon fan making a first trip to Buffalo Trace, recent history is encouraging. Across the past 90 days, 84.4% of visits featured at least three tracked bottles.
The more recent trend has been even stronger. Every day during the past 30 days had at least three tracked bottles available and 73.3% had at least four.
The best strategy is simple: know the prices, understand the purchase limits and have a bottle priority list before you arrive. A special release may be the surprise of the trip, but recent history suggests visitors have had plenty to choose from even without one.
When bourbon fans talk about Buffalo Trace’s most sought-after bottles, names like Blanton’s, Stagg and Weller usually dominate the conversation. But tucked quietly into the distillery’s lineup is another bottle that many enthusiasts believe deserves far more attention: Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel Bourbon.
Produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery and bottled by Sazerac, Rock Hill Farms is a 100-proof single barrel bourbon made from the distillery’s famous Mash Bill #2, the same recipe behind favorites like Blanton’s, Elmer T. Lee and Hancock’s President’s Reserve. While it doesn’t generate the same buzz as some of its siblings, many bourbon lovers consider it one of the lineup’s best-kept secrets.
A Bourbon Named for Kentucky History
Rock Hill Farms takes its name from the rich farmland that stretches along the Kentucky River near Buffalo Trace Distillery. According to Sazerac, the limestone-filtered waters that wind through Kentucky’s Bluegrass region help nourish the land and contribute to the character of the bourbon bearing its name.
What Makes Rock Hill Farms Different?
Like other Mash Bill #2 bourbons, every bottle comes from a single barrel, meaning each release offers its own unique personality. It’s bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), giving it a little more body and spice than some of its well-known relatives while remaining approachable enough to sip neat.
The Bottle Is Just as Distinctive
Even if you’ve never tasted Rock Hill Farms, you’ve probably noticed its elegant bottle.
The decanter-style design features etched horses running across rolling Kentucky farmland and is topped with an oversized glass stopper. It has one of the most recognizable presentations in the Buffalo Trace portfolio and looks just as impressive on a shelf as it does in a glass.
Why Is It So Hard to Find?
Like many Buffalo Trace products, availability is the biggest hurdle.
Rock Hill Farms is released in limited quantities, and demand regularly outpaces supply. Although its suggested retail price has historically been around $60, bottles often command significantly higher prices on the secondary market due to their scarcity.
Because it isn’t discussed as frequently as Blanton’s or Elmer T. Lee, it sometimes flies under the radar, making it one of the more rewarding bottles to discover if you happen to spot one at retail.
Is It Worth Hunting?
For fans of Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #2 bourbons, absolutely.
Rock Hill Farms offers everything enthusiasts love about the lineup: single barrel character, balanced sweetness, gentle rye spice and an easy-drinking 100-proof profile. It may not receive the same attention as some of its famous stablemates, but that’s exactly what makes finding one feel like such a victory.
If you ever come across a bottle at a fair price, don’t hesitate. It remains one of Buffalo Trace’s most underrated pours and a reminder that sometimes the quietest bottles leave the biggest impression.
Buffalo Trace Distillery released Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Four Grain on the morning of August 4, making it the first special release of August and it sold out quickly.
The release follows a busy July that featured seven special releases after Buffalo Trace paused any announced drops to address parking and traffic concerns.
In our Buffalo Trace Daily August Special Release Odds, we had August 4 as one of the highest probability dates of the month, and today’s Four Grain release validated that prediction.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, our timing model gives low odds because the gap since today’s release is shorter than the historical average between special releases. However, we have August 5 rated higher than the timing model alone because it is Elmer T. Lee’s birthday, making it a date worth watching.
Here’s the complete list with all winning numbers combined into a single table and sorted from lowest to highest, with the bottle listed in the second column.
A new month means a fresh set of Buffalo Trace Special Release Odds is now available on Buffalo Trace Daily.
Our August projections have been updated to reflect the latest release activity, giving members a day-by-day look at when special releases may be most likely throughout the month. The page also includes an interactive calendar, a complete release history and easy-to-read daily projections.
Best of luck this August, and happy bourbon hunting!
While no prediction can guarantee what Buffalo Trace will release, our odds are designed to help bourbon hunters plan their visits and make the most of every trip.
Planning a Fall Bourbon Trip? Here’s the Easiest Way to Visit Buffalo Trace From Louisville
A transportation option gives bourbon fans a simple way to explore
Louisville, the Kentucky countryside and Buffalo Trace Distillery
without renting a car.
By Buffalo Trace Daily|Louisville, Kentucky|Fall Travel Guide
Crisp mornings, changing leaves and cool bourbon weather make fall one
of the most beautiful times of year to explore Louisville and Kentucky
Bourbon Country.
Louisville makes an ideal home base for an autumn bourbon getaway thanks
to its walkable downtown, restaurants, bourbon bars and urban distillery
experiences. Visitors can spend an evening exploring Whiskey Row, then
head into the Kentucky countryside the next morning for a tour of one of
the world’s most recognizable distilleries.
Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort is often near the top of a bourbon
fan’s travel list. The historic property is home to brands including
Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, Weller, Stagg and E.H. Taylor Jr. During the fall,
its brick warehouses and tree-lined grounds offer a particularly scenic
backdrop for a Kentucky bourbon trip.
The challenge for travelers staying in Louisville has traditionally
been transportation. Buffalo Trace is located roughly an hour from
downtown, meaning many visitors have needed a rental car, private driver
or designated driver to make the trip.
Buffalo Trace Distillery becomes an especially scenic destination
when Kentucky’s fall colors arrive.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon Tour Details
The Buffalo Bus experience is designed as a convenient half-day trip,
allowing visitors to tour Buffalo Trace and return to Louisville with
plenty of time left for dinner, cocktails or another downtown bourbon
experience.
Tour at a Glance
Starting Price$89 per guest
Pricing shown for select dates and departure times.
DurationApproximately 4.5 hours
A convenient half-day addition to a Louisville trip.
Example DepartureSeptember 10, 2026
Thursday at 9 a.m.
Louisville Pickup210 West Liberty Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Round-trip transportation allows guests to enjoy the tour and tasting
without worrying about the drive back to Louisville.
Why Fall Is a Great Time for a Bourbon Trip
Autumn brings cooler temperatures that make outdoor walking tours
more comfortable, while Kentucky’s changing leaves add color to the
drive between Louisville and Frankfort.
The season is also perfect for enjoying a pour after a day of
sightseeing. Visitors can tour Buffalo Trace during the day, then
return to Louisville for dinner, cocktails and more bourbon
experiences downtown.
Because fall is a popular season for Bourbon Country travel, booking
tours and transportation in advance can help travelers secure the
dates that work best for their trip.
Make a Fall Weekend of It in Louisville
The Buffalo Trace tour can serve as the centerpiece of a longer fall
getaway. Louisville offers enough bourbon, food and entertainment
options to fill the rest of the weekend without requiring another long
drive.
Whiskey Row
Churchill Downs
Louisville Slugger Museum
Old Forester Distilling Co.
Angel’s Envy
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Visitors can stay downtown, explore Louisville on foot and use the Mint
Julep tour for their Buffalo Trace day trip. That means more time
enjoying Kentucky and less time worrying about directions, parking or
who will drive after the tasting.
Downtown Louisville provides a walkable home base for a fall Bourbon
Country getaway.
Plan Your Visit
Book a Fall Buffalo Trace Tour From Louisville
For travelers staying in Louisville, the tour offers an easy way to
visit Buffalo Trace Distillery with transportation, a guided tour,
tasting and gift shop time included.
Win the Chance to Choose Your Own Buffalo Trace Barrel
The August 3 Sazerac Barrel Select drawing could unlock a private distillery
experience, a guided barrel tasting and the opportunity to choose a barrel
that is entirely your own.
For bourbon fans, few experiences compare to selecting a personal barrel
at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Sazerac Barrel Select gives members the chance
to do exactly that, with private barrel opportunities from Sazerac
distilleries around the world.
The next Sazerac Barrel Select drawing will take place on
August 3 and the featured Buffalo Trace brands include
Stagg, Weller, and
E.H. Taylor, Jr..
Being selected is more than an opportunity to purchase bottles. It is a
chance to step inside the barrel selection process, taste bourbon directly
from multiple barrels and choose the one that best matches your palate.
Your Account Number Is What Gets Drawn
Sazerac Barrel Select drawings are based on members’
SBS account numbers. To be eligible for the August 3
drawing, log in to your account and make sure each brand you would be
prepared to select is marked “Ready to Purchase.”
Only choose brands you are genuinely ready to purchase if your account
number is selected.
Your barrel pick begins with an exclusive, private and personalized
tour of Buffalo Trace Distillery.
2
Taste Several Barrels
You will join distillery experts in the tasting room and sample bourbon
from three to four different barrels.
3
Select Your Favorite
After comparing each barrel, you will choose the one that stands out as
your personal favorite.
Every barrel has its own flavor profile, yield and personality. That means
the bottles from your selection reflect the exact barrel you tasted and
chose during the experience. Your journey truly can be as one-of-a-kind as
your barrel.
Buffalo Trace Barrels Featured in the August 3 Drawing
Stagg
Estimated Price Per 750ml$61.99
Average Barrel Yield125 Bottles
Estimated Barrel Price$7,748.75
DistilleryBuffalo Trace
Minimum Age8 Years
ProofBarrel Proof
Spirit TypeBourbon
Barrel TypeAmerican Oak
Rich, sweet chocolate and brown sugar flavors mingle with bold rye
spiciness. The long finish carries hints of cherries, cloves and
smokiness.
E.H. Taylor, Jr.
Estimated Price Per 750ml$71.99
Average Barrel Yield186 Bottles
Estimated Barrel Price$13,390.14
DistilleryBuffalo Trace
Minimum Age9 Years
Proof100
Spirit TypeBourbon
Barrel TypeAmerican Oak
Lightly toasted oak leads into dried figs and butterscotch. Sweetness is
balanced with tobacco and dark spices before a finish that invites
another sip.
W.L. Weller Full Proof
Estimated Price Per 750ml$66.99
Average Barrel Yield175 Bottles
Estimated Barrel Price$11,723.25
DistilleryBuffalo Trace
Minimum Age6 Years
Proof114
Spirit TypeBourbon
Barrel TypeAmerican Oak
Vanilla, dark cherries and caramel lead the aroma. The palate balances
caramel with toasted oak before a long finish of crème brûlée and
chocolate.
W.L. Weller Antique 107
Estimated Price Per 750ml$60.99
Average Barrel Yield192 Bottles
Estimated Barrel Price$11,710.08
DistilleryBuffalo Trace
Minimum Age6 Years
Proof107
Spirit TypeBourbon
Barrel TypeAmerican Oak
Sweet floral notes pair with vanilla before opening into fruit, a strong
vanilla undertone and sharp spice with a cinnamon finish.
A Note About Barrel Pricing
The bottle and barrel prices shown above are estimates. Please note, the
price you will pay per bottle is agreed between you and your selected
retailer.
Make Sure You Are Ready Before August 3
Log in to your Sazerac Barrel Select account, review your brand
preferences and mark the barrels you are prepared to purchase as
“Ready to Purchase.” Then watch for your SBS account
number when the drawing takes place.
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.
Planned Weller Full Proof release is announced, then canceled.
June 29
Stagg 26B released.
July 6
Daniel Weller Spelt Wheat released.
July 7
Special release continues.
July 14
Additional special release.
July 20
Additional special release.
July 21
Additional special release.
July 22
Additional special release.
July 27
Next Frankfort Board of Commissioners meeting.
Aug. 10
Earliest likely public work session if a proposal is ready.
Aug. 24
Earliest potential vote if city approvals become necessary.
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.
Meet the artists performing during the remaining 2026 Backyard Sessions
at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Discover what each performer is known for,
their style of music and the songs to hear before the show.
Before You Go:
Concert space is first come, first served. Bring a chair or blanket.
Outside food and drinks are not permitted. The Gift Shop and John G.
Carlisle Cafe remain open until 7:30 p.m. Special bottle purchases are
not included with concert reservations.
JUL232026
NEXT CONCERT
Tyra Madison
Modern Country • Country Pop • Powerful Storytelling
What She Is Famous For
Kentucky native Tyra Madison gained national attention when
her emotional country song “Right Girl Wrong Time” went viral.
The breakout track earned more than 14 million streams and
helped establish Madison as a rising country artist known for
powerhouse vocals, candid lyrics and songs about relationships,
resilience and growing up in Kentucky.
What She Sounds Like
Madison combines polished Nashville country production with
country-pop hooks, big vocals and conversational lyrics. Her
catalog moves between vulnerable heartbreak songs, playful
attitude-driven tracks and proudly Kentucky-centered music.
Start With These Songs
Right Girl Wrong TimeCowboy KillerPlead the FifthKentucky in MeWhiskey SourParty Girl
Best for fans of: Lainey Wilson, Carly Pearce,
Megan Moroney and modern country with a strong female point of view.
Americana • Country Rock • Soulful Singer-Songwriter
What She Is Famous For
Madison Hughes introduced herself to a national audience on
NBC’s The Voice, where her country interpretation of
Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” turned multiple chairs.
Her original music has since earned attention through Spotify’s
New Music Friday Country and Billboard’s country recommendations.
What She Sounds Like
Hughes blends country, Americana, rock and soul. Her warm,
weathered vocal style gives her music a rootsy quality, while
her songwriting leans into emotional honesty, restless freedom
and complicated relationships.
Start With These Songs
You or the WhiskeyI Deserve a DrinkMeet Me in the WoodsSomeday SongMystery HighwayAll That I Am
Best for fans of: Bonnie Raitt, Elle King,
Chris Stapleton and bluesy Americana with a country backbone.
Contemporary Country • Romantic Ballads • Nashville Songwriting
What He Is Famous For
Kentucky singer-songwriter Kelsey Hart scored his breakthrough
with “Life With You,” a viral love song that became a country
radio hit. Before stepping into the spotlight, Hart wrote songs
recorded by artists including Jake Owen, Dylan Scott and Trace
Adkins. He made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2024.
What He Sounds Like
Hart delivers accessible modern country built around a deep,
sturdy voice and direct storytelling. His music ranges from
sentimental wedding-ready ballads to upbeat radio country,
small-town stories and playful romantic songs.
Start With These Songs
Life With YouFireworksFlannelLove to Be That GuyAnything Like YouWithout You in It
Best for fans of: Lee Brice, Dylan Scott,
Chris Young and heartfelt country-radio love songs.
Americana • Folk Rock • Bluegrass-Inspired Roots Music
What They Are Famous For
Formed in the Binghamton, New York area, Driftwood developed a
national following through energetic live performances and a
contemporary interpretation of American roots music. The band
has appeared on programs including NPR’s
Mountain Stage and built its sound around guitar,
banjo, violin, upright bass, drums and shared vocals.
What They Sound Like
Driftwood mixes folk, Americana, bluegrass and rock-and-roll
energy. Some songs are intimate and harmony-driven, while
others become fast, rhythmic performances designed for a
lively outdoor crowd.
Start With These Songs
The Sun’s Going DownSkin and BoneTalkin’Conquering ManLay Like You DoEvery Which Way but Loose
Best for fans of: The Avett Brothers,
Old Crow Medicine Show, The Lumineers and energetic roots music.
Lexington-based Magnolia Boulevard has become known for
powerhouse lead vocals, expressive slide guitar and a live
show rooted in Kentucky’s musical traditions. The group calls
its sound “Appalachian rock ’n’ soul” and has built a following
through touring, festival appearances and genre-blending
original music.
What They Sound Like
Their music begins with blues, soul and rock, then folds in
country, funk, folk, bluegrass, psychedelia and jam-band
improvisation. Expect gritty guitar work, strong grooves and
soulful vocals that can move from restrained to thunderous.
Start With These Songs
Goin’ HomeIt’s About Damn TimeSparkle & FallStrong Willed WomenSpellboundAnything
Best for fans of: Tedeschi Trucks Band,
Grace Potter, Susan Tedeschi and Southern rock jam sessions.
Formed in Erie, Pennsylvania in 2016, Smilo & The Ghost
developed a devoted following through deeply personal songs
about recovery, survival, loss and the experiences people carry
with them. The group’s catalog includes
Ghost Writers, Fingers Crossed & Godspeed
and Twang & Fire.
What They Sound Like
Their music blends alt-country, folk, Americana and bluegrass
instrumentation with the urgency of punk-influenced songwriting.
Sets can shift from hard-driving foot stompers to vulnerable,
triumphant ballads.
