Buffalo Trace Distillery Recovers from April Flooding Disruption

Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, has successfully resumed bourbon production after a significant flood in April 2024 temporarily halted operations. The Kentucky River, which has historically been both a boon and a challenge for the distillery, overflowed due to days of heavy rainfall, inundating the distillery’s 200-plus-acre campus and disrupting nearly all phases of production.

The floodwaters caused extensive damage, impacting several warehouses where whiskey is aged. Tyler Adams, general manager of the distillery, described the situation as overwhelming, stating, “It was just something that was hard to process, but we knew we couldn’t take too much time to process it.” In the months following the flood, the distillery mobilized hundreds of employees and contractors to assist in the extensive cleanup efforts.

Five months later, Buffalo Trace has returned to full production, including its flagship brand, Buffalo Trace, along with other popular selections like Eagle Rare, W.L. Weller, and Blanton’s. The distillery achieved a milestone by filling its 9 millionth barrel of bourbon since Prohibition, just two and a half years after reaching the 8 millionth barrel. The distillery also introduced new products and is renovating a campus building into a café and events center.

“It was just defeating to watch all this flooding and to realize that we’re going to be down for a while,”

said Danny Kahn, master distiller for Buffalo Trace’s parent company. The flood, which reached unprecedented levels, not only disrupted production but also caused damages estimated to exceed $30 million. Key infrastructure was affected, including storage tanks and electrical control panels, and approximately three-fourths of the gift shop inventory was lost.

Historically, flooding has impacted Buffalo Trace, with significant events recorded in 1937 and 1978. However, the April flood marked a new high, with water levels rising to previously unseen heights. Following the flooding, distillery staff activated emergency plans, shutting down operations and safeguarding equipment while monitoring the situation from higher ground.

Once the river receded, operations gradually resumed. Finished whiskey was shipped out the day after the rain stopped, and bottling resumed shortly thereafter. A temporary gift shop was established while repairs were underway, and tours eventually resumed as the visitor center was restored.

The broader American whiskey industry is also facing challenges. According to the Distilled Spirits Council, American whiskey sales in the U.S. fell nearly 2% in 2024, marking the first decline in supplier sales in over 20 years. Ongoing supply chain disruptions and shifts in consumer behavior have contributed to these challenges, as highlighted by Chris Swonger, CEO of the council.

Despite these market pressures, larger distilleries like Buffalo Trace and Heaven Hill Brands are better positioned to weather downturns. Heaven Hill recently completed a new $200 million distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, emphasizing a long-term vision for growth and expansion.

As Buffalo Trace looks to the future, its connection to the Kentucky River remains integral to its identity. Tyler Adams noted the inevitability of future floods, stating, “Your best bet is to prepare for it, do what you can. But holding back that water? It’s really inevitable it’s going to make it into some spaces.” The distillery’s experience during this challenging time has equipped it with valuable lessons for preparedness as it continues to produce some of the most sought-after bourbons in the industry.