Buffalo Trace Distillery
Historic distillery offering free tours and tastings of its acclaimed bourbons, set on beautiful Kentucky grounds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic distillery offering free tours and tastings of its acclaimed bourbons, set on beautiful Kentucky grounds.
"A must-visit for bourbon lovers, offering free tours and a chance to snag rare bottles!"
🎯 Book Tours Early!
Tours, especially special ones, book up 8 weeks in advance. Arrive early for daily specials.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up quickly, so aim to arrive before your tour time.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Buffalo Chase
Distillery Grounds
Participate in this unique 5k race on distillery grounds, blending fitness with bourbon culture. A fun way to experience the area!

Award-Winning Bourbon Tours
Various Tour Routes
Explore the rich history and intricate bourbon-making process on a free, guided tour. Special tours offer deeper dives into specific brands.

Gift Shop Treasures
Gift Shop
Discover a selection of Buffalo Trace's coveted bourbons, often at better prices than elsewhere. Limited releases and unique merchandise await.

Historic Distillery Grounds
Distillery Grounds
Wander through pristine, well-maintained grounds, soaking in the atmosphere of this historic Kentucky landmark.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tours Well in Advance
Free Tours & Great Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Early!
Tours, especially special ones, book up 8 weeks in advance. Arrive early for daily specials.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up quickly, so aim to arrive before your tour time.
💰 Free Tours & Tastings
Enjoy complimentary tours and tastings – a great value!
🎁 Gift Shop Deals
Find rare bourbons and merchandise at good prices in the gift shop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Early!
Tours, especially special ones, book up 8 weeks in advance. Arrive early for daily specials.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill up quickly, so aim to arrive before your tour time.
💰 Free Tours & Tastings
Enjoy complimentary tours and tastings – a great value!
🎁 Gift Shop Deals
Find rare bourbons and merchandise at good prices in the gift shop.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the distillery grounds.
💧 Check Flood Alerts
The distillery can be affected by river flooding; check conditions before visiting.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Buffalo Trace Distillery for its pristine grounds, informative and entertaining tours, and the incredible value of free admission and tastings. Many highlight the opportunity to purchase rare bourbons at competitive prices in the gift shop. While the experience is overwhelmingly positive, some note the need for advance booking and the potential for crowds.
"This is an incredible place to visit. The grounds around are pristine and the visitors center, gift shop, and tasting areas are beautifully set up. Our tour guide was Donna and she was terrific! She was very informative, entertaining, and clearly enjoyed spending time with us. We are thankful that Buffalo Trace continues to offer tours and tastings for free, leaving us with $ to spend in the gift shop without bankrupting our credit cards. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a place not to be missed if you are in the Frankfort, KY area."
Diane Leighty
"We learned a lot during our tour at Buffalo Trace. We had a very knowledgeable tour guide and he was funny too. The tasting was very nice and the buying room had a flash sale and we were very happy to have been able to get some of the specially priced bourbon."
Jason & Kristin VanDePitte
"Was my first distillery tour experience and will always stand out as I go through more. The tour was amazing and we had a very knowledgeable guide. Tasting at the end was also great and I couldn’t believe the prices in the gift shop for the liquor."
Johnathan Kehren
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Buffalo Trace Distillery is located in Frankfort, Kentucky. It's accessible by car, and many visitors drive from nearby cities like Louisville or Lexington. Public transportation options are limited, so a car is generally recommended.
Yes, Buffalo Trace offers parking, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times and weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot.
While possible, it's challenging. Ride-sharing services might be available, but their reliability in Frankfort can vary. Many visitors opt for a rental car or join a guided bourbon tour that includes transportation.
For visiting multiple distilleries like Buffalo Trace, Willett, and Heaven Hill, renting a car or booking a dedicated bourbon tour is the most convenient. Some tours offer pick-up points in major cities.
Buffalo Trace is located near the Kentucky River and can experience flooding. It's advisable to check local weather and river conditions before your visit, especially during rainy seasons.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking tours in advance is highly recommended, and often required, as they can sell out weeks or even months ahead, especially for specific experiences.
It's advised to book your tours at least 8 weeks in advance to ensure availability, particularly for popular tours.