Rowdy Country • Country Rock • Kentucky Storytelling
What She Is Famous For
Booneville, Kentucky native Taylor Austin Dye built a large
following through candid, hard-hitting country songs shared
online. Her breakout track “Rest in Peace” reached No. 1 on
the iTunes country chart. Her albums
Out of These Hills and Sick of Me helped
push her catalog beyond 40 million streams before she made her
Grand Ole Opry debut in 2024.
What She Sounds Like
Dye combines traditional country storytelling with rock-edged
production, a raspy powerhouse voice and lyrics that rarely
soften the blow. Her songs tackle revenge, heartbreak,
resilience, family history and life in rural Kentucky.
Start With These Songs
Rest in PeaceDamage ControlWater Me DownSick of MeEchoAlmost Oklahoma
Best for fans of: Ashley McBryde,
Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson and country music with teeth.
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.
Now Give Your Full Blanton’s Collection the Display It Deserves
Finding every Blanton’s stopper can take months or even years. This handcrafted barrel stave display turns the full B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S run into a finished centerpiece instead of another row of bottles crowded onto a shelf.
You Collected All Eight. Don’t Hide Them in a Cabinet.
Once the final stopper is in your hands, the hunt deserves a proper ending. This display keeps every bottle level and evenly spaced while giving the complete horse and jockey stopper set its own dedicated row.
Handmade Bourbon Décor for Serious Collectors
These handcrafted barrel stave pieces are made for bourbon rooms, home bars, collector displays and gifts that feel worthy of the bottles they hold.
Blanton’s Bottle & Stopper Display
You tracked down every letter, checked countless stopper tops and finally completed the full Blanton’s run. This handcrafted barrel stave display gives the collection the payoff it deserves.
Each bottle has its own secure space so the complete lineup stays level, organized and evenly spaced. A dedicated stopper row displays all eight horse and jockey toppers in order, turning the hunt itself into part of the presentation.
The display also includes six additional bottle spaces for Blanton’s Gold, Straight From the Barrel, Weller, Pappy Van Winkle or any other bottles you want beside the completed set.
Built for Weller fans, this six-bottle barrel stave display turns a hard-earned lineup into a clean, organized centerpiece. It is ideal for displaying Weller Special Reserve, Antique 107, Full Proof, 12 Year, Single Barrel or C.Y.P.B.
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.
This charred oak whiskey barrel clock brings statement-piece energy to a bourbon room, office, bar wall or man cave. It combines functional décor with a handcrafted whiskey-barrel look that feels more personal than mass-produced wall art.
Each handmade stave is unique in size, color and curve. The engineered base keeps the inverted stave stable while five included candles turn it into an eye-catching centerpiece for a table, bar or bourbon room.
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.
Allocated Bourbon Has Changed Dramatically at Buffalo Trace
Not long ago, visitors hoped Buffalo Trace would have a single allocated bottle waiting in the gift shop. Today, it’s increasingly common to find multiple allocated brands available during the same visit. By analyzing every daily release from January 2025 through June 2026, clear trends have emerged showing how often Blanton’s, E.H. Taylor Jr., Small Batch, Eagle Rare and Weller Antique 107 have appeared in the Gift Shop.
The biggest change isn’t just more release days, it’s more choices per visit. In 2026, visitors have not only seen allocated bourbons offered more often, but they’re also far more likely to find multiple allocated bottles available at the same time. Below, you’ll see how availability has changed month by month, which bottles have increased the most and why 2026 has become the best period Buffalo Trace Daily has tracked for buying allocated bourbon.
E.H. Taylor Jr., Small Batch
E.H. Taylor Small Batch is one of the clearest examples of how dramatically Buffalo Trace’s gift shop availability has changed over the past 18 months.
During the first half of 2025, the distillery released E.H. Taylor Small Batch 74 times, averaging 12.3 release days per month. That total was affected by the 17-day flood closure in April 2025, when the gift shop was closed and the bottle appeared just four times.
Once operations returned to normal, availability surged. From July through December 2025, E.H. Taylor Small Batch was released 133 times, averaging 22.2 release days per month. That’s an 80% increase over the first half of the year and marked the start of a much more frequent release schedule.
E.H. Taylor Jr., Small Batch Release Volume by Six-Month Period
Each line tracks E.H. Taylor Jr., Small Batch release volume by month within a six-month period. Month 1 is the first month of that period and Month 6 is the last.
74Jan-Jun 2025
133Jul-Dec. 2025
168Jan-Jun 2026
Jan-Jun 2025 Total: 74 releases
Jul-Dec. 2025 Total: 133 releases
Jan-Jun 2026 Total: 168 releases
Source: Buffalo Trace Daily release tracking
The trend continued into the first half of 2026, when E.H. Taylor Small Batch was released 168 times, averaging 28 release days per month. That’s a 26% increase over the second half of 2025 and a 127% jump from the first half of 2025. Available on about 93% of gift shop days, it has evolved from an occasional find into one of the distillery’s most consistently available allocated bourbons.
E.H. Taylor Jr., Small Batch Percent of Days Available by Month
Each box shows the percentage of days E.H. Taylor Jr., Small Batch was available during that month.
LowerHigher
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2025
32%10 days
25%7 days
45%14 days
13%4 days
55%17 days
73%22 days
65%20 days
74%23 days
70%21 days
71%22 days
80%24 days
74%23 days
2026 YTD
90%28 days
100%28 days
87%27 days
93%28 days
90%28 days
97%29 days
—
—
—
—
—
—
Source: Buffalo Trace Daily release tracking
Blanton’s Single Barrel
Blanton’s availability has steadily increased over the past 18 months, reflecting the broader trend of improving supply at the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop.
During the first half of 2025, Blanton’s was released 57 times, averaging 9.5 release days per month. Those numbers were affected by the 17-day flood closure in April 2025, when the gift shop closed and release opportunities were reduced.
In the second half of 2025, releases climbed to 88 days, averaging 14.7 release days per month. That’s a 54% increase over the first half of the year and marked the beginning of a more consistent release schedule.
The trend continued into the first half of 2026, when Blanton’s appeared 123 times, averaging 20.5 release days per month. That’s another 40% increase over the second half of 2025 and a 116% jump from the first half of 2025, making Blanton’s significantly easier to find than it was just 18 months earlier.
Blanton’s Release Volume by Six-Month Period
Each line tracks Blanton’s release volume by month within a six-month period. Month 1 is the first month of that period and Month 6 is the last.
57Jan-Jun 2025
88Jul-Dec. 2025
123Jan-Jun 2026
Jan-Jun 2025 Total: 57 releases
Jul-Dec. 2025 Total: 88 releases
Jan-Jun 2026 Total: 123 releases
Source: Buffalo Trace Daily release tracking
Unlike the days when visitors could go weeks without seeing Blanton’s on the shelves, the bottle has become a much more common sight at the gift shop. While demand remains incredibly strong, Buffalo Trace has been able to keep pace by offering Blanton’s on far more days than it did just one year earlier.
Percent of Days Available by Month
Each box shows the percentage of days bottles were available during that month.
LowerHigher
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2025
19%6 days
32%9 days
32%10 days
13%4 days
45%14 days
47%14 days
48%15 days
42%13 days
53%16 days
52%16 days
53%16 days
39%12 days
2026 YTD
58%18 days
68%19 days
71%22 days
60%18 days
87%27 days
63%19 days
—
—
—
—
—
—
Source: Buffalo Trace Daily release tracking
Eagle Rare
Unlike Blanton’s and E.H. Taylor Small Batch, Eagle Rare has not experienced the same dramatic increase in gift shop availability over the past 18 months.
During the first half of 2025, Eagle Rare was released 42 times, averaging seven release days per month. Although the 17-day flood closure in April 2025 reduced release opportunities, availability increased only modestly once the gift shop reopened.
From July through December 2025, Eagle Rare appeared 56 times, averaging 9.3 release days per month. That was a 33% increase over the first half of the year, but well below the gains seen with Blanton’s and E.H. Taylor Small Batch.
The first half of 2026 produced 48 release days, averaging eight per month. While that’s still 14% higher than the first half of 2025, it also marks a 14% decline from the second half of 2025, making Eagle Rare the only core allocated bourbon that has not maintained an upward trend.
Eagle Rare Release Volume by Six-Month Period
Each line tracks Eagle Rare release volume by month within a six-month period. Month 1 is the first month of that period and Month 6 is the last.
42Jan-Jun 2025
56Jul-Dec. 2025
48Jan-Jun 2026
Jan-Jun 2025 Total: 42 releases
Jul-Dec. 2025 Total: 56 releases
Jan-Jun 2026 Total: 48 releases
Source: Buffalo Trace Daily release tracking
That doesn’t necessarily mean Eagle Rare has become scarcer. Instead, Buffalo Trace appears to have maintained a steady release cadence while significantly expanding availability of other highly sought-after bottles. One possible explanation is that some inventory has shifted to the new Eagle Rare 12 Year, though the distillery has not confirmed that. Visitors still have better odds of finding Eagle Rare than before the flood-affected first half of 2025, but it hasn’t seen the same growth as Blanton’s or E.H. Taylor Small Batch.
Eagle Rare Percent of Days Available by Month
Each box shows the percentage of days Eagle Rare was available during that month.
LowerHigher
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2025
29%9 days
21%6 days
13%4 days
10%3 days
32%10 days
33%10 days
39%12 days
32%10 days
23%7 days
35%11 days
30%9 days
23%7 days
2026 YTD
26%8 days
25%7 days
23%7 days
27%8 days
29%9 days
30%9 days
—
—
—
—
—
—
Source: Buffalo Trace Daily release tracking
As Buffalo Trace continues balancing production across its portfolio, Eagle Rare appears to be holding steady rather than leading the charge in increased gift shop availability.
Weller Antique 107
No bottle better illustrates Buffalo Trace’s expanding gift shop selection than Weller Antique 107.
During the first 11 months of 2025, Weller Antique 107 wasn’t offered at all. It debuted in December with four release days, signaling a major shift in the distillery’s allocated bourbon lineup.
That expansion accelerated in 2026. During the first six months of the year, Weller Antique 107 was released 93 times, averaging 15.5 release days per month. Availability climbed from nine release days in January to 29 in June, with every month after January posting double-digit release days.
Unlike the other bottles in this analysis, there isn’t a meaningful first-half-versus-second-half comparison for 2025 because Weller Antique 107 wasn’t part of the regular gift shop rotation. Instead, Buffalo Trace didn’t just increase releases of existing allocated bourbons—it added a highly sought-after bottle that quickly became one of the gift shop’s most frequently available offerings.
Weller Antique 107 Release Volume by Six-Month Period
Each line tracks Weller Antique 107 release volume by month within a six-month period. Month 1 is the first month of that period and Month 6 is the last.
0Jan-Jun 2025
4Jul-Dec. 2025
93Jan-Jun 2026
Jan-Jun 2025 Total: 0 releases
Jul-Dec. 2025 Total: 4 releases
Jan-Jun 2026 Total: 93 releases
Source: Buffalo Trace Daily release tracking
For visitors, that’s a significant change. Every day Weller Antique 107 appears is an additional opportunity that didn’t exist just months earlier. Combined with the increased availability of Blanton’s and E.H. Taylor Small Batch, the addition of Weller Antique 107 strengthens the case that today’s bourbon market is offering enthusiasts more chances than ever to purchase sought-after bottles directly from the distillery.
Weller Antique 107 Percent of Days Available by Month
Each box shows the percentage of days Weller Antique 107 was available during that month.
LowerHigher
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2025
0%0 days
0%0 days
0%0 days
0%0 days
0%0 days
0%0 days
0%0 days
0%0 days
0%0 days
0%0 days
0%0 days
13%4 days
2026 YTD
29%9 days
43%12 days
39%12 days
40%12 days
61%19 days
97%29 days
—
—
—
—
—
—
Source: Buffalo Trace Daily release tracking
Rather than competing for the same limited selection that existed a year ago, visitors now have another premium bourbon appearing regularly in the gift shop. It’s another sign that availability is improving even as demand for Buffalo Trace products remains strong.
2026 Has Given Bourbon Buyers More Options Per Visit
The biggest change at the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop is not just that allocated bottles are showing up more often. It is that visitors are increasingly seeing multiple allocated products available on the same day.
During the first half of 2025, most open days still featured only one allocated bottle option. By the first half of 2026, that flipped dramatically. Nearly every open day included two or more allocated products, and days with three or four options became far more common.
For visitors planning a trip, the odds have shifted dramatically. You’re no longer hoping Buffalo Trace has an allocated bourbon, you have a realistic chance of choosing between several.
95.5%of open days had 2+ options in 2026
41.6%of open days had 3 or 4 options in 2026
Period
Open Days
Total Allocated Bottle Appearances
Avg. Options Per Open Day
Jan–Jun 2025
162
224
1.38
Jul–Dec 2025
179
363
2.03
Jan–Jun 2026
178
432
2.43
“Total allocated bottle appearances” counts how many allocated products were offered across all open days. It does not represent total bottle inventory.
Period
1 Option Days
2 Option Days
3 Option Days
4 Option Days
2+ Option Days
Jan–Jun 2025
104
54
4
0
58
Jul–Dec 2025
14
147
17
1
165
Jan–Jun 2026
7
97
63
11
171
That shift matters for buyers. In early 2025, the typical gift shop visit often meant one allocated bottle choice. In 2026, shoppers were much more likely to have several options on the same day, whether that meant Blanton’s, E.H. Taylor, Eagle Rare, Weller Antique 107 or another allocated release appearing alongside it.
The number of days with three or four allocated options also exploded. The first half of 2025 had only 4 days with three or more allocated products. The second half of 2025 had 18 days. The first half of 2026 jumped to 74 days.
The bottom line: 2026 has not just been a better year because allocated bourbon appeared more often. It has been better because visitors had more choices when they walked into the gift shop. For buyers hoping to find something allocated, 2026 has been the strongest year Buffalo Trace Daily has tracked for having more options to buy.
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
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.
For the first time ever, the 1792 brand is expanding beyond bourbon with the introduction of 1792 Straight Rye Whiskey. Bottled at 100 proof and produced at Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, the new release promises a balanced combination of baking spice, light caramel sweetness and a smooth finish designed for both sipping and cocktails.
WhiskeyStraight Rye
Proof100
Bottle Size750 mL
MSRP$39.99
A New Chapter for 1792
Until now, every permanent release under the 1792 name has been bourbon. That changes with the arrival of 1792 Straight Rye Whiskey, the brand’s first dedicated rye expression. Rather than simply increasing the rye content in a bourbon recipe, this is a true straight rye whiskey, giving fans an entirely new experience while maintaining the premium image that has made the brand popular.
According to the official product description, the whiskey offers notes of warm baking spices balanced by light caramel sweetness before finishing smooth and approachable. At 100 proof, it should have enough character for classic cocktails like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned while remaining enjoyable neat or over a large ice cube.
The bottle will be produced by Barton 1792 Distillery, one of Kentucky’s oldest operating distilleries. Barton has built a reputation for delivering excellent value across its lineup, and the $39.99 suggested retail price positions this rye as an attractive option for both longtime 1792 collectors and anyone looking to explore rye whiskey without spending premium shelf prices.
Although an official nationwide release date has not yet been announced, federal label approval has already been granted and the bottle has begun appearing in retailer inventory systems, suggesting the launch is getting closer.
Quick Facts
First rye whiskey ever released under the 1792 brand.
Produced at Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Bottled at 50% ABV, or 100 proof.
750 mL bottle.
Suggested retail price of $39.99.
Flavor profile highlights baking spice, caramel sweetness and a smooth finish.
Designed for sipping or cocktails.
Buffalo Trace Daily Take:
The 1792 lineup has earned a loyal following through its bourbon releases, making this one of the brand’s most significant product launches in years. At 100 proof and under $40, 1792 Straight Rye has the potential to become one of the better value rye whiskies on the market if it delivers on the flavor profile described by Barton.
Unlock our complete Buffalo Trace special release history, tracking every confirmed Gift Shop drop from late 2020 through today, along with exclusive premium content created to help you stay one step ahead of future releases.
For just $7.99 per year, you’ll get members-only access to historical release data, exclusive special release odds, in-depth analysis and insider tools built for serious Buffalo Trace fans and bourbon collectors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Screenshot
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.
The World Cup Is Here. These 10 Bourbon Glasses Are Perfect for Celebrating It
Team USA opened the 2026 World Cup with a win, and there are still weeks of matches ahead. If you’re planning to follow the tournament all the way through July, a great bourbon glass can make every kickoff feel a little more special.
