Buffalo Trace Distillery celebrates filling 9-millionth barrel in record time
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Buffalo Trace filled its 9-millionth barrel in under three years, a record pace.
- A $1B expansion and 800 staff helped boost production despite weather setbacks.
- Bourbon's $9B impact and 3M bourbon trail visitors bolster Kentucky's economy.
Two men wheeled Buffalo Trace Distillery’s 9-millionth barrel to Warehouse V Monday afternoon to the sound of applause. The warehouse at the end of the paved path has aged every millionth barrel since it was built in 1952 for the 2 millionth.
Jake Wenz, the distillery’s CEO and president, said the longest stretch between million barrels was 27 years when Buffalo Trace went from 5 million to 6 million barrels.
“But we’re going from 8 (million) to 9 (million barrels) in less than three (years),” he said in front of Warehouse V to a crowd of his employees and visitors on a free tour of the distillery. “So, I think that shows what’s been going on over the last few years. We’ve been busy.”
The distillery filled its 9-millionth barrel Aug. 13, less than three years after filling its 8 millionth in December 2022.
This year, Buffalo Trace has recovered from two historic floods, one of which induced a mudslide, and two periods of extremely cold temperatures. The feat of reaching its 9-millionth barrel, Wenz said, is in part a result of the distillery increasing its staff to 800 employees, making a more then $1 billion expansion and sticking to its principles.
“We truly believe we have a culture of craftsmanship and quality, and we take every single barrel seriously,” Wenz said. “Hopefully, at the end of the day, that’s what makes a difference. It’s why we can keep investing, filling new barrels, creating jobs.”
Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said it cannot be overstated the impact bourbon has had on Kentucky’s history and what it might contribute to its future. The spirit has had an economic impact of $9 billion in the state, she said. And the Kentucky Bourbon Trail saw nearly 3 million guests last year, in a record-setting year for tourism which had a $14 billion impact on the state’s economy, she said.
Local officials, including Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson and Franklin County Judge Executive Michael Mueller, joined Wenz and Coleman Monday to celebrate the distillery’s achievement.
“This milestone did not happen by chance,” Mueller said.
“It was made possible through the dedication of men and women of Buffalo Trace whose craftsmanship, innovation and pride in their work have elevated this distillery to the highest standards. It is also the result of a supportive community, a rich history and the vision to continue growing while honoring the traditions that brought us here today.”
Wilkerson said Buffalo Trace visitors patronize the capital city’s hotels, restaurants and other businesses. Monday’s celebration was a reminder “when Buffalo Trace succeeds, Frankfort succeeds,” he said.
Buffalo Trace Distillery Global Brand Ambassador Freddie Johnson spoke before the group of leaders signed the 9-millionth barrel.
Johnson, who is a third-generation Buffalo Trace employee, said his grandfather helped fill the distillery’s 3-millionth barrel. His father helped to fill the 6 millionth. John’s signature is on the 9 millionth.
“There’s barrels of whiskey all around you,” Johnson said. “But people lose sight of this — that the liquid in that bottle, the liquid in that barrel, the liquid in your glass is merely a conduit.
“And if you think about it, you only bring out your good stuff with people you like. The unfortunate part is, we are involved with product today that we will never live to taste. It’s a legacy that moves forward,” he said, gesturing to his grandson in the crowd.
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