Buffalo Trace Distillery Closed Due To Kentucky Floods

he city of Frankfort, Kentucky, is grappling with significant flooding this week as the Kentucky River swells to near-record levels following days of relentless rainfall across the South and Midwestern United States. The deluge has forced the temporary closure of the Buffalo Trace Distillery, a cornerstone of the Kentucky bourbon industry and a major tourist attraction.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Closing Statement

In a statement released on Sunday, Buffalo Trace announced it would be closed to both the public and staff, citing the "unprecedented and ongoing rain and flooding." While the distillery hopes to open again by April 10th, the date remains uncertain, with Buffalo Trace saying, “We will assess those realities in the coming days as the facilities become safe to navigate and will make necessary adjustments to operations as required.”

Frankfort’s Flood Forecast

Photos emerging from Frankfort on Monday show several of the distillery's lower-level buildings and parking lots submerged in the murky floodwaters. CJ Padgett, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Louisville, said the Kentucky River at Frankfort Lock was nearing its crest on Monday, approaching the record of 48.5 feet set in December 1978, according to the Associated Press. Buffalo Trace Distillery is located on the banks of the river, making it vulnerable to flooding. Markers are on the walls inside indicate previous high-water levels, including the aforementioned 1978 flood.

The flooding in Frankfort is part of a broader weather crisis affecting Kentucky and neighboring states, with swollen rivers causing widespread damage and displacement. Governor Andy Beshear has urged residents in the Frankfort area to conserve water due to limitations in the water supply caused by the flooding and has closed state offices in the area on Monday.

The Road Ahead For Buffalo Trace

For now, the focus in Frankfort remains on the immediate safety of residents and the receding of the floodwaters, after which the long process of assessment and cleanup can begin. Unfortunately, the floods represent another setback for the Kentucky bourbon industry, which is already navigating the fallout from newly implemented tariff policies targeting American whisky, which, coupled with the developing trade war, has created economic uncertainty for distilleries across the state.

UPDATE: Buffalo Trace Disatillery Begins Phased Reopening

Nearly a week after flooding on the Kentucky River peaked, Buffalo Trace Distillery reported significant progress in its recovery. Cleanup and restoration efforts are over 75% complete, with power restored to key areas allowing the resumption of bottling operations in Blanton’s and the main bottling halls. 1 Starting Monday, April 14th, the distillery initiated a limited reopening to visitors with prior reservations, offering a modified retail experience at the Freehouse building for select bottle purchases and outdoor tastings. Regular tours remain suspended.

"Thanks to the tireless efforts of our contractors and dedicated teams, we’ve made tremendous progress in the Distillery’s flood recovery plan," said Jake Wenz, Sazerac and Buffalo Trace Distillery CEO and President in a press release issued on Tuesday, April 15. “Each day significant progress is made allowing the Distillery to return to normal operations and I am optimistic that, with this same spirit, we’ll be operating normally soon.”

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