USA 4, Paraguay 1Final • June 12 • Group D
USA vs. AustraliaJune 19 • 3 p.m. ET • Seattle Stadium
USA vs. TurkeyJune 25 • 10 p.m. ET • Los Angeles Stadium
The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 through July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The World Cup is not a casual background-noise sporting event. It is an emotional siege with national pride, dramatic stoppage time and at least one person yelling at the television like the referee can hear them.
So yes, the glass matters. A good bourbon rocks glass should feel heavy, look sharp, hold a proper pour and add a little personality to every match. The World Cup only comes around every four years, so why not enjoy it with a glass that feels worthy of the occasion?
Top 10 Bourbon Rocks Glasses for Team USA Watch Parties
Here is our take on the 10 best bourbon rocks glasses for enjoying the 2026 World Cup, ranked from No. 10 all the way to our favorite overall pick. Please note, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
No. 10
Officially Authorized FIFA World Cup 2026 Whiskey Glass
This collectable 8 oz premium heavy base glass earns a spot because it is built around the tournament itself, complete with an embedded gold trophy detail. It is smaller than some of the other options, but that makes it a fun keepsake glass for a neat pour during the biggest World Cup moments.
This 10 oz old fashioned bourbon rocks glass brings the patriotic look without being too polished or precious. The distressed flag design gives it a rugged watch-party feel, which makes it a solid pick for fans who want something more casual but still very Team USA.
Official 2026 FIFA World Cup 12 oz Insulated Tumbler
This stainless steel, reusable tumbler made the list because not every World Cup drink is poured at home in front of the TV. It is dishwasher safe and crafted for everyday use, making it the best option for tailgates, patios, travel days or anyone who wants their bourbon setup to survive a little chaos.
This on-the-rocks whiskey glass works because the 2026 World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary happen in the same summer, which gives it extra meaning beyond the match itself. It feels like a glass you buy for the tournament but keep pulling out for Fourth of July pours and special bottles long after the final whistle.
Punisher Skull American Flag Patriotic Whiskey Glass
This 10 oz thick bottom rocks glass is for the fan who wants something bold, heavy and not remotely subtle. The engraved American flag skull design gives it a tougher edge than the cleaner patriotic glasses, making it a strong choice for bourbon drinkers who like their glassware with a little attitude.
This bald eagle 11 oz rocks glass lands in the top five because it feels patriotic without needing a team logo plastered across it. The eagle design gives it a classic American look, while the 11 oz size leaves enough room for bourbon, ice and a proper celebratory pour when Team USA gives fans something to cheer about.
This American flag whiskey glass is the perfect size at 11 oz to enjoy bourbon, making it a strong top-five pick for World Cup watch parties. It has enough room for a clean pour and an ice cube without feeling oversized, while the flag design gives it an obvious Team USA feel without needing to shout.
This 14 oz rocks glass belongs near the top because it is the most obvious match-day choice for a true Team USA fan. The bold graphics and sleek design make it feel official without being fussy, and the larger size gives you plenty of room for bourbon and ice during a full 90-minute emotional spiral.
This 11 oz whiskey glass earns the runner-up spot because it feels like true upgrade glassware, not just another novelty cup. The diamond-wheel engraved and polished design gives it a luxury feel, making it ideal for anyone who wants a patriotic glass that still looks refined enough for a better bottle.
This 6 oz lowball rocks glass takes the No. 1 spot because it combines the cleanest Team USA soccer look with the kind of simple, low-profile shape that feels made for a neat bourbon pour. The black USA shield logo is sharp without being too loud, which makes it the best overall glass for fans who want their World Cup pour to look intentional, patriotic and bourbon-worthy.
If you want one easy way to make a World Cup bourbon pour feel ridiculous in the best possible way, use soccer ball ice molds. Drop one into a rocks glass and suddenly your drink has theme, drama and main-character energy.
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.
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.
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.
I Visited 10 Frankfort Liquor Stores on June 6, 2026 Looking for Pappy, Stagg and Weller. Here’s What I Found
Buffalo Trace Distillery is the obvious first stop for many bourbon fans visiting Frankfort, but some of the bottles people dream about rarely show up at the distillery gift shop.
So I went hunting around Frankfort liquor stores to see what was actually sitting on shelves, what was priced to move and what was priced like a museum piece.
What I was looking for: Weller Full Proof, Weller Single Barrel, Weller 12 Year, Elmer T. Lee, Stagg, BTAC bottles and the Van Winkle lineup. These are the bottles bourbon fans ask about constantly because they are rarely released directly at Buffalo Trace Distillery.
The Search
This was not a perfect price survey. It was a real world Frankfort bourbon run on June 6, 2026, which means inventory can change by the hour, prices can vary and some stores may be willing to negotiate depending on the bottle.
The biggest thing I learned is that Frankfort has plenty of allocated bourbon on shelves, but there is a big difference between finding a bottle and finding a bottle at a price that makes sense.
An Interesting Frankfort Reality: Unlike Louisville, Lexington and many larger Kentucky cities, Frankfort does not really have a major big box liquor retailer competing for allocated bourbon customers. The closest thing is Kroger, which is why both Frankfort Kroger locations stood out during this visit. Many independent liquor stores had impressive allocated selections, but Kroger was often the place where bottles were actually priced to sell. That lack of big box competition may help explain why some allocated bottles sit on shelves longer and why pricing can vary dramatically from one store to the next.
Kroger Brighton Park
Best everyday pricingGreat Buffalo Trace values
Kroger was one of the better stops for normal pricing. They had boxes of Weller Special Reserve and Buffalo Trace at very good prices, along with a couple of E.H. Taylor Small Batch bottles still left.
The selection of other bourbon was solid too. One employee said they had just received Blanton’s and Eagle Rare, but those went quickly.
This is the kind of stop that makes sense if you want a fair shot at something useful without paying glass case pricing.
Ocean Breeze had one of the strongest allocated displays I saw. They had the Weller rainbow, an E.H. Taylor vertical, some BTAC bottles, Van Winkle bottles, Stagg and Elmer T. Lee.
The catch was the pricing. This was the most impressive selection, but also one of the highest priced stops.
If you want to physically see heavy hitter bottles in one place, this is worth a stop. If you are hunting a deal, this probably is not where I would start.
Epic Liquor was one of the more surprising stops because the allocated shelf was inside a Shell gas station.
This was the first place I saw Pappy 23 and Pappy 15, along with some BTAC bottles and large format bottles. The selection was eye catching, but the prices looked like they were meant to keep the bottles on the shelf.
This is a good stop for bourbon sightseeing, especially if you want to see bottles that rarely appear in the wild.
Discount Tobacco and Liquor had some big bottles, but the pricing felt more like display pricing than move it today pricing.
It is still worth checking because these small stores can surprise you, especially if you are looking for something specific and are willing to ask questions.
Capital Cellars is downtown near the main square and several better restaurants, so it is a convenient stop if you are already eating or walking around Frankfort.
It felt more wine and bar focused than bourbon hunting focused. I would not make it my first allocated bottle stop, but the location makes it easy to add to a downtown route.
Weller Special Reserve, Buffalo Trace, E.H. Taylor Small Batch
Best everyday pricing
Ocean Breeze Liquor
Weller rainbow, E.H. Taylor vertical, BTAC, Van Winkle, Stagg, Elmer T. Lee
Highest pricing
Epic Liquor
Pappy 23, Pappy 15, BTAC, large format bottles
Priced to keep on shelf
HWY 127 Liquor
Bigger bottles at better prices
Best pricing spotted
Red Dot Liquor
Selection and possible negotiation
High, but flexible
Biggest Takeaways
Frankfort has no true big box liquor retailer. Kroger is the closest thing, which makes it one of the most important stops for bourbon hunters.
The lack of big box competition may contribute to higher allocated bottle pricing throughout the area.
Negotiating matters. Some stores may have room on high priced allocated bottles.
Prices closer to the distillery tend to run higher.
Elmer T. Lee and Stagg were commonly seen around the $230 to $260 range when pricing in town. $150 to $160 further out at Hwy 127 Liquor.
E.H. Taylor verticals and Weller rainbow displays were easier to find than expected, but usually priced high.
Pappy and Van Winkle bottles were not everywhere, even at museum pricing.
HWY 127 Liquor had the best pricing I saw, though it was the furthest stop.
Kroger remains one of the best places to find fair pricing, but the hardest bottles usually move fast.
Final Thoughts
Frankfort is still one of the most interesting bourbon towns to shop because you are right in Buffalo Trace territory, but that does not mean allocated bottles are easy or cheap.
One thing that became clear during this trip is that Frankfort operates differently than Louisville or Lexington. There is no Total Wine, Liquor Barn or other major big box liquor retailer competing for allocated bourbon customers. Kroger is probably the closest thing Frankfort has to a large volume bourbon retailer, and that helps explain why the independent stores have so much influence on local pricing.
The good news is that if you are visiting Frankfort and looking for bottles like Weller Full Proof, Weller Single Barrel, Weller 12 Year, Elmer T. Lee, Stagg, BTAC or Van Winkle, there are stores where you can at least see them.
The bad news is that seeing them and buying them at a comfortable price are two very different things.
My best advice is to check several stores, ask politely, compare prices and do not assume the first bottle you see is the best deal you will find. In Frankfort, the real hunt may begin after you leave the distillery.
Note: Inventory and pricing can change quickly. This guide is based on one Frankfort area bourbon run on June 6, 2026 and should be used as a starting point, not a guarantee of current availability.
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.
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.
A day by day guide to bourbon events in Frankfort and Bardstown for fans planning tastings, tours, cocktail stops, concerts and special experiences.
Frankfort: June 12 to 19 • Bardstown: June 14 to 21
Frankfort Bourbon Week
Frankfort’s bourbon week lineup centers on downtown events, bourbon history, distillery experiences, cocktail stops, local businesses and a limited tasting event at the Capital City Museum.
Friday, June 12
Bourbon Celebration Concert
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Downtown Frankfort
Details: Frankfort kicks off Bourbon Week with a downtown concert featuring Sam Williams.
MusicDowntown
Saturday, June 13
Simon House Bourbon Ball Gala
Time: Beginning at 6:30 PM
Location: The Ashbrook, downtown Frankfort
Details: The gala includes tasting stations, hors d’oeuvres paired with select Jim Beam bourbons, a guest speaker, online silent auction, live music and a cash bar.
Tickets: $75 per person. Limited availability.
TastingDowntown
June 12 to 19
The Frankfort Cocktail Passport
Details: Visit participating bars and restaurants, collect passport stamps, vote for your favorite version of The Frankfort cocktail and enter for prizes.
Brown Barrel
Capital Cellars
The Cooperage
Cypress & Oak
Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe
Serafini
Dicey Riley’s Irish Pub
Mortimer Bibbs
The Kentucky Hug
Howser Tavern
The Ashbrook
Engine House Coffee
Doc Crow’s Social
HOC Bourbon Library
Limewater Bistro
POURter’s
Sig Luscher
CocktailDowntown
June 12 to 19
Self Guided Bourbon History Walking Tour
Location: Downtown Frankfort
Details: Follow the story of Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. through downtown Frankfort with a self guided walking tour focused on bourbon history, architecture and local legacy.
TourDowntown
Monday to Saturday
Capital City Museum Bourbon Exhibit
Time: 10 AM to 4 PM
Admission: Free
Details: The exhibit highlights bourbon’s role in Frankfort and Franklin County, including the brands, workers, jobs and local industries shaped by bourbon.
MuseumDowntown
June 12 to 19
Bourbon Belle Boat Tours
Details: Bourbon Belle experiences include the Old Taylor Tour, Trace Tour, Bourbon History Tour and Bourbon and Boats River Tour and Taste.
TourTasting
June 12 to 19
Frankfort Distillery Experiences
Details: Bourbon fans can build their own schedule around Frankfort area tours and experiences.
Buffalo Trace Distillery Tours
Castle & Key Tours
J. Mattingly Tours
Larrikin Bourbon Tours
Whiskey Thief Tours
Bespoken Spirits
Rebecca Ruth Bourbon Ball Candy Tour
Tour
Friday, June 19
A Taste of History: Exclusive Bourbon Experience
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Capital City Museum, 325 Ann Street
Details: Limited to 20 people. Hosted with Dave Sandlin of HOC: A Bourbon Library, Capital City Museum and Freddie Johnson of Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Includes: Rare and premium bourbons, notable bourbon personalities and historic bourbon artifacts.
Age: 21+ only. Valid ID required.
TastingDowntown
Bardstown National Bourbon Week
Bardstown’s National Bourbon Week runs June 14 to 21, 2026, with distillery events, downtown celebrations, special tastings, food pairings, concerts and bourbon focused experiences.
Sunday, June 14
Elijah Craig National Bourbon Day Celebration
Location: Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience
Details: A National Bourbon Day celebration at Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown.
Event times, ticket availability and schedules may change. Check each official event page before making plans. Bourbon events are intended for guests 21 and older where alcohol is served.
Unlock full access to Buffalo Trace Daily’s complete special release history, including every known release since late 2020, our June 2026 Special Release Odds Forecast, and premium members-only analysis designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
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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.
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
E.H. Taylor Warehouse C Bourbon
E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Rye
E.H. Taylor Seasoned Wood
E.H. Taylor Amaranth Grain of the Gods
E.H. Taylor Old Fashioned Sour Mash
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.
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.
Bourbon hunters were in for a surprise today as multiple visitors reported Stagg being sold at the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop.
The release was not widely expected, making it one of the more exciting surprise drops seen at the distillery recently. Social media quickly filled with photos and reports from visitors who were lucky enough to grab a bottle before supplies disappeared.
Stagg remains one of the most sought-after Buffalo Trace releases, with bottles often difficult to find at retail. Anytime it appears at the distillery, lines and excitement usually follow.
As always, Buffalo Trace bottle availability can change quickly and surprise releases often sell out fast. For many bourbon fans, today turned into an unexpected and memorable trip to Frankfort.
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.
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.
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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.
According to the posted notice, purchases are limited to one bottle per person every 90 days, which suggests this release is being handled more like a special allocation rather than a standard shelf regular—at least for now.
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 Limit: 1 bottle per person, every 90 days Availability: While supplies last
We’ll keep tracking how often this shows up and whether it starts appearing in a more regular rotation.
There is growing speculation that Buffalo Trace Distillery may be preparing a special release tied to the Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Single Barrel Bourbon, with attention centered around a potential drop window beginning May 13.
The discussion gained momentum after a Whiskey Weather video highlighted signals pointing toward an upcoming commemorative release tied to Elmer T. Lee’s legacy and Buffalo Trace’s recent activity schedule.
The speculation is further supported by Buffalo Trace Distillery’s scheduled Whiskey Wednesdays events in May:
Wednesdays Whiskey Wednesdays May 13, May 20, May 27 all day Guests will be offered complimentary samples of a new soon to be announced release served throughout the day. Bottles will also be available for purchase in the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop in limited quantities.
The timing of the first Whiskey Wednesday on May 13 is what has fueled much of the current conversation. The language “new, soon to be announced release” suggests a product already in production and being selectively previewed before wider availability. Given Buffalo Trace’s history of using distillery-only events to introduce allocated or commemorative bourbons, collectors are watching closely for confirmation that this aligns with a major heritage release.
One of the most discussed possibilities is the Elmer T. Lee 40 Year Anniversary Single Barrel Bourbon, which has already appeared in retail and early listing channels as a highly limited, barrel proof commemorative release. It is described as uncut, unfiltered, and bottled at barrel strength around 127.8 proof, consistent with earlier Buffalo Trace single barrel experimental and tribute style releases tied to legacy figures in the distillery’s history. (Buffalo Trace Daily)
The commemorative angle is significant because Elmer T. Lee is one of the most influential figures in modern bourbon history. He pioneered the concept of single barrel bourbon with Blanton’s in 1984, fundamentally changing how premium bourbon was positioned in the market. (Buffalo Trace Distillery) A 40 year anniversary bottling aligns directly with that timeline and would serve as a symbolic extension of that legacy.
At this stage, there is no official confirmation from Buffalo Trace that the Whiskey Wednesdays release is specifically the Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary bottle. However, the combination of three factors is driving speculation:
First, the Whiskey Wednesdays sampling of a “new, soon to be announced release” beginning May 13 Second, ongoing label activity and retailer listings tied to a 40th anniversary Elmer T. Lee expression Third, the limited nature of Buffalo Trace distillery shop releases, which often precede broader awareness or confirmation
Until Buffalo Trace formally announces the product, this remains speculative. Still, the alignment of dates, event structure, and recent labeling activity has made May 13 the focal point for collectors anticipating a significant Buffalo Trace heritage release.
