Historic Distillery in Kentucky Reopens Following Severe Flooding

For over two centuries, the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfurt, Kentucky, has been producing an array of spirits across its expansive 400-acre estate.

However, last month, operations were completely halted when the Kentucky River overflowed, according to Harlen Wheatley, the master distiller at Buffalo Trace.

The distillery site was inundated with water levels reaching up to five feet in every building, as noted by Wheatley.

Tyler Adams, the general manager, recalls past challenges Buffalo Trace has faced, including a thorough site-wide flood in 1978 and intense tornado winds in 2006 that damaged several structures. "We’ve endured prohibition, more floods, and even tornadoes ripping off sections of warehouses," Adams said.

Despite the challenges, there are no intentions of relocating the distillery to a safer elevation. Wheatley expressed confidence, saying, "We aren't going to slow down. That water is merely a minor obstacle."

Recovery in the Wake of Flooding

Efforts were made to ensure the facility's readiness for "Derby Week," the distillery's peak period.

"The essentials for Derby are bourbon, mint juleps, and horses," local resident Colleen Calvy remarked. "Without them, it isn't Derby."

Visitors attending the famous Derby also made their way to Buffalo Trace's gift shop, as the distillery resumed restricted tours and tastings once more.

Community Resurgence

Frankfort's mayor, Layne Wilkerson, views the distillery's soft reopening as a positive sign of recovery for a community heavily impacted by the floods. "This distillery is a significant part of our identity and economy in Frankfort," Wilkerson noted.

Wheatley emphasized the importance of resuming operations. "This holds meaning for us as well," he commented. "With a workforce of 770, countless families rely on these jobs, and it’s crucial for us to operate smoothly again."