Buffalo Trace planning major new tourism attraction. What we know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Received preliminary approval for nearly $14.8M for a ~$60M venue.
- Development starts mid-2026, complete Dec 2028; hiring 35 FT, 30 PT.
- State docs say project will boost economy; final board approval still required.
Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort is planning a major expansion to its guest experience.
On March 18, the distillery received preliminary approval from the Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority for economic incentives worth a potential $14.8 million for a new project.
According to the state documents, the total project will cost nearly $60 million. It’s apparently an entertainment facility, slated to begin development in mid-2026 with completion targeted for December 2028.
“The Buffalo Trace Distillery lives by the motto: Honor Tradition and Embrace Change. We are not able to confirm all the details at this time, but we can confirm we are investing in the distillery to improve our experience for more guests, celebrate our history and support our local community,” said Jake Wenz, president and CEO of Sazerac Company, which owns Buffalo Trace, in a statement.
.png "BTD Warehouse (1).png")
According to the application, the venue anticipates hiring 35 full-time and 30 part-time employees and being open to the public at least 100 days a year, drawing at least 25% of its visitors from outside of Kentucky after at least three years in operation.
“The project shall have a significant and positive economic impact on the Commonwealth,” the state document said.
The project still must receive final approval from the board to quality for incentives.
The expansion apparently comes on top of a previously announced cafe that Buffalo Trace is expected to this spring in the existing historic lodge on site.
Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of the most-visited bourbon distilleries in Kentucky. Owned by Sazerac, the distillery is not part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail because the company is not a member of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association any longer.
But the historic distillery is known for its top-selling bourbon and whiskey brands, including namesake Buffalo Trace as well as Blanton’s, Weller, Eagle Rare and Pappy Van Winkle.
.jpg "PVW-Family.Fireplace (1).jpg")
The privately held Sazerac is aggressively bucking the trend among spirits companies to slow production as whiskey sales have been slumping over the two years.
In addition to the new entertainment venue, Buffalo Trace’s parent recently purchased the bank’s interest in the shuttered Garrard County Distillery.
Sazerac also received approval in August 2025 for up to $2.75 million in Kentucky tax incentives for a new, $1 billion barrel campus in Campbellsville in Taylor County. And the company is planning a separate $38 million expansion of existing operations in New Albany, Ind.
Buffalo Trace in January 2025 finished a $1.2 billion expansion at the Frankfort distillery that doubled distilling capacity.
This story was originally published March 20, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