We want to make something crystal clear to our readers and followers:
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Recently, scammers have been pretending to be Buffalo Trace Daily on social media, contacting bourbon fans and offering hard to find bottles for sale. These fake accounts may use our name, our logo, or images from our website to look legitimate.
It’s a scam.
Here’s the truth:
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If anyone claiming to be Buffalo Trace Daily:
Offers to sell you bourbon Requests payment through apps, gift cards, crypto, or wire transfer Sends direct messages about “limited bottles available” Claims they can ship allocated bourbon to you
It is not us.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Only trust updates published on www.buffalotracedaily.com ✅ Ignore suspicious direct messages ✅ Never send money to social media sellers claiming to represent us ✅ Report fake accounts impersonating Buffalo Trace Daily
We built Buffalo Trace Daily to help bourbon fans stay informed, not to sell products. We appreciate everyone who has alerted us about these fake accounts.
Stay sharp, and don’t let scammers cash in on bourbon hype.
A commemorative 375mL Sazerac Barrel Select bottle of Blanton’s is now available, giving collectors and bourbon lovers a rare chance to grab a unique edition of one of Kentucky’s most sought after bottles.
This limited release comes in a smaller 375mL format, making it a standout addition for collectors or anyone looking to enjoy a special pour without committing to a full size bottle.
Important details: • 375mL commemorative Sazerac Barrel Select bottle of Blanton’s • Limit one bottle per person, per year • Available while supplies last
As always with special Sazerac releases, bottles are expected to move quickly.
If Blanton’s is on your bourbon bucket list, this is one worth chasing.
Big changes could be coming to Buffalo Trace Distillery according to the Herald Leader.
It seems Buffalo Trace is planning its next big move and it could be a game changer for bourbon fans.
Newly released details show the distillery is preparing a nearly $60 million expansion project called Project Cardinal, centered around a new hand bottling craft distillery and immersive tour experience. The goal is to connect visitors with the historic roots of whiskey making while giving guests a closer look at the craftsmanship behind every bottle. The new tour is expected to remain free to the public. (Lexington Herald Leader)
The project is slated to begin development in mid 2026 with completion targeted for December 2028. Plans also include infrastructure upgrades, improved accessibility, and new guest experience additions as Buffalo Trace pushes toward welcoming more than 1 million visitors each year. The expansion is expected to create dozens of new jobs and further cement the distillery as one of Kentucky’s top bourbon destinations. (Lexington Herald Leader)
For fans of Blanton’s, Weller, Eagle Rare, and everything coming out of Buffalo Trace Distillery, this is another sign that the distillery is thinking bigger than ever.
Buffalo Trace’s May release calendar is starting to take shape and early signals suggest it could be one of the busiest months of the year. A handful of key dates are already locked in, giving a clear starting point for what’s ahead.
Oaks Day, the Friday before the Kentucky Derby, is expected to kick things off with Buffalo Trace’s annual 375mL Blanton’s release, a one-day-only drop featuring a special sticker and typically priced around $40, while supplies last.
Later in the month, Buffalo Trace has confirmed Whiskey Wednesdays on May 13, 20, and 27, where guests can enjoy complimentary samples of a new, soon-to-be-announced release served all day. Bottles will be available for purchase in limited quantities in the Gift Shop, with vouchers distributed each morning on a first come, first served basis. No reservations are required and participants must be 21 or older.
But the real story goes beyond the confirmed dates. Release activity has steadily climbed in 2026, rising from 6 in February to 8 in March and 10 in April, signaling a clear upward trend. Based on that pace, May is projected to fall in the 8 to 10 release range.
With Oaks Day and three Whiskey Wednesday drops accounting for 4 known releases, that leaves an estimated 4 to 6 additional releases still unaccounted for this month.
And those remaining drops are where things get interesting.
Want the full breakdown? Our projections map out the exact timing windows, release probabilities and most likely bottle candidates for those remaining May drops. Unlock the Buffalo Trace Daily Special Release Odds for May, 2026 here.
Buffalo Trace dropped a special release today with the latest in its Experimental Collection, a 15 year old Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon. This limited release was filled at a lower barrel entry proof to explore how it changes flavor over time, then aged for 15 years before bottling.
At $46.99 for a 375 mL bottle, this one is a rare chance to grab a well aged wheated bourbon without the huge price tag. If you were at the distillery today and picked one up, you scored big.
Welcome to the most important draft in America right now. Forget quarterbacks. Forget edge rushers. This is your shot to build the ultimate dream team to land that one mythical, blink-and-it’s-gone unicorn bourbon bottle.
You’re on the clock. Who are you trusting in the parking lot at 5:12 a.m. on a random Wednesday… when everything is on the line?
We scouted. We evaluated. We judged harshly.
Now it’s your turn to draft your squad of four (1 from each round).
Here are the 32 elite bourbon tater prospects, give us your team!
🏈 ROUND 1: ELITE ACQUISITION TALENT
1. Lawn Chair Lieutenant Larry Skill: Line Territory Control — Establishes a spot before sunrise and defends it like it’s inherited land. Grade: A+
2. Drop Day Decoder Dylan Skill: Pattern Recognition — Reads release cadence, truck days, and holiday gaps like a playbook. Grade: A
3. Double Back Dave Skill: Re-Entry Timing — Masters the art of stepping away and sliding back into position without losing ground. Grade: A-
4. Gift Shop Scout Scott Skill: Reconnaissance — Picks up on employee behavior, box movement, and subtle signals before a drop. Grade: A
5. Line Gap Hunter Greg Skill: Opportunity Spotting — Identifies weak spots in the line and capitalizes instantly. Grade: A-
6. Storm Chaser Shane Skill: Weather Advantage — Shows up when no one else will. Thrives in miserable conditions. Grade: A
7. Whisper Network Will Skill: Info Gathering — Quietly collects intel from conversations without ever oversharing. Grade: A-
8. Barrel Radar Brett Skill: Product Awareness — Knows what’s likely dropping based on timing and recent patterns. Grade: A
🏈 ROUND 2: STRONG STARTERS
9. First In Frank Skill: Arrival Discipline — Always early enough to matter. Never risks missing the front. Grade: A
10. Rotation Ryan Skill: Coverage Strategy — Coordinates with others to hold line presence all day. Grade: A-
11. Coffee Run Kevin Skill: Resource Support — Keeps the team fueled without sacrificing position. Grade: B+
12. Quiet Watcher Wes Skill: Situational Awareness — Notices everything. Says nothing. Moves at the right moment. Grade: A
13. Clipboard Casey Skill: Tracking & Notes — Logs drops, patterns, and outcomes for smarter future plays. Grade: B+
14. Parking Lot Pivot Pete Skill: Adaptive Positioning — Adjusts instantly when lines shift or new info hits. Grade: A-
15. All Day Andy Skill: Endurance — Can stay locked in from open to close without fading. Grade: A-
16. Patience Paul Skill: Wait Game Mastery — Never leaves early. Wins by simply outlasting others. Grade: A
Good news for anyone making the trip to Buffalo Trace Distillery today. Weller Full Proof is the featured bottle in the gift shop release lineup.
This is one of the more sought after Weller expressions and it does not show up as often as some of the standard daily rotation bottles. If you are heading to the distillery today there is a solid chance to grab one while supplies last.
As always releases are limited and availability can change quickly depending on traffic and demand so earlier visits usually give you the best opportunity.
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.
According to the posted notice, purchases are limited to one bottle per person every 90 days, which suggests this release is being handled more like a special allocation rather than a standard shelf regular—at least for now.
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 Limit: 1 bottle per person, every 90 days Availability: While supplies last
We’ll keep tracking how often this shows up and whether it starts appearing in a more regular rotation.
When Food & Wine reported earlier this month that Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection: Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon would be available at the distillery gift shop beginning in April 2026, that immediately put the bottle on the short list of releases to watch before month’s end. The bottle was described as a gift shop exclusive and part of the 28th entry in Buffalo Trace’s Experimental Collection.
As of Saturday, April 18, that release still has not appeared in the gift shop based on the release data through today. That leaves just 12 days remaining in April. If Food & Wine’s reporting proves accurate in the narrowest possible sense, and the bottle must appear before the calendar flips to May, the simplest way to frame the odds is this: one bottle, 12 days, 1 in 12. That is not a predictive model. It is only the cleanest calendar based baseline.
What makes the bottle so interesting is not just the timing but the specifications. According to Food & Wine, this Experimental Collection release is a 15 year old wheated bourbon made from Buffalo Trace’s proprietary wheated mash bill. It entered the barrel at 105 proof rather than the distillery’s more typical 114 proof, was aged on the first floor of Warehouse H, lost 62 percent to evaporation over time and was bottled at 107 proof. It is also reportedly being sold exclusively through the gift shop in a 375 milliliter format with a suggested retail price of $47.
That lower 105 entry proof is the entire point of the experiment. Food & Wine notes that the approach was partly inspired by pre Prohibition practices, when whiskey often entered the barrel below 110 proof. Buffalo Trace then chose to bottle this release at 107 proof after chill filtration rather than the 90 proof used on some prior Experimental Collection releases. In other words, this is not simply another wheated bourbon. It is a controlled test of how lower barrel entry proof shapes long term maturation, concentration and texture in a wheated profile.
So the practical question becomes: if it has not landed by April 18, what does the recent release pattern suggest about the remaining window?
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Today was a big one at Buffalo Trace Distillery as E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof hit the gift shop as the special release. This uncut, unfiltered favorite is bottled straight from the barrel and packed with bold caramel, oak, and spice. When Barrel Proof shows up, it doesn’t last long, making today a win for anyone lucky enough to grab a bottle.
Apologies for getting this update out later than usual today. The Buffalo Trace Gift Shop has already closed for the day, but Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel was the featured bottle release earlier today.
The bottle was priced at $89.99 with a limit of one per person, per day.
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.
Sorry again for the late notice today. We will be watching closely and ready to share tomorrow’s update as soon as it becomes available.
Bardstown, Ky. (March 18, 2026) – – – Kentucky Bourbon Festival announced tickets for the 2026 festival will go on sale April 14 with early-access for “Bourbon Insiders” on April 13. The festival will offer multiple ticket tiers, from Bourbon Taster general admission weekend passes to premium VIP experiences. The 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival is Sept. 10-13 in Bardstown, Ky., the Bourbon Capital of the World. The festival brings bourbon enthusiasts from all over the globe to celebrate the spirited history and craft of bourbon during National Bourbon Heritage Month. For more information, visit www.kybourbonfestival.com.
“Reaching the milestone 35th anniversary is a testament to the continued support of our distillery partners and the growing passion of bourbon enthusiasts worldwide,” said Randy Prasse, president and COO of the festival. “The ability to sample and purchase limited releases and other hard-to-find bourbons directly from the distilleries is what has established KBF as the must attend whiskey experience each year.”
The KBF will offer a total of six ticket options this year. From the single-day Sunday Sampler and the Bourbon Taster general admission weekend passes to premium and extremely limited, exclusive VIP experiences including the Oris President’s Club. All passes offer unlimited re-entry to the festival, sampling from more than 60 Kentucky distilleries, access to exclusive single-barrel selections, engaging programs with industry experts, and expanded dining options.
Bourbon enthusiasts attending can purchase special release bottles directly from distilleries, including exclusive “Distillers’ Row Series” single-barrel releases handpicked by the Kentucky Bourbon Festival team and available only at the festival. To make it easier to enjoy this experience, lockers are available to store your treasures until you are ready to leave.
The festival’s popular programming returns with 17 premium events in The Great Tent — hear from master distillers as they talk about mashbills, secondary finishes and even how their distilleries came to be; or enjoy a variety of culinary and cocktail programming with chefs and mixologists. All attendees also have access to 13 Bourbon:30 sessions held throughout the weekend.
Festival attendees can also immerse themselves in the “bourbon lifestyle” all weekend long, with special offerings from quality purveyors like Oris timepieces, Jacob Bromwell flasks, Clayton & Crume leather goods and Retro 51 writing instruments. Sip and shop at The Bourbon Marketplace, an always-popular feature that will bring more than a dozen bourbon-themed vendors into this year’s Bourbon Capital Bites area.
The festival’s VIP packages have proved very popular — selling out within 3 minutes in 2025. All VIP packages include daily early entry, crystal Glencairn glassware, one bourbon locker, bottle signings by master distillers, one ticket to Bourbon in the Air on Thursday, Sept. 10, and access to the VIP Lodge, with premium catering and exclusive neat pours and cocktails not available elsewhere.
The Oris President’s Club — the festival’s exclusive year-round membership — also includes access to the Brindiamo Penthouse overlooking the festival grounds, a spring bourbon experience, fall/winter KBF reception, 3-night stay at The Trail Hotel in Bardstown, private shuttle service to the festival and a limited edition Oris watch. Oris President’s Club members also receive all other VIP experience amenities during the festival.
“As we continue to shine the spotlight on our distillery partners, we hope it is evident that we also invest a lot of thought, creativity, and money in the guest experience,” said Randy Prasse, president and COO of the festival. “Every year, our team explores ways to make improvements, and we cannot wait to welcome enthusiasts back to the Bourbon Capital of the World in just a few short months.”
This year’s featured distillery is New Riff Distilling and other major sponsors include The Koetter Group, Joseph & Joseph Architects, KPFF Engineers, Oris.
Ticket prices range from $225 for three-day Bourbon Taster passes to $1,495 for the VIP Decanter Club and $6,995 for the ultimate VIP experience, the Oris President’s Club —limited to just 30 guests. Premium events are priced individually and will go on sale with admission packages.
KBF Insiders — those who subscribe to the festival’s e-newsletter — will be able to purchase tickets on April 13, with a discounted $205 price for weekend Bourbon Taster general admission passes. Sales open to the public on April 14; VIP packages are expected to sell out quickly.
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Sept. 10-13, 2026) is a celebration of Kentucky Bourbon and the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Kentucky. What began as a Bourbon tasting dinner has grown into a truly authentic experience that brings together bourbon enthusiasts from all over the world. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is one of the Commonwealth’s leading cultural festivals. For more information, visit kybourbonfestival.com.
Big news from the company behind Sazerac Company and Buffalo Trace Distillery. Its long planned Tennessee whiskey operation officially has a name and a timeline.
Sazerac has revealed that its Tennessee whiskey I’m inproject will operate under the name AJ Bond Distillery. This marks a major milestone as the company prepares to release its first Tennessee whiskey later in 2026.
For fans who follow expansion moves across the Buffalo Trace universe, this is one of the more interesting developments outside Kentucky in years.
What Is AJ Bond Distillery
The newly named AJ Bond Distillery represents Sazerac’s formal entry into the Tennessee whiskey category.
The name honors longtime distilling collaborators Allisa Henley and the late John Lunn whose partnership helped shape the mashbill and production approach behind the upcoming whiskey.
The project itself is not brand new. Sazerac first entered the Tennessee whiskey space back in 2016 when it acquired the former Popcorn Sutton distillery facility and began building production capacity. Since then the operation has relocated to La Vergne Tennessee expanded equipment and continued laying down barrels for future releases.
Now the first official brand release is expected this summer.
Why This Matters for Bourbon Fans
While this is not a Buffalo Trace release it absolutely matters to anyone following Sazerac’s long term whiskey strategy.
Sazerac already produces some of the most sought after American whiskeys through its Kentucky portfolio including Buffalo Trace Bourbon Eagle Rare W L Weller Bourbon and E H Taylor Jr Bourbon.
Adding a Tennessee whiskey line gives the company a foothold in another major American whiskey category one traditionally dominated by Jack Daniel’s.
This signals Sazerac is not just expanding production it is expanding categories.
Part of a Much Bigger Expansion Strategy
The Tennessee distillery announcement fits into a broader pattern.
Over the past year Sazerac has continued investing heavily across its United States operations including new production sites aging warehouses and infrastructure upgrades designed to support long term whiskey demand.
In other words the company clearly expects the next generation of American whiskey drinkers to have more choices and more supply than the last.
What We Are Watching Next
Here is what bourbon fans should keep an eye on
The name of the first Tennessee whiskey brand Mashbill details Age statement if any Distribution footprint at launch Whether limited experimental releases follow soon after
Sazerac has already confirmed additional expressions and exploratory releases are part of the long term plan for the distillery.
Our Take
Buffalo Trace fans already know Sazerac plays the long game.
Between ongoing Kentucky expansion new tourism projects and now a dedicated Tennessee whiskey distillery preparing its first release the company continues building one of the deepest American whiskey pipelines in the industry.
If the Tennessee whiskey coming out of AJ Bond carries even a fraction of the reputation behind its Kentucky cousins this could quickly become one of the most watched launches of 2026.
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.
According to the posted notice, purchases are limited to one bottle per person every 90 days, which suggests this release is being handled more like a special allocation rather than a standard shelf regular—at least for now.
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 Limit: 1 bottle per person, every 90 days Availability: While supplies last
We’ll keep tracking how often this shows up and whether it starts appearing in a more regular rotation.
The latest Sazerac Barrel Select (SBS) drawing results are now official, and selected members are being invited behind the speakeasy door inside the Warehouse D Annex at
Buffalo Trace Distillery for a private barrel selection experience.
Participants chosen in the April drawing will take part in a guided tasting featuring expressions from the Buffalo Trace Distillery Prohibition Collection, followed by the opportunity to select a barrel as part of this limited-access member experience.
Reminder: Winning members will see their allocation appear in their account approximately 24 hours after account numbers were posted.
Limited-Time Member Shop Now Live
The limited-time Sazerac Barrel Select Collection is currently available inside the Buffalo Trace Distillery Online Shop for eligible members. Anyone who successfully entered the secret password can retrieve their discount code directly from their SBS dashboard.
Brands Included in the April Drawing
Eligible members were automatically entered if their profiles were marked “Ready to Purchase” and included participating brands in their preferences by April 5.
Buffalo Trace
Winning Account Numbers
2067
2632
4369
5053
5198
5343
5732
5801
7794
9555
9561
9718
9825
11415
11553
13242
13497
13754
15328
15669
16688
16819
17354
20580
20913
22894
23088
23386
23645
25665
27317
27612
28361
30647
30950
31187
31414
31736
32633
33134
33544
34131
35866
36089
37378
37388
37523
38075
38128
38209
39931
42157
42347
42544
43547
43894
44608
45903
48411
48724
49111
49981
55046
56913
59422
59768
60236
60375
63064
63911
70583
72250
74100
78171
79453
79917
79926
80575
82038
82295
82329
90216
90828
90910
91766
94222
96170
98287
101424
101895
103224
104823
111529
117510
121238
123959
126080
128792
130806
142859
Important Next Steps for Winners
Allocations appear approximately 24 hours after posting
Selection order depends on drawing position and availability
Barrel selection experiences can be scheduled after allocation acceptance
Winners purchase bottles from their selected barrel through their preferred retailer
If your number appears above, log into your SBS profile to confirm your allocation and schedule your Warehouse D Annex experience.
Visitors to the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop today were treated to a welcome surprise: Old Charter Oak “Finest Oak” Kentucky Straight Bourbon showing up on the shelves.
This bottle comes from the experimental and collector-favorite Old Charter Oak series, a lineup created to explore how different oak species and barrel construction influence bourbon flavor. Rather than changing mash bills, Buffalo Trace keeps the whiskey consistent and lets the wood itself tell the story. (The Whiskey Wash)
What Makes “Finest Oak” Different
The Finest Oak release focuses on carefully selected American white oak sourced from Canton Cooperage and air-seasoned to highlight classic bourbon structure and depth. The result is a profile that leans into traditional notes like vanilla, caramel, spice, and toasted oak—hallmarks of Buffalo Trace’s Mashbill #1 recipe. (LoveScotch.com)
Unlike some of the more exotic entries in the series (French Oak, Mongolian Oak, Spanish Oak), this expression celebrates the best version of the oak most bourbon fans already love.
Why This Is a Notable Gift Shop Appearance
The Old Charter Oak lineup is released in limited quantities and often rotates quietly through the distillery gift shop without advance notice. These bottles don’t follow the daily standard rotation schedule, which makes sightings like today’s especially interesting for collectors and visitors tracking what’s appearing on the counter.
For anyone building out a Charter Oak vertical—or just wanting something outside the typical Buffalo Trace lineup—this is a strong pickup when available.
Quick Details
Series: Old Charter Oak
Expression: Finest Oak
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Barrel type: Select American white oak
Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Availability: Seen today at the gift shop
If you’re heading to the distillery this week, this is one to keep an eye out for. Gift shop appearances from the Charter Oak series don’t always last long.
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.
According to the posted notice, purchases are limited to one bottle per person every 90 days, which suggests this release is being handled more like a special allocation rather than a standard shelf regular—at least for now.
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 Limit: 1 bottle per person, every 90 days Availability: While supplies last
We’ll keep tracking how often this shows up and whether it starts appearing in a more regular rotation.
If you strip away the labels and look purely at the numbers, something quietly disruptive is happening at Buffalo Trace Distillery. The latest Experimental Collection release, Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon, lines up almost identically with Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year in all the ways that usually matter most to collectors. Both are aged 15 years. Both are bottled at 107 proof. Both come from the same wheated mashbill lineage that defines W.L. Weller and fuels the entire Pappy ecosystem. On paper, this should not be a conversation. It should be a tie. But it is not even close, because one variable changes everything, and Buffalo Trace knows exactly what it is doing by isolating it.
The Experimental release was barreled at 105 proof, significantly lower than the standard 114 entry proof used for Pappy and Weller. That difference is not cosmetic. It fundamentally alters how the whiskey evolves over 15 years. Lower entry proof means more water enters the barrel at the start, which slows extraction, softens tannin development and can create a more integrated balance between oak, sweetness and texture over time. After 15 years and a massive 62 percent loss to evaporation, what remains is not just concentrated bourbon, it is bourbon shaped by a completely different maturation path. In contrast, Pappy follows a proven structure designed to deliver boldness, consistency and the profile people expect. Same age. Same proof. Different chemistry, different outcome.
That is where this stops being about tasting notes and starts becoming about strategy. Buffalo Trace has spent nearly 20 years using the Experimental Collection to isolate variables like entry proof, warehouse placement and grain composition, but the real purpose is not just research. It is market intelligence. They are watching what people talk about, what sells out instantly and what commands attention beyond the distillery gates. The pattern has already revealed itself. Experiment first. Measure reaction. Scale what works. The Single Oak Project followed this path, and it is now evolving into something far more permanent. That tells you everything you need to know about how seriously they treat these “experiments.”
Now layer that onto the wheated category, which is already the most sought after lane in bourbon. If a lower entry proof profile like this resonates with drinkers, it is not difficult to see how it could evolve into a new premium extension under the Weller umbrella or a standalone limited line that sits between Weller and Pappy. The infrastructure is already there. The demand is already proven. All that is left is deciding when to pull the trigger.
The distillery only release strategy makes this even clearer. By keeping Experimental bottles largely confined to the gift shop, Buffalo Trace creates a controlled testing ground where demand, pricing tolerance and consumer behavior can be measured in real time. It drives tourism, reinforces exclusivity and allows the brand to introduce high concept releases without committing to full scale distribution. This is not about squeezing consumers. It is about segmentation. They are building layers, from everyday shelf bottles to mid tier Weller, to high end Pappy, to ultra niche Experimental releases and potentially beyond.
And that brings us to the uncomfortable question sitting at the center of all this. If you are holding a 15 year, 107 proof wheated bourbon from the Experimental Collection and a bottle of Pappy 15, what are you actually paying for? Because the traditional answer has always been simple. You pay for Pappy because it is Pappy. It carries decades of reputation, scarcity and cultural weight that no new release can replicate overnight. But this Experimental bottle challenges that logic in a way few releases ever have. It offers a different expression of the same DNA, one that could, depending on your palate, deliver a softer, more nuanced and potentially more interesting experience than the standard profile.
In my opinion, that is where things actually tilt in Buffalo Trace’s favor, not against it. The distillery has been investing heavily in expansion, adding new rickhouses and increasing production capacity, including upgrades that effectively doubled still output over time. That matters, because it suggests these experiments are not just theoretical. They could eventually be produced at scale. If that happens, the real win for consumers is not choosing between Pappy and an experimental unicorn, it is having access to more high quality wheated bourbon options without relying entirely on impossible allocations or inflated secondary prices.
For collectors, the answer will still lean toward the label. Pappy’s ceiling is driven as much by mythology as it is by liquid, and that is not changing anytime soon. But for drinkers, especially those who actually open their bottles, the equation is shifting. If a lower entry proof, long aged wheated bourbon can match or even outperform expectations at a more accessible price point, it forces a reevaluation of what value really means in this category.
So should consumers be excited about where this is heading? I think so. More experimentation paired with increased production capacity creates the potential for more availability, more variety and a better overall experience for people who just want to drink great bourbon. Not every release will be cheap, and Buffalo Trace will continue to position premium products where demand supports it, but the long term direction points toward more opportunity, not less.
The bigger takeaway is this. The Experimental Collection is no longer just a curiosity. It is a signal. It is where Buffalo Trace Distillery is quietly shaping the next era of bourbon, testing not just how whiskey can taste, but how it can be produced, scaled and eventually put into more hands. We do not know exactly when this Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon will be released, but it is expected to land through the distillery gift shop like past Experimental drops, making it one to keep an eye out for. And if that vision plays out, the most interesting bottle in the room might not just be the rarest one. It might be the one you can actually buy.
After nearly three decades as one of the most ambitious bourbon experiments ever attempted, the legendary Single Oak Project from Buffalo Trace Distillery is returning in a new way. This time, it looks less like a one time experiment and more like the beginning of a continuing release series that collectors and daily gift shop watchers should keep on their radar.
A Reminder of What Made the Single Oak Project Special
When the Single Oak Project launched in 1999, the goal was simple but ambitious: determine exactly how individual production variables influence bourbon flavor. To be do that, Buffalo Trace selected 96 individual oak trees and split each into top and bottom halves, creating 192 unique experimental barrels. Each barrel tested combinations of grain size, stave seasoning time, char level, entry proof, mash bill, warehouse type, and tree cut location. Thousands of whiskey fans later submitted tasting notes across the project’s life span. One barrel eventually stood out above the rest. Barrel #80 became the fan favorite and is now the foundation for the next chapter of Single Oak.
The First Bottle in the New Era
The newly announced Single Oak Rye Bourbon follows the winning Barrel #80 blueprint and marks what appears to be the first release in an ongoing Single Oak series rather than a one time experiment. Key details reported about the release include aging around eight years, bottling at 90 proof, and a suggested retail price near $75 for a 375ml bottle. Early tasting notes highlight caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, orchard fruit, baking spice, and a smooth caramel forward finish. Instead of producing another 192 separate experimental bottles, Buffalo Trace is now applying what it learned and scaling the winning formula into something repeatable. That is a major shift for collectors and everyday drinkers alike.
Watch the Single Oak Project Background Here
If you have followed the original experiment over the years, this video helps explain just how detailed and ambitious the project really was.
Why This Bourbon Expression is Unique
The original Single Oak Project tested seven major variables that influence bourbon flavor
mash bill
entry proof
stave seasoning time
grain size
char level
tree cut position
warehouse type
Few distilleries have ever attempted something this controlled on this scale. Even fewer have turned the results into a long term release strategy. What makes this especially interesting is that Buffalo Trace is not just revisiting the experiment. They are building a new release series from the exact combination that drinkers voted as the best. That means fans are no longer just reading about the results of the experiment. They are getting a chance to taste the winning formula themselves. It also strongly suggests more Single Oak variations could follow in the future, possibly exploring different mash bills, char levels, seasoning times, or warehouse environments. In other words, the experiment is continuing in a way bourbon fans can actually experience.
Will It Show Up at the Buffalo Trace Gift Shop
There is strong reason to believe it will. Reports indicate limited nationwide distribution, but bottles tied closely to research projects and Experimental Collection releases frequently appear at the Buffalo Trace Visitor Center during early rollout phases.
Based on past patterns and how the distillery has handled specialty launches recently, it would not be surprising to see Single Oak Rye Bourbon make periodic appearances in the gift shop rotation as availability expands. For visitors tracking daily releases, this is absolutely one to watch.
The original Single Oak Project bottles became instant collector pieces because each barrel represented a different flavor experiment. This version represents something different and possibly even more important. Buffalo Trace is turning the results of one of the largest bourbon experiments ever conducted into a continuing release platform. That makes this bottle both a milestone in bourbon research history and a realistic opportunity for enthusiasts to experience the winning formula themselves.
We Saw Signs Of This Earlier This Year
Back in January, we included the Single Oak Project in our annual prediction article about what Buffalo Trace Distillery might be preparing next. At the time, the aging timeline, previous Barrel #80 planning window, and the way older Single Oak bottles continued appearing periodically all suggested the project was moving closer to a larger role again. In that prediction board, Single Oak Project was already listed as being “in the conversation” as a bottle that could step into a more visible position in the rotation. (Buffalo Trace Daily)
Seeing Buffalo Trace now relaunch Single Oak as the start of an ongoing release series lines up closely with that earlier read of the signals. It does not just confirm the return of the project. It supports the idea that Single Oak was never meant to stay a one-time experiment and instead was always building toward something repeatable for future releases.
If you are part of the Sazerac Barrel Select program, April 5 is an important deadline to keep in mind. Taking a moment to update your preferences now could position you for one of the most distinctive private bourbon experiences available this year.
On April 9, the next Sazerac Barrel Select drawing will open, and 100 members will be selected for an exclusive opportunity to step inside the speakeasy style doors of the Warehouse D Annex for a private barrel selection experience.
What You Need to Do Before April 5
To be automatically included in the drawing, members should complete the following steps:
Log into your SBS dashboard Mark your status as Ready to Purchase Add Buffalo Trace to your Brand Preferences
Completing all three steps is required for eligibility. Missing any of them will exclude you from the drawing.
What Selected Members Receive
Those chosen in the drawing will gain access to a private barrel selection experience, including a guided tasting featuring expressions from the Buffalo Trace Distillery Prohibition Collection. Participants will also have the opportunity to purchase bottles from their selected barrel through their preferred retailer.
In addition, allocations are typically added to winner accounts within 24 hours after selection results are posted, allowing for a quick turnaround.
Additional Opportunity for Participants
A limited time promotion is also tied to the April 9 shop opening. Members who watch the SBS video, locate the hidden passcode, and enter it in their dashboard can unlock a 15 percent discount on the Sazerac Barrel Select Collection in the distillery’s online shop.
Why This Experience Stands Out
Experiences inside the Warehouse D Annex are not part of standard visitor offerings. These barrel selection events combine historical context, guided tastings, and hands on participation, creating a level of access that is rarely available to the public.
For current SBS members, April 5 is the key action date. Ensuring your profile is updated in advance will allow you to participate when the drawing opens on April 9.
Visitors to the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop today were treated to a welcome surprise: Old Charter Oak “Finest Oak” Kentucky Straight Bourbon showing up on the shelves.
This bottle comes from the experimental and collector-favorite Old Charter Oak series, a lineup created to explore how different oak species and barrel construction influence bourbon flavor. Rather than changing mash bills, Buffalo Trace keeps the whiskey consistent and lets the wood itself tell the story. (The Whiskey Wash)
What Makes “Finest Oak” Different
The Finest Oak release focuses on carefully selected American white oak sourced from Canton Cooperage and air-seasoned to highlight classic bourbon structure and depth. The result is a profile that leans into traditional notes like vanilla, caramel, spice, and toasted oak—hallmarks of Buffalo Trace’s Mashbill #1 recipe. (LoveScotch.com)
Unlike some of the more exotic entries in the series (French Oak, Mongolian Oak, Spanish Oak), this expression celebrates the best version of the oak most bourbon fans already love.
Why This Is a Notable Gift Shop Appearance
The Old Charter Oak lineup is released in limited quantities and often rotates quietly through the distillery gift shop without advance notice. These bottles don’t follow the daily standard rotation schedule, which makes sightings like today’s especially interesting for collectors and visitors tracking what’s appearing on the counter.
For anyone building out a Charter Oak vertical—or just wanting something outside the typical Buffalo Trace lineup—this is a strong pickup when available.
Quick Details
Series: Old Charter Oak
Expression: Finest Oak
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Barrel type: Select American white oak
Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Availability: Seen today at the gift shop
If you’re heading to the distillery this week, this is one to keep an eye out for. Gift shop appearances from the Charter Oak series don’t always last long.
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Subscribe for just $7.99/year and become part of a members-only community that tracks what matters.
The Single Oak Project this morning! SOP remains one of Buffalo Trace’s most ambitious experiments, featuring 192 unique barrels crafted with different wood grains, seasonings, and proofs. Bottles from the project have become prized collectibles.
The Daily Special Release Odds are an updated estimate of the likelihood of a special release on the next open day at Buffalo Trace. Instead of using a static calendar, the model updates regularly to reflect recent release behavior and historical timing patterns. This allows for a more responsive estimate compared to fixed monthly projections.