Yes, Buffalo Trace offers complimentary tours and tastings, which is a significant draw for visitors.
Operating hours can vary, but generally, the distillery opens early for tours and the gift shop. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
While you can visit the grounds and gift shop, guided tours are the primary way to experience the distillery's history and production process. Some tours may have walk-in availability if not fully booked, but advance booking is strongly advised.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take guided tours, enjoy bourbon tastings, explore the gift shop, and wander the beautiful grounds. Special events like 'Spirited Nights' offer unique seasonal experiences.
Popular tours include the general 'Trace Tour,' the 'E.H. Taylor Tour,' and the 'Blanton's Tour,' which offer in-depth looks at specific bourbons and their production.
Yes, most tours include a tasting of Buffalo Trace's spirits, allowing you to sample their offerings.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you'll be on your feet for the tour. Dress is generally casual, but check the weather and dress accordingly for outdoor exploration.
While primarily an adult-focused experience, the spacious grounds can be enjoyable for children. Some tours might have elements that engage younger visitors, and there's a playground mentioned.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Buffalo Trace does not typically have a full-service restaurant on-site. However, they may offer some snacks or tasting-related pairings. Visitors often bring their own snacks or dine in Frankfort.
Yes, tastings are a key part of the experience, and you can purchase bottles from the gift shop. Responsible consumption is encouraged.
Beyond tasting the bourbons neat, consider trying an Old Fashioned or exploring unique pairings like Freddie's Root Beer and cream.
Frankfort, KY, offers various dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants, a short drive from the distillery.
While not explicitly stated, picnicking on the grounds might be permissible during non-tour times. It's best to check with the distillery directly for their policy on outside food.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged throughout the distillery grounds and during tours, allowing you to capture the historic architecture and beautiful scenery.
The historic buildings, barrel warehouses, the Kentucky River views, and the well-manicured grounds offer numerous picturesque opportunities.
Drone usage may be restricted due to airspace regulations and distillery operations. It's best to inquire with the distillery directly before flying a drone on their property.
Many tours highlight key areas of the production process, offering unique angles for photography, such as barrel filling or bottling lines.
Visitors often share photos of the iconic distillery buildings, the vast barrel warehouses, scenic river views, and their tasting experiences.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🥃 Bourbon Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Active Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Buffalo Trace Bourbon Experience
Beyond the spirits themselves, the historic grounds of Buffalo Trace are a significant draw. The well-maintained landscape and iconic architecture provide a picturesque backdrop for exploration. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to learn about the distillery's long history, dating back to 1775, and witness the intricate processes involved in bourbon production, from grain to bottle.
For those seeking a more active experience, events like the Great Buffalo Chase 5k offer a unique way to engage with the distillery and its surroundings. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon aficionado or a curious newcomer, Buffalo Trace provides a comprehensive and memorable distillery visit.
Navigating Tours and Tastings
A major highlight for many visitors is that the tours are free of charge, often including a tasting session. This generosity allows guests to sample various Buffalo Trace products and learn about their flavor profiles from knowledgeable guides. The guides are frequently praised for being informative, entertaining, and passionate about the distillery's heritage.
It's important to note that while tours are free, the gift shop is a popular destination for purchasing bottles, including rare finds. Visitors often report finding sought-after bourbons at prices lower than expected, making it a worthwhile stop after the tour.
Understanding Buffalo Trace's Impact and Sustainability
Recent events have highlighted the distillery's resilience. In April 2025, Buffalo Trace experienced significant flooding due to rising river levels, impacting some of its facilities. Despite these challenges, the distillery has demonstrated a commitment to recovery and continued operations, showcasing the dedication of its team and the community's support.
The distillery's commitment extends to its community engagement, with events like the Great Buffalo Chase 5k promoting health and local participation. This holistic approach, balancing production, environmental responsibility, and community involvement, defines the modern Buffalo Trace experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit