Flooding Forces Temporary Closure of Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY
Frankfort, KY – Buffalo Trace Distillery, one of America’s oldest continuously operating distilleries, has been forced to temporarily close due to severe flooding along the Kentucky River. Heavy rainfall across the Midwest over the past week has caused the river to swell, submerging parts of the distillery’s campus, including buildings, parking lots, and vehicles. The flooding, described as historic, has impacted much of Frankfort, Kentucky’s capital city.
The distillery announced its closure to both visitors and employees, with plans to remain shuttered through at least Thursday, April 10, 2025, though this timeline may extend depending on the extent of the damage. Aerial footage shows the iconic bourbon production facility surrounded by floodwaters, with some areas underwater. Jake Wenz, CEO and President of Sazerac & Buffalo Trace Distillery, stated that the flooding is extensive, and recovery efforts are expected to be significant and ongoing.
While the full impact on the distillery’s inventory—such as barrels and bottles—is not yet known, Buffalo Trace has a history of managing floods due to its 200-year presence on the Kentucky River. The distillery has expressed its commitment to supporting relief efforts for the Frankfort community, which has also faced evacuations and a mandatory curfew due to the flooding.
The Kentucky River crested at approximately 48.3 feet on Monday, just shy of the record set in 1978, contributing to what officials are calling one of the worst flooding events in the region’s recent history. Buffalo Trace plans to assess the damage as waters recede and will provide updates on its reopening and operations.