HOW THE MODEL WORKS:
The model uses a combination of historical data and recent trends, including:
The number of days since the last special release
Average spacing between releases
Recent clusters or gaps in release activity
Day of the week tendencies over time
These factors are evaluated together to adjust the probability each day based on current conditions. For example, a longer gap between releases may increase the estimated likelihood, while a recent release may lower it.
WHY DAILY ODDS MATTER:
Monthly projections provide a general overview, but they may not reflect changes that occur during the month. Daily updates allow the estimate to adjust alongside recent release activity. This can be useful for visitors deciding between potential travel days or planning around limited timeframes. While no model can predict releases with certainty, updating the estimate regularly provides a more current reference point.
HOW THIS COMPARES TO MONTHLY ODDS:
Monthly Special Release Odds remain available and continue to highlight broader patterns across the calendar. The daily model complements this by focusing on short term timing. Monthly projections provide context, while daily updates reflect recent changes in release behavior.
CLOSE:
Although Buffalo Trace does not follow a set release schedule, patterns can still be observed over time. Daily updates help capture those shifts as they happen, offering a more current perspective for visitors planning a trip.
As one of the most sought after Bottled in Bond releases in the lineup, E.H. Taylor Single Barrel consistently draws a crowd. Known for its rich caramel, spice, and oak character, it remains a favorite among collectors and everyday drinkers alike. If you are making the trip, it is wise to arrive early and be prepared for lines.
Today Buffalo Trace is giving bourbon fans a midweek surprise with a special release from its coveted E.H. Taylor, Jr. collection. A limited amount of E.H. Taylor, Jr. Straight Rye will be available at the distillery’s Gift Shop when doors open.
This Bottled in Bond rye, prized for its bold spice and balanced character, rarely shows up on shelves and tends to disappear quickly when it does. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it is a chance to snag a bottle that has been harder to find in recent months.
As with most rare releases at the distillery, quantities are limited and purchases will be restricted to one bottle per person. The drop will be available only while supplies last.
If you are planning a visit to Buffalo Trace this week, make sure you are ready when the Gift Shop opens because you will not want to miss this opportunity.
update: buffalo trace has made a statement that this process may continue in addition to random releases like before
Buffalo Trace Distillery rolled out a new online system Monday for purchasing limited release bottles from its gift shop. Instead of lining up early and hoping for the daily drop, the distillery introduced free online reservations for certain releases.
The first bottle offered through the new system was Stagg, one of Buffalo Trace’s most sought after bourbons.
Reservations appeared on the distillery’s website through the same page used to check tour availability, which quickly caused confusion. The listing for the bottle was mixed in with distillery tours, so at first glance it wasn’t obvious that it had nothing to do with booking a tour.
Buffalo Trace posted a reel about the new reservation system shortly before 10 a.m., and the reservation listing showed up on the website just minutes later. By the time many people refreshed the page, however, the reservations were already fully booked.
Throughout much of the morning, visitors said they kept running into error messages, including “404 Page Not Found.” Some people said they had been checking the page as early as 6 a.m. and saw nothing but the same error.
Once the reservation listing finally appeared, the page quickly became overwhelmed as people rushed to try to secure a spot.
The distillery had said more updates would be shared Monday, but many visitors said clear instructions on how to actually register never really appeared, leaving people to figure out the process as they went.
The reservation itself was free and appeared as a ticket style listing labeled “Limited Release Reservation – Stagg.”
From what people could tell, the system didn’t appear to be a lottery. Instead, it seemed to operate on a first come, first served basis. Because the reservations disappeared so quickly, some people speculated that automated bots may have been involved, although there has been no confirmation of that.
Buffalo Trace also never said how many reservations or bottles were available.
At one point a “sold out” message appeared on the page, and some people mentioned the possibility of a second round of reservations later in the day, though no official details were shared.
Anyone who did secure a reservation will have the chance to purchase the bottle later in the week at the distillery gift shop rather than buying it online. According to Buffalo Trace, reservation holders can pick up their bottle anytime Tuesday through Sunday of that week.
Each reservation allows the purchase of one bottle per guest, and reservations are limited to one per email address.
How the Buffalo Trace Limited Release Reservation System Works
Buffalo Trace has started offering online reservations for certain limited release bottles. The reservation appears through the distillery’s tour booking page.
Step 1
Go to the Buffalo Trace booking page
Reservations appear through the distillery’s page used to check tour availability at around 10:00 AM EST.
Limited release reservations are listed alongside distillery tours and other events.
Step 3
Find the Limited Release Reservation
Look for a listing labeled something like Limited Release Reservation followed by the bottle name.
Step 4
Select the reservation
The reservation will appear similar to a tour ticket and will show a price of $0.00 because it is free to reserve.
Step 5
Add the reservation and continue
Add the reservation to your cart and continue through the checkout process.
Step 6
Enter your contact information
The reservation typically requires basic information such as your name, address and phone number.
Step 7
Complete the reservation
Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation similar to a ticket reservation.
Step 8
Purchase at the distillery later in the week
Reservation holders can purchase the bottle at the Buffalo Trace gift shop later that week. Payment happens in person when the bottle is picked up.
Please note the option to buy the limited release appears to be removed after being sold out.
The option is not listed when last checking.
Key Rules
• Reservations are free • One reservation per email address • Each reservation allows purchase of one bottle • Bottles must be picked up in person at the distillery • Reservations do not include a tour or tasting
Buffalo Trace Distillery recently announced a new system for buying limited release bottles at its gift shop. Instead of lining up early in the morning and hoping for the best, visitors will now be able to make free online reservations for certain releases.
At first glance the change might seem small, but it actually represents a big shift in how the distillery manages demand for its most sought after bourbons.
Let’s break down how the system works, why Buffalo Trace likely made the change and what rules they have to follow to keep the process fair.
How the New Reservation System Works
According to the distillery’s announcement, the process will work like this:
On Monday, March 9, a set number of free Limited Release Reservations will appear on the Buffalo Trace website.
People who secure a reservation will have the opportunity to purchase that release at the distillery.
The pickup window will run Tuesday through Sunday of that same week.
Reservations are limited to one per email address.
Each guest will only be able to purchase one bottle.
In simple terms, the reservation is like saving your place in line online instead of physically standing outside the gift shop.
If you get a reservation, you are guaranteed the chance to buy the bottle during the pickup week.
If you do not get one, you will not be able to purchase that release.
Who the New System Helps and Hurts
Buffalo Trace’s new reservation system will likely make things easier for some visitors while creating new challenges for others. One of the biggest benefits is that people no longer need to stand in long lines or arrive hours early just for a chance at a limited bottle. For fans who live farther away, have full time jobs, or cannot physically wait outside the distillery, the online reservation system could make access more fair. Instead of gambling on timing or luck at the gift shop, they can try to secure a reservation online and plan their visit during the pickup window.
However, the change may create new barriers, especially for older customers or anyone who is less comfortable with technology. The old process was simple. You showed up, waited in line and bought a bottle if one was available. Now there are more steps involved, including knowing when reservations open, getting online at the right time and navigating the reservation system quickly before spots disappear. That shift could favor people who are used to fast online drops and digital ticket systems, while leaving some longtime bourbon fans feeling like the process has become more complicated than it used to be.
The new system also removes some of the spontaneity from visiting Buffalo Trace. In the past, tourists sometimes got lucky by stopping by on the right day. With reservations determining who can buy limited releases, that element of chance may disappear. Ultimately, the system replaces the physical line outside the gift shop with a digital line online, meaning the advantage may now go to whoever is quickest on a computer instead of whoever arrived first in person.
The Rules They Must Follow to Keep It Fair
When a company runs a system like this, there are several legal and consumer protection rules involved.
No Illegal Lottery
In the United States, a promotion becomes an illegal lottery if it includes:
a prize
random selection
payment to enter
Buffalo Trace avoids this issue by making reservations free to claim online.
Clear Rules
Promotions like this normally require official rules explaining:
who is eligible
how reservations are distributed
purchase limits
pickup dates
These rules protect both the company and the participants.
Truth in Advertising
Under consumer protection laws, the distillery cannot advertise the system as fair or random if it is not.
They must actually distribute reservations in the way they claim.
Purchase Limits
The one reservation and one bottle rule helps prevent bots, scalpers and people attempting to claim multiple bottles.
In many cases, ID verification is also required at pickup.
Alcohol Regulations
Because bourbon is alcohol, sales must follow state laws, including:
verifying customers are 21 or older
selling through a licensed retail location
following state alcohol distribution rules
When Convenience Replaces the Thrill of the Hunt
For some visitors, the new system may also chip away at the simple charm that made buying bourbon at the distillery feel special in the first place. In the past, the experience was refreshingly straightforward. You showed up, stepped into the gift shop and took your chances like everyone else. Part of the excitement came from the mystery of it all, never quite knowing what might be waiting on the shelves that day. Requiring visitors to go online ahead of time to register, secure a reservation and plan around a specific pickup window adds several extra steps, turning what was once a spontaneous stop into something that feels closer to managing an appointment. What used to be a pleasant surprise during a distillery visit could now feel like another task that needs to be arranged before the trip even begins.
Regardless of where people land on the change, the new system reflects just how dramatically demand for Buffalo Trace bourbon has grown in recent years. And if the past is any indication, those reservation slots will likely disappear just as quickly as the bottles themselves.
Today is a big one in Frankfort. E.H. Taylor Single Barrel is available in the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop with limited availability and a strict one per customer policy.
As one of the most sought after Bottled in Bond releases in the lineup, E.H. Taylor Single Barrel consistently draws a crowd. Known for its rich caramel, spice, and oak character, it remains a favorite among collectors and everyday drinkers alike. If you are making the trip, it is wise to arrive early and be prepared for lines.
Side Notes for the Week
From March 2nd through 8th, all E.H. Taylor merchandise is 15 percent off in the gift shop, making it a good time to grab branded gear while you are there.
From March 5th through 8th, the distillery is also offering Proof of Concept Special Tastings, which often feature unique or experimental pours not found on the standard tasting menu. Reservations are encouraged for those experiences.
If E.H. Taylor Single Barrel has been on your list, today is your opportunity.
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Subscribe for just $7.99/year and become part of a members-only community that tracks what matters.
The Single Oak Project this morning! SOP remains one of Buffalo Trace’s most ambitious experiments, featuring 192 unique barrels crafted with different wood grains, seasonings, and proofs. Bottles from the project have become prized collectibles.
Bourbon fans are split on the best value wheater, but one bottle pulled ahead.
In our vote, Weller Special Reserve took the top spot with 36.8 percent. Bardstown Bourbon Company followed at 19.7 percent, while Green River Full Proof Wheated and Old Fitzgerald 7 Year BIB were close behind at 16.8 percent and 15.0 percent.
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, take note. Traveller Full Proof will be available in the gift shop on Friday, February 13th, while supplies last with a limit of one per customer.
Full Proof means the whiskey is bottled at the same proof it entered the barrel, delivering a richer and more intense sip compared to the standard release. Higher proof fans will want to pay attention to this one.
If you plan to visit, arrive early and expect a line. Availability is never guaranteed, even on announced release days.
Stay tuned to Buffalotracedaily for more gift shop updates and release news.
Today was a big one at Buffalo Trace Distillery as E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof hit the gift shop as the special release. This uncut, unfiltered favorite is bottled straight from the barrel and packed with bold caramel, oak, and spice. When Barrel Proof shows up, it doesn’t last long, making today a win for anyone lucky enough to grab a bottle.
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Subscribe for just $7.99/year and become part of a members-only community that tracks what matters.
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Subscribe for just $7.99/year and become part of a members-only community that tracks what matters.
A newly filed label in the TTB COLA database indicates a potential 40 year anniversary Elmer T. Lee bourbon release from Buffalo Trace Distillery. While a label approval does not confirm a release date or guarantee that bottles will reach retail shelves, it remains the earliest public signal that a commemorative expression is under consideration.
Elmer T. Lee introduced the single barrel production concept that would permanently reshape the bourbon industry.
Key Details
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mash Bill: Sour Mash
Barrel Type: Single Barrel
Proof: 127.8
ABV: 63.9%
Batch: 23B
Filtration: Uncut & Unfiltered
Bottle Size: 750ml
The submitted anniversary label reinforces that legacy. It describes the bourbon as uncut and unfiltered, bottled at 127.8 proof, and drawn from hand selected barrels. These production details distinguish the anniversary bottling from the standard Elmer T. Lee expression and suggest a release intended to emphasize authenticity and barrel character.
At this time, availability remains unknown. Buffalo Trace has not announced a release schedule, and TTB approval alone does not ensure distribution. However, the timing is notable. Elmer T. Lee was born on August 5, 1919, and Buffalo Trace has historically aligned significant releases with meaningful anniversaries when possible, though no such connection has been confirmed here.
For readers of Buffalo Trace Daily, this filing represents an important development in ongoing TTB label tracking. If released, the 40 year anniversary Elmer T. Lee bourbon would stand as a historically significant bottle closely tied to the origin of single barrel bourbon and one likely to attract strong interest from collectors and Buffalo Trace fans alike.
Buffalo Trace Distillery will remain closed on Monday as winter weather continues to impact the area. While conditions are being reassessed, visitors should plan for no public access at the distillery on Monday, including:
Tours and tastings
Gift shop access
On site bottle availability
Buffalo Trace Daily will continue monitoring official updates related to reopening timelines, tour schedules, and any changes that could affect visitors later in the week.
If you were planning a visit, be sure to check official Buffalo Trace channels before heading out, or keep checking back here for the latest verified updates as they are released.
Kentucky winter weather can shift quickly, but we will keep tracking every change so you do not have to.
Stay safe, stay warm, and we will update as soon as more information becomes available.
A winter storm is forcing a temporary closure at Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Buffalo Trace announced that the distillery will be closed to visitors starting Saturday January 24 at 3:30 PM and will remain closed through Sunday January 25. The closure impacts all tours tastings and visitor experiences during that time.
The distillery shared the update due to expected winter weather and out of an abundance of caution for both guests and staff.
Tour Reservations and Rescheduling
Guests who had tour reservations scheduled during the closure window can reach out directly to the Buffalo Trace reservations team to reschedule their visit. The contact email provided by the distillery is reservations@buffalotrace.com.
Buffalo Trace expressed appreciation for guests understanding and noted they look forward to welcoming visitors back once conditions improve.
What Visitors Should Know
If you are planning a trip to Buffalo Trace this weekend or early next week it is a good idea to monitor weather conditions and check for any additional updates before traveling. Winter weather in Kentucky can change quickly and temporary closures are sometimes necessary.
Buffalo Trace Daily will continue to monitor the situation and share any updates as they are announced.
updated: Buffalo trace will be closing at 3:30pm on Saturday and will be closed ALL Day on Sunday
Forecasts call for heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and dangerously cold temperatures, which could lead to hazardous driving conditions throughout the Frankfort area. Snow and ice may make access roads difficult to navigate, and rapid changes in conditions could affect both travel time and safety.
Click Image for Camera Views
Visitors are encouraged to:
Check local road conditions before traveling
Monitor official updates from the distillery and local authorities
Avoid travel during peak snowfall or icing periods if possible
Have alternate plans in case operations are adjusted
Road conditions may vary widely across the region, and even treated routes can become slick during heavy snow or ice events. Officials continue to urge residents and visitors to limit non essential travel during the worst of the storm.
Travelers should plan ahead, remain flexible with itineraries, and prioritize safety when making weekend plans in the Frankfort area.
E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Limited Release is out today at Buffalo Trace Distillery. This bottled in bond bourbon is pulled from a single hand selected barrel and bottled at 100 proof, staying true to Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr.’s historic standards.
Each bottle offers the classic Buffalo Trace profile with rich oak, caramel, vanilla, and spice, while single barrel selection means no two bottles taste exactly the same. Supplies are limited and availability is tight, making today’s release a must watch for bourbon fans and collectors.
If you find one on shelves today, it’s a rare score worth celebrating.
Discover the Trace: A Hands-On Buffalo Trace Experience
Discover the Trace invites you to experience Buffalo Trace Distillery
from a new angle—one that blends craftsmanship, history, and hands-on discovery.
This guided experience is designed for those who want to dig deeper into how
Buffalo Trace bourbon is made and, just as importantly, how it tastes.
The experience begins with an expert-led cocktail demonstration,
where guests learn the fundamentals behind a well-built bourbon cocktail.
After crafting your own drink, you’ll enjoy it on-site—served in a
souvenir glass to remember the experience.
From there, guests head out on a guided distillery tour, exploring
the buildings, processes, and history that define Buffalo Trace. The experience
concludes with a blind tasting of award-winning bourbons, encouraging
you to focus on flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel—without the influence of labels.
