FRANKFORT, Ky. — The renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky has had to temporarily shut its doors following severe flooding that has swept through the region. This natural disaster has affected the distillery, known for its popular bourbon, compelling it to both halt operations and restrict access to the public and staff.
In an announcement on Sunday, Buffalo Trace, situated in Frankfort, Kentucky, disclosed its closure extending until at least April 10. However, it cautioned that the timeline could be subject to adjustments depending on circumstances.
“Due to unprecedented and ongoing rain and flooding, we are not able to advise on the impact to our total distillery footprint,” the distillery stated. “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.”
Details regarding the potential damage to Buffalo Trace’s inventory, which includes barrels and bottles, remain unclear. The distillery’s spokesperson refrained from providing additional comments.
Kentucky, along with parts of the U.S. South and Midwest, has faced days of relentless heavy rain, culminating in devastating floods. These conditions have cast doubts over how long the flooding’s impacts might persist, particularly as rivers continue to rise. In Frankfort, the Kentucky River meanders across the capital and has a historical tendency to flood.
On Monday, levels of the Kentucky River were near a critical point at the Frankfort Lock, approaching the historic crest of 48 1/2 feet (14.78 meters) recorded on December 10, 1978, as noted by meteorologist CJ Padgett from the National Weather Service in Louisville, Kentucky.
While Buffalo Trace is merely one among numerous distilleries in the bourbon-rich state of Kentucky, its close proximity to the banks of the Kentucky River makes it particularly vulnerable. Markers of past flood levels inside its Frankfort buildings, including those from the significant 1978 flood, stand as a testament to its recurring battle with nature.
As of Monday, lower levels of several of Buffalo Trace’s buildings were submerged, with parking lots and vehicles caught beneath the swelling floodwaters. Above the submerged areas, the iconic water tower with the distillery’s logo loomed over facilities seemingly drowning in water. Onlookers gathered to capture images of the site, once a bustling hub for bourbon enthusiasts.
Buffalo Trace Distillery boasts a rich heritage, being an American, family-owned business that has thrived for over two centuries. It produces coveted products such as the Pappy Van Winkle 23-year-old bourbon, highly sought after by aficionados and fetching significant sums on resale markets.