Buffalo Trace Distillery, the Kentucky bourbon institution that has long drawn whiskey pilgrims to its Frankfort grounds, is turning the tables this fall. For the first time in its storied history, the distillery is taking its award-winning spirits on the road with Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour, a new pop-up tasting and retail experience set to debut in October 2025 across four U.S. cities: St. Louis, Kansas City, Jacksonville, and Tampa.
A Distillery Experience Without the Pilgrimage
For generations, Buffalo Trace has been a destination. Visitors walked the campus where barrels breathe in Kentucky’s seasonal air, guided by stories of master distillers and bourbon innovators. But what about the bourbon drinker who hasn’t yet made the trek to Frankfort? That question is what inspired the distillery’s latest move.
Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director for Buffalo Trace Distillery, frames it like this: “We have long sought to bring our story to those who cannot, or have not yet, visited our Distillery. For the first time, Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour allows us to meet our fans where they are to share our history, craftsmanship, and award-winning whiskies.”
The format is as much theater as it is tasting: four curated pours, guided by an expert host, each accompanied by a narrative linking bourbon’s flavors to its people, places, and legacy.
What’s in the Glass
Each 90-minute session will feature a quartet of Buffalo Trace’s best-loved labels:
- Buffalo Trace Bourbon – the flagship expression, known for its balance of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
- Eagle Rare 10 Year Old – a refined take on age and structure.
- Weller Antique 107 – wheat-forward, bold, and beloved by collectors.
- Sazerac Rye 100 Proof – spicy, robust, and a nod to America’s original cocktail.
Beyond the liquid, guests will encounter city-specific barware—exclusive pieces designed to be both keepsake and conversation starter. As with the bourbon, once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Where and When
The On Tour calendar runs as follows:
- St. Louis, MO – D’Amici Room, October 3–6
- Kansas City, MO – The First Creek Farm, October 9–12
- Jacksonville, FL – The Glass Factory, October 15–18
- Tampa, FL – Armature Works, October 19–22
At each stop, there will be ten complimentary tasting sessions spread across four days, with staggered afternoon and evening times.
Ed Bell, Sazerac Homeplace Director, distills the philosophy: “There’s something special about sharing a good pour with good company… We hope it’s a shared experience guests will never forget and one that inspires them to continue their own journey with bourbon.”
How to Attend
Admission is free, but space is limited. Reservations open online at 12 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT on Wednesday, September 10, with a cap of four tickets per person. Availability is expected to vanish as quickly as a rare bottle of Weller.
For bourbon enthusiasts who have always wanted to walk the hallowed halls of Buffalo Trace but haven’t yet managed the trip, October offers something close: the essence of Frankfort, distilled and delivered to a city near you.
For more information on the Buffalo Trace Tasting Tour, head over to the brand’s official website.
In spring, the distillery plans to open the John G. Carlisle Cafe.