What’s Included
Expertly led hands-on cocktail demonstration
One crafted cocktail and souvenir glass
Guided tour of Buffalo Trace Distillery
Blind tasting of award-winning Buffalo Trace bourbons
The Experience
Discover the Trace is about exploration—both of the distillery and your own bourbon
palate. By removing brand names during the tasting, guests often discover new
favorites and gain a better understanding of what they personally enjoy in a whiskey.
Where to Check In
Guests should check in at the Freehouse Welcome Center upon arrival
at Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Important Information
Reservations are required
Guests must be 21 years or older
Tickets canceled more than 24 hours before the scheduled experience receive a full refund
Discover the Trace offers a rare opportunity to step beyond labels and truly understand
what makes Buffalo Trace—and your bourbon preferences—distinct.
On January 17, 1920, the United States officially entered Prohibition.
For most distilleries, it marked the end. For Buffalo Trace, it became a test of survival.
This limited-time Prohibition Collection Tasting Experience invites guests
to revisit the era when bourbon lived on as medicine—prescribed by doctors and dispensed
by pharmacists under rare federal licenses. In just 30 minutes, you’ll taste the bold,
high-proof whiskeys inspired by the expressions that quietly kept the distillery alive
during America’s Dry Era.
These whiskeys weren’t designed for comfort or trendiness. They were built with purpose,
intensity, and resilience—qualities that still define Buffalo Trace today.
What’s Included
Guided 30-minute tasting of Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection expressions
One Prohibition-inspired cocktail crafted for the experience
Souvenir tasting glass to take home
Experience Schedule
This experience is offered multiple times per day on the following dates:
January 16
January 17
January 18
Where to Check In
Guests should check in at the Freehouse Welcome Center upon arrival at
Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Important Information
Reservations are required
Guests must be 21 years or older
Tickets canceled more than 24 hours before the scheduled experience receive a full refund
This Prohibition Collection tasting offers a rare look at the whiskeys that carried
American bourbon through its most challenging chapter—and came out stronger on the
other side.
Actual vs Inflationary Pricing Using 12/31/20 as the Baseline
The question is simple.
If each bottle’s posted price merely tracked general inflation, what would the price be on 12/31/25?
Inflationary prices are computed using CPI scaling from the 12/31/20 baseline, then compared to the observed year end price series.
Grades are determined by how far the 12/31/25 actual price falls under or over the inflationary benchmark.
Method and formulas
Inflationary prices are calculated by multiplying the 12/31/20 baseline price by the CPI ratio at each year end checkpoint.
Deviations are evaluated on 12/31/25 as a percentage of the inflationary benchmark.
Inflationary price on date D = Baseline price (12/31/20) × CPI(D) ÷ CPI(12/31/20)
Percent under or over inflation = (Actual − Inflationary) ÷ Inflationary × 100
Inflation context: CPI implies approximately 24.4% cumulative inflation from 12/31/20 to 12/31/25.
Year to year CPI changes: 12/31/20 to 12/31/21 7.0%, 12/31/21 to 12/31/22 6.5%, 12/31/22 to 12/31/23 3.4%, 12/31/23 to 12/31/24 2.9%, 12/31/24 to 12/31/25 2.7%.
W.L. Weller Special Reserve
Rank 1
Result: Observed pricing falls well below inflation, implying a real price decrease relative to 12/31/20.
Baseline 12/31/20$30.00
Inflationary 12/31/25$37.36
Actual 12/31/25$30.00
Percent−19.7%
For a $30.00 baseline, CPI scaling implies $37.36 on 12/31/25.
Observed 12/31/25 price is $30.00, which is $7.36 below inflation.
The price grade summarizes that year end discount versus inflation.
Price gradeA+
W.L. Weller Special Reserve
Actual Inflationary
Sazerac Rye
Rank 2
Result: Observed pricing falls well below inflation, implying a real price decrease relative to 12/31/20.
Baseline 12/31/20$30.00
Inflationary 12/31/25$37.36
Actual 12/31/25$30.00
Percent−19.7%
For a $30.00 baseline, CPI scaling implies $37.36 on 12/31/25.
Observed 12/31/25 price is $30.00, which is $7.36 below inflation.
The price grade summarizes that year end discount versus inflation.
Price gradeA+
Sazerac Rye
Actual Inflationary
Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Rank 3
Result: Observed pricing falls well below inflation, implying a real price decrease relative to 12/31/20.
Baseline 12/31/20$27.00
Inflationary 12/31/25$33.62
Actual 12/31/25$27.00
Percent−19.7%
For a $27.00 baseline, CPI scaling implies $33.62 on 12/31/25.
Observed 12/31/25 price is $27.00, which is $6.62 below inflation.
The price grade summarizes that year end discount versus inflation.
Price gradeA+
Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Actual Inflationary
Blanton’s Single Barrel
Rank 4
Result: Observed pricing falls slightly below inflation at year end 2025.
Baseline 12/31/20$63.00
Inflationary 12/31/25$78.45
Actual 12/31/25$74.99
Percent−4.4%
For a $63.00 baseline, CPI scaling implies $78.45 on 12/31/25.
Observed 12/31/25 price is $74.99, which is $3.46 below inflation.
The price grade summarizes that year end discount versus inflation.
Price gradeA
Blanton’s Single Barrel
Actual Inflationary
Eagle Rare
Rank 5
Result: Observed pricing sits close to inflation, with a slight year end premium versus the benchmark.
Baseline 12/31/20$34.00
Inflationary 12/31/25$42.34
Actual 12/31/25$43.00
Percent+1.6%
For a $34.00 baseline, CPI scaling implies $42.34 on 12/31/25.
Observed 12/31/25 price is $43.00, which is $0.66 above inflation.
That tight spread is why this grades as a near inflation tracker.
Price gradeB
Eagle Rare
Actual Inflationary
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
Rank 6
Result: Observed pricing exceeds inflation, implying a real price increase relative to 12/31/20.
Baseline 12/31/20$43.00
Inflationary 12/31/25$53.54
Actual 12/31/25$59.99
Percent+12.0%
For a $43.00 baseline, CPI scaling implies $53.54 on 12/31/25.
Observed 12/31/25 price is $59.99, which is $6.45 above inflation.
That year end premium drives the lower grade.
Price gradeC
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
Actual Inflationary
Weller Antique 107
Rank 7
Result: Year end pricing sits well above inflation, implying a significant real price increase relative to 12/31/20.
Baseline 12/31/20$40.00
Inflationary 12/31/25$49.81
Actual 12/31/25$59.99
Percent+20.4%
For a $40.00 baseline, CPI scaling implies $49.81 on 12/31/25.
Observed 12/31/25 price is $59.99, which is $10.18 above inflation.
That year end premium drives the lowest grade in this set.
Price gradeC-
Weller Antique 107
Actual Inflationary
Short summary
Biggest year end discounts versus inflation are W.L. Weller Special Reserve and Sazerac Rye at −19.7% each, with Buffalo Trace Bourbon close behind at −19.7%.
Blanton’s finishes below inflation at −4.4% using $74.99 on 12/31/25.
Eagle Rare tracks inflation tightly at +1.6%.
Biggest year end premium is Weller Antique 107 at +20.4%, with E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch also above inflation at +12.0%.
Our Yearly Look at What Might Be Around the Corner
This has quietly become a tradition around here.
Every year, we look back at what we thought would happen on the Buffalo Trace shelves, what actually did, and what the patterns suggest is coming next.
Sometimes we nail it. Sometimes we miss the bottle but get the direction right.
Either way, the rotation always tells a story.
Looking Back: The Predictions That Shaped the Last Two Years
In early 2024, we asked whether Traveller Whiskey would behave like a new daily sip or a tightly controlled allocated bottle.
Our reasoning centered on bottle format, distribution intent, and how Buffalo Trace typically introduces new brands.
In 2025, we took a bigger swing and asked whether that year finally made sense for the Single Oak Project to move closer to the main rotation.
The logic was sound.
The timeline lined up.
The aging window made sense.
But so far, Single Oak has not settled into a predictable rhythm that behaves like a true rotation pillar.
We were right about the direction but early on the permanence.
That full breakdown lives here:
Is 2025 the Year for Single Oak Project Bourbon
The Change We Did Not Predict
The biggest surprise was not a new bottle being announced or teased ahead of time. It was a bottle that simply showed up.
Weller Antique 107 was never part of the regular conversation. There was no buildup, no hint, no formal rollout. It appeared without warning, and then it kept appearing. What started as a surprise quickly became a presence.
In doing so, Weller Antique 107 quietly reshaped the daily math. Weller Special Reserve slid into a more dependable daily role while Weller Antique 107 absorbed the attention usually reserved for allocated bottles. It was not a swap anyone predicted, but it was one that made sense once it happened.
If anything, it showed that Buffalo Trace does not always signal change with announcements. Sometimes a bottle just arrives, stays longer than expected, and changes the rhythm on its own.
The Pattern We Cannot Ignore in 2025
E.H. Taylor Small Batch is starting to feel eerily familiar.
Longtime visitors will remember how Sazerac Rye 90 Proof behaved years ago.
It showed up as a second bottle.
Then again.
Then again.
Until one day it stopped feeling special and simply became part of the daily language.
We are seeing that same cadence now with E.H. Taylor Small Batch.
Not overnight.
Not dramatically.
But consistently.
The data point that makes this hard to ignore
In the last three months of 2025, E.H. Taylor Small Batch appeared on 73 days.
That is 23 days in October, 24 days in November, and 26 days in December.
October 2025
23
days with E.H. Taylor
November 2025
24
days with E.H. Taylor
December 2025
26
days with E.H. Taylor
Total
73
days from Oct to Dec
Our 2026 Prediction
This is the annual call.
We believe 2026 is the year E.H. Taylor Small Batch fully becomes a daily bottle.
The more interesting question is what fills the slot that actually drives traffic, chatter, and speculation.
Replacement probability board
Sazerac Rye Full Proof – Front Runner
Sazerac Rye 100 Proof – Strong Contender
Single Oak Project – In the Conversation
Eagle Rare 12 – Outside Chance
Other Variations of Blanton’s – Highly Unlikely
Our pick is Sazerac Rye Full Proof.
It makes the most sense operationally, creates immediate excitement without confusing casual visitors, and refreshes a familiar brand rather than introducing chaos.
Eagle Rare likely still needs more time to build stock.
Blanton’s remains constrained by hand bottling.
And the other E.H. Taylor products seem more scarce than stable right now.
Sazerac Rye Full Proof threads the needle.
Your turn
If E.H. Taylor Small Batch goes daily in 2026, what would you want to see take its place. Drop your pick in the comments and tell us why.
Buffalo Trace Distillery just rolled out a special release of Sazerac Rye 100 Proof, and bourbon fans are already making their way to Frankfort. If you’re nearby, this is your cue to stop in and complete your Sazerac vertical before it’s gone.
The Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection exists to explore how specific production choices affect long term bourbon development. This release, a Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon aged 15 years, is a clear example of how intentional variables such as entry proof, mash bill, barrel selection, and time can shape the final whiskey.
This bourbon was distilled in 2010 using a wheated mash bill and entered the barrel at 105 proof, significantly lower than the industry norm. Lower entry proof allows more water into the barrel from the start, altering the extraction of sugars, tannins, and oak compounds during aging. Over-extended maturation, this approach often results in softer spice, deeper sweetness, and a more integrated oak profile.
Only 13 barrels were produced for this experiment. The bourbon aged for 15 years in standard American oak barrels with six month stave seasoning and a heavy char level. During maturation, the whiskey experienced an evaporation loss of approximately 62 percent, a reminder of the cost and patience required for long aged bourbon.
Bottled at 107 proof, the whiskey balances maturity with approachability. According to Buffalo Trace, the profile includes caramel and warm brown spice on the nose, followed by oak, dried fig, and earthy notes on the palate. Leather and tobacco elements appear alongside rounded sweetness, creating a layered and well-structured drinking experience that reflects both age and restraint.
Keep an Eye When VIsiting for Random Drops
Experimental Collection bottles provide insight into the distillery’s long-term thinking. These releases are not designed for mass distribution or secondary market attention. Instead, they serve as controlled studies that inform future production decisions. Mash bill behavior, entry proof strategy, and extended aging outcomes observed here may influence later releases in subtle ways.
For visitors and collectors, this highlights the importance of monitoring special and experimental releases at the distillery. Many of Buffalo Trace’s most interesting bottles never receive wide distribution and are often available only briefly. Paying attention to experimental offerings can provide early insight into the techniques and philosophies shaping future bourbon releases.
This 15-year wheated bourbon demonstrates how low entry proof and extended aging can work together to produce a balanced, mature whiskey without excessive heat or oak dominance. It stands as a reminder that some of the distillery’s most compelling work happens quietly, one experiment at a time.
This blog is based solely on information presented on the bottle label and is intended for informational purposes only. Availability, release timing, and distribution details were not provided and may vary.
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Subscribe for just $7.99/year and become part of a members-only community that tracks what matters.
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Subscribe for just $7.99/year and become part of a members-only community that tracks what matters.
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Subscribe for just $7.99/year and become part of a members-only community that tracks what matters.
The Single Oak Project this morning! SOP remains one of Buffalo Trace’s most ambitious experiments, featuring 192 unique barrels crafted with different wood grains, seasonings, and proofs. Bottles from the project have become prized collectibles.
Buffalo Trace Daily can confirm that Old Weller Antique 107 is on the shelves today at Buffalo Trace Distillery, appearing for the first time as part of the normal allocated rotation. Its presence in regular circulation marks a major shift toward more predictable availability for visitors.
Old Weller Antique replaced Blanton’s on the shelf, leaving OWA and EHT available now. Buffalo Trace Daily will continue monitoring the rotation and will post updated odds later today for what to expect tomorrow. If today is any indication, the rest of the week may offer more mid-day additions.
If you’re chasing Weller Antique 107, Buffalo Trace is the place to be this morning — and judging by the parking lot, everyone else had the same idea.
The distillery confirmed that Weller Antique is on the shelf today, and the good news is they started the morning with an unknown amount available.
Weller Antique always brings out a crowd, and today is no different. With its bold cherry-spice profile and 107-proof heat, it’s one of the most beloved bottles in the entire Weller lineup — the kind that turns an ordinary weekday into a mini-event at the Trace.
If you’re headed that way, pack a little patience. There are a lot of people.
Share your pickups through our daily form, and we’ll keep updates rolling as the day goes on.
Sazerac dropped a fresh round of updates for Barrel Select members and it reads like a holiday wish list. The countdown is on for the final allocations of the year and the lineup reveals just how much heat December is carrying. The highlights include notes on inventory strength for core brands along with reminders about holiday ordering windows and program perks as we move toward the end of the cycle.
Blantons continues to be one of the most in demand offerings in the barrel program and availability signals remain steady for the season. Weller Full Proof and Stagg also received attention in the newest communication. Both labels show healthy volume for winter pulls which should make several private groups very happy.
Eagle Rare and E H Taylor remain reliable favorites for Barrel Select partners. December movement looks strong with no signs of slowdown as clubs and retailers finalize their end of year calendars. Rounding out the update is Buffalo Trace which always anchors the program this time of year with dependable flow and broad availability.
For anyone managing a club or retail volume this is the moment to get final requests in before holiday closures. The next wave of updates will likely land after the new year once production teams transition into winter cycles. Until then members can review December availability and plan their final selections with confidence.
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Subscribe for just $7.99/year and become part of a members-only community that tracks what matters.
Buffalo Trace just wrapped a rare three day run of Weller Antique 107, something they’ve never done before for any Weller release. They had a large enough supply to cover two full days and still offer a partial day on Sunday, which drew big crowds from open until the final bottle was gone. By early Sunday afternoon the distillery confirmed that Weller Antique 107 was officially sold out.
The size of the drop made it clear how strong demand remains for this 107 proof wheated bourbon, even when supply is unusually high. Many visitors who came early on Friday and Saturday secured bottles, while late arrivals on Sunday found the tables empty within hours.
If you’re chasing Weller Antique 107, Buffalo Trace is the place to be this morning — and judging by the parking lot, everyone else had the same idea.
The distillery confirmed that Weller Antique is on the shelf today, and the good news is they started the morning with a large supply. Even with a heavy turnout and a line that wrapped farther than usual, guests reported steady movement and plenty of bottles available once doors opened.
Weller Antique always brings out a crowd, and today is no different. With its bold cherry-spice profile and 107-proof heat, it’s one of the most beloved bottles in the entire Weller lineup — the kind that turns an ordinary weekday into a mini-event at the Trace.
If you’re headed that way, pack a little patience. There are a lot of people, but thankfully, there are a lot of bottles too.
Share your pickups through our daily form, and we’ll keep updates rolling as the day goes on.
If you’re chasing Weller Antique 107, Buffalo Trace is the place to be this morning — and judging by the parking lot, everyone else had the same idea.
The distillery confirmed that Weller Antique is on the shelf today, and the good news is they started the morning with a large supply. Even with a heavy turnout and a line that wrapped farther than usual, guests reported steady movement and plenty of bottles available once doors opened.
Weller Antique always brings out a crowd, and today is no different. With its bold cherry-spice profile and 107-proof heat, it’s one of the most beloved bottles in the entire Weller lineup — the kind that turns an ordinary weekday into a mini-event at the Trace.
If you’re headed that way, pack a little patience. There are a lot of people, but thankfully, there are a lot of bottles too.
Share your pickups through our daily form, and we’ll keep updates rolling as the day goes on.
Buffalo Trace Distillery just rolled out a special release of Sazerac Rye Full Proof, and bourbon fans are already making their way to Frankfort. If you’re nearby, this is your cue to stop in and check it out before it’s gone.
The distillery quietly put this limited batch out this morning, and bottles are expected to move quickly. Regular visitors know that when Buffalo Trace drops something special like Sazerac Rye Full Proof timing is everything.
Buffalo Trace Distillery just rolled out a special release of Sazerac Rye Full Proof, and bourbon fans are already making their way to Frankfort. If you’re nearby, this is your cue to stop in and check it out before it’s gone.
The distillery quietly put this limited batch out this morning, and bottles are expected to move quickly. Regular visitors know that when Buffalo Trace drops something special like Sazerac Rye Full Proof timing is everything.
The Single Oak Project this morning! SOP remains one of Buffalo Trace’s most ambitious experiments, featuring 192 unique barrels crafted with different wood grains, seasonings, and proofs. Bottles from the project have become prized collectibles.
Buffalo Trace Distillery just rolled out a special release of Sazerac Rye Full Proof, and bourbon fans are already making their way to Frankfort. If you’re nearby, this is your cue to stop in and check it out before it’s gone.
The distillery quietly put this limited batch out this morning, and bottles are expected to move quickly. Regular visitors know that when Buffalo Trace drops something special like Sazerac Rye Full Proof timing is everything.
Buffalo Trace Distillery just rolled out a special release of Sazerac Rye Full Proof, and bourbon fans are already making their way to Frankfort. If you’re nearby, this is your cue to stop in and check it out before it’s gone.
The distillery quietly put this limited batch out this morning, and bottles are expected to move quickly. Regular visitors know that when Buffalo Trace drops something special like Sazerac Rye Full Proof timing is everything.
Read more of this content when you subscribe todayExclusive Bourbon Access
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
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Buffalo Trace Distillery just rolled out a special release of Sazerac Rye Full Proof, and bourbon fans are already making their way to Frankfort. If you’re nearby, this is your cue to stop in and check it out before it’s gone.
The distillery quietly put this limited batch out this morning, and bottles are expected to move quickly. Regular visitors know that when Buffalo Trace drops something special like Sazerac Rye Full Proof timing is everything.
Buffalo Trace Distillery just rolled out a special release of Sazerac Rye Full Proof, and bourbon fans are already making their way to Frankfort. If you’re nearby, this is your cue to stop in and check it out before it’s gone.
The distillery quietly put this limited batch out this morning, and bottles are expected to move quickly. Regular visitors know that when Buffalo Trace drops something special like Sazerac Rye Full Proof timing is everything.
Pick twelve bottles inside a thirteen hundred dollar budget.
Clue. This Santa has to fly his sled ‘over 100’ miles per hour and his speeding tickets are the ‘proof’.
Buffalo Trace Distillery just rolled out a special release of Sazerac Rye Full Proof, and bourbon fans are already making their way to Frankfort. If you’re nearby, this is your cue to stop in and check it out before it’s gone.
The distillery quietly put this limited batch out this morning, and bottles are expected to move quickly. Regular visitors know that when Buffalo Trace drops something special like Sazerac Rye Full Proof timing is everything.
Buffalo Trace Distillery just rolled out a special release of Sazerac Rye Full Proof, and bourbon fans are already making their way to Frankfort. If you’re nearby, this is your cue to stop in and check it out before it’s gone.
The distillery quietly put this limited batch out this morning, and bottles are expected to move quickly. Regular visitors know that when Buffalo Trace drops something special like Sazerac Rye Full Proof timing is everything.
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Subscribe for just $7.99/year and become part of a members-only community that tracks what matters.
Buffalo Trace Distillery brought some serious excitement this morning with a rare lineup from the Old Charter Oak series. Featured on the tasting table were bottles of Canadian Oak, Spanish Oak, Oak, and Mongolian Oak, every expression except for the elusive French Oak.
Priced at $79.99 and limited to one bottle per person, these releases didn’t last long. The Canadian Oak and Spanish Oak were still available at 9:10 AM, but the table was nearly cleared out by 9:45 AM.
The Old Charter Oak line has always stood out as one of Buffalo Trace’s most creative projects. Each bourbon is aged in barrels made from different species of oak sourced from around the world. The goal is to explore how each type of wood influences the flavor of the whiskey.
Based on how quickly this morning’s crowd moved through, it’s safe to say the demand for Old Charter Oak hasn’t slowed one bit. These are the kind of bottles you buy now and savor later — or
Release Details:
Date: November 3, 2025
Location: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Series: Old Charter Oak
Expressions: Canadian Oak, Spanish Oak, Chinkapin Oak, Mongolian Oak
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Subscribe for just $7.99/year and become part of a members-only community that tracks what matters.
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Subscribe for just $7.99/year and become part of a members-only community that tracks what matters.
Sazerac Barrel Select tour lets fans taste straight from the barrel
Launching this November, the new SBS member tour adds cask strength sampling inside historic warehouses plus a take home sister barrel bottle
Buffalo Trace is giving bourbon enthusiasts a rare opportunity, a chance to taste whiskey straight from the barrel at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Launching this November, the Sazerac Barrel Select program adds a guided tour designed for club members who want hands on time with the warehouses that shaped the flavor in their glass.
Warehouse D at Buffalo Trace Distillery, one of the sites used for barrel tastings.
“We want this to be special. When you come out here, you learn a little about what makes us unique, and you get a bottle that you had a chance to touch and taste yourself.”
The program is free to join at SazeracBarrelSelect.com. Members earn points through brand engagement and purchases, unlocking the chance to book a warehouse tasting session. Each participant leaves with a bottle from a sister barrel drawn from the same floor and aging season, a keepsake that connects the glass in hand to a specific place in the rickhouse.
Grace Lakeman, retail marketing associate for Sazerac Barrel Select, said the new tour was designed for fans who have dreamed of sampling bourbon straight from the source. The experience costs $35 per person and includes the guided tasting and a take home bottle.
The speakeasy entry and elevator shaft tasting bay
Slip behind the bookcase
When tours begin this November, guests will step through a secret door hidden behind a library shelf inside the visitor centre. The passage opens into a dimly lit tunnel leading to a historic 1907 warehouse. The temperature drops, the air thickens with the scent of sugar and oak and you know you are somewhere special.
The first pour takes place inside a decommissioned elevator shaft converted into a tasting bay. A guide draws whiskey with a copper thief and fills small glasses for each guest. The proof is high, the color deep and the flavor unfiltered which shows why warehouse placement matters as much as mash bill.
Sampling directly from the barrel
After that first pour, guests move through the ricks to compare barrels with matching fill dates but aged in different warehouse environments. Differences in airflow, temperature and humidity create distinct expressions even at the same age. Buffalo Trace notes that each warehouse has its own microclimate which can produce subtle variations that make every barrel unique.
Guests taste whiskey straight from the cask and track how proof and seasonal heat shape the profile.
Tasting side by side makes it clear how placement and airflow influence maturity and mouthfeel. It is a hands on way to learn why single barrel bourbon varies not only by recipe but also by where it rests.
A legacy of single barrel bottlings
Buffalo Trace helped popularize single barrel bourbon for everyday drinkers. In the 1940s Albert Blanton marked favorite honey barrels in Warehouse H for personal pours. Decades later master distiller Elmer T. Lee bottled that idea as Blanton’s which launched a premium category that collectors still chase.
From private picks to a label fans line up for, the single barrel story still shapes the distillery.
The SBS tour concludes in a lounge inside Warehouse D where guests taste their bourbons again at 90 proof from sister barrels. Visitors pick the profile that fits their palate and take home a bottle the same day which mirrors the thrill of a barrel pick without a long wait.
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Subscribe for just $7.99/year and become part of a members-only community that tracks what matters.
If you’re heading to Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort to enjoy Kentucky’s world-famous bourbon, consider extending your stay in the Bluegrass for a different kind of spirit. Just 25 minutes down the road in Lexington, ScareFest Weekend is the perfect way to blend your bourbon getaway with spine-tingling entertainment. Sip your favorite pours by day, then dive into the thrills of horror and paranormal fun by night.
ScareFest Weekend returns October 17–19, 2025, taking over the Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington. As one of the largest horror, paranormal, and pop culture conventions in the country, the event features celebrity meet-and-greets, live panels, cosplay, and a vendor hall packed with spooky treasures. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just looking for a unique fall adventure, ScareFest delivers scares, laughs, and unforgettable moments.
Access all three days to expo floor, panels, vendors, workshops, film festival
$80
*VIP, Weekend Plus, and other premium passes may offer extras such as early access, exclusive swag, etc. Check the ticketing page for those and for sold-out status.
The Single Oak Project this morning! SOP remains one of Buffalo Trace’s most ambitious experiments, featuring 192 unique barrels crafted with different wood grains, seasonings, and proofs. Bottles from the project have become prized collectibles.
Buffalo Trace Distillery will release a new bottle from its Experimental Collection on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The limited-edition whiskey will be available exclusively at the distillery gift shop, with purchases capped at one bottle per person.
Each Experimental Collection release gives Buffalo Trace’s master distillers a chance to explore new recipes, barrel types and aging methods. While details about this batch haven’t been announced yet, past experiments have included unique grain blends, alternative barrel chars and even hop-infused spirits.
Fans are already planning to line up early, as these bottles typically sell out quickly!!!
Something special briefly appeared on Buffalo Trace’s website and then vanished.
For a short time, the distillery listed a special drop of Single Oak Project 375ml bottles for Friday, October 10, 2025. The announcement was later removed, but not before bourbon fans took notice.
Before
After
The Single Oak Project remains one of Buffalo Trace’s most ambitious experiments, featuring 192 unique barrels crafted with different wood grains, seasonings, and proofs. Bottles from the project have become prized collectibles.
If the post was accurate, this could signal the long-awaited return of one of Buffalo Trace’s most talked about releases. Whether it was a teaser, a test, or an early leak, bourbon fans will be watching closely this Friday.
Buffalo Trace isn’t just famous for bourbon. For years, the distillery was known for haunted night tours where guests heard ghost stories, explored dark warehouses, and maybe even met a spirit or two. Those tours faded out a few years ago, but the legends never left.
Now there’s a new spark. Buffalo Trace has teased something called “Night at the Distillery” — an immersive, self-guided experience where whiskey’s storied past meets the mysteries that linger on these historic grounds.
COMING SOON
That sounds a lot like the return of ghostly nights in Frankfort.
Why it could happen: fans love it, the ghost lore is built in, and Halloween practically begs for it. Why it might not: safety, staffing, and whether enough people would show up.
For now, the official calendar is filled with dinners, tastings, and seasonal events. But if “Night at the Distillery” lands, Buffalo Trace could once again blend bourbon with chills after dark.
Keep an eye out—because when it comes to Buffalo Trace, the spirits are never far away.
Something Else Spooky Nearby
If you’re looking to keep the chills going after a day at Buffalo Trace, check out Lexington Scarefest, one of the largest horror and paranormal conventions in the country. Held each fall in Lexington, it brings together horror fans, celebrities, ghost hunters, and plenty of thrills just a short drive from the distillery. Learn more at scarefestweekend.com.
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Subscribe for just $7.99/year and become part of a members-only community that tracks what matters.
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Buffalo Trace Distillery is keeping bourbon fans on their toes once again with an exciting lineup of special releases rolling out across the weekend and into Monday. If you’re planning a visit, here’s what you can expect to see hit the shelves:
Friday: Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection The week kicks off with one of the distillery’s most fascinating offerings — the Experimental Collection. These bottles showcase innovation and creativity, giving fans a rare taste of how different barrels, mash bills, and techniques shape bourbon’s flavor. Each release is limited, and collectors know these don’t linger long.
Saturday: Single Oak Project On Saturday, the spotlight shifts to the legendary Single Oak Project. With its reputation as one of the most ambitious bourbon experiments ever undertaken, this bottle remains a coveted find. Each release highlights a single barrel, making every pour a unique part of Buffalo Trace’s long-running quest to perfect bourbon.
Sunday: Walnut Hill Sunday brings Walnut Hill, a lesser-seen name but one that sparks curiosity among enthusiasts. This release offers something different for fans who want to branch out from the core lineup and taste a bourbon that carries its own distinct identity within the Buffalo Trace family.
Monday: Stagg To close out the run, Monday offers none other than Stagg. Known for its bold proof and cult following, this powerhouse bourbon is always one of the most anticipated drops. It’s the perfect way to start the week for those lucky enough to land a bottle.
As always, terms apply: one bottle per guest, while supplies last.
With a lineup this strong, it’s clear Buffalo Trace is committed to keeping visitors guessing — and rewarding those who make the trip to the distillery. Whether you’re chasing the Experimental Collection’s one-off flavors, hoping to snag a piece of Single Oak history, or hunting the always-demanded Stagg, this weekend has something for every bourbon fan.
If you’re heading to Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort to enjoy Kentucky’s world-famous bourbon, consider extending your stay in the Bluegrass for a different kind of spirit. Just 25 minutes down the road in Lexington, ScareFest Weekend is the perfect way to blend your bourbon getaway with spine-tingling entertainment. Sip your favorite pours by day, then dive into the thrills of horror and paranormal fun by night.
ScareFest Weekend returns October 17–19, 2025, taking over the Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington. As one of the largest horror, paranormal, and pop culture conventions in the country, the event features celebrity meet-and-greets, live panels, cosplay, and a vendor hall packed with spooky treasures. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just looking for a unique fall adventure, ScareFest delivers scares, laughs, and unforgettable moments.
Access all three days to expo floor, panels, vendors, workshops, film festival
$80
*VIP, Weekend Plus, and other premium passes may offer extras such as early access, exclusive swag, etc. Check the ticketing page for those and for sold-out status.
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Subscribe for just $7.99/year and become part of a members-only community that tracks what matters.
Get full access to our complete Buffalo Trace release history, covering every drop from the end of 2020 to today, plus all upcoming premium content designed for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Subscribe for just $7.99/year and become part of a members-only community that tracks what matters.
If you’re heading to Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort to enjoy Kentucky’s world-famous bourbon, consider extending your stay in the Bluegrass for a different kind of spirit. Just 25 minutes down the road in Lexington, ScareFest Weekend is the perfect way to blend your bourbon getaway with spine-tingling entertainment. Sip your favorite pours by day, then dive into the thrills of horror and paranormal fun by night.
ScareFest Weekend returns October 17–19, 2025, taking over the Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington. As one of the largest horror, paranormal, and pop culture conventions in the country, the event features celebrity meet-and-greets, live panels, cosplay, and a vendor hall packed with spooky treasures. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just looking for a unique fall adventure, ScareFest delivers scares, laughs, and unforgettable moments.
Access all three days to expo floor, panels, vendors, workshops, film festival
$80
*VIP, Weekend Plus, and other premium passes may offer extras such as early access, exclusive swag, etc. Check the ticketing page for those and for sold-out status.
Buffalo Trace surprised fans today by releasing the Single Oak Project on a Sunday, a day that carried only a 2% chance in the September 2025 odds blog. That makes today’s drop one of the bigger surprises of the month.
The forecast pointed out that the Single Oak Project shows up almost every month, most often on Mondays or Tuesdays with the occasional Wednesday. That is why a Sunday release stands out and why those who took the chance today walked away with one of the distillery’s rarest bottles.
The odds are calculated to give bourbon fans an advantage, highlighting the labels and days that history suggests are most likely. Buffalo Trace will always keep people guessing, but the odds blog is meant to be a helpful guide for planning visits and improving the chances of finding something special.