Kentucky’s Buffalo Trace Distillery Rebounds After Massive Flood Halts Bourbon Production
FRANKFORT, KY — One of Kentucky’s most famous bourbon makers has bounced back after a massive April flood swamped its historic campus, causing tens of millions in damage and forcing a temporary halt to production.
Bourbon Production Halted by Kentucky River Flood
The Buffalo Trace Distillery, located along the Kentucky River, saw its 200-acre campus inundated after days of relentless rain. Nearly every stage of bourbon production was impacted, along with warehouses holding thousands of barrels of aging whiskey.
General manager Tyler Adams recalled the overwhelming scene:
“It was just something that was hard to process, but we knew we couldn’t take too much time to process it. We had much to do to recover from the reservoir of murky water that swamped the bourbon-making campus.”
Cleanup and Recovery
The cleanup involved hundreds of employees and contractors, who pumped out water, sanitized equipment, and cleared debris. Bourbon barrels swept into parking lots drew attention, though they were empty.
Some filled barrels touched by floodwaters had to be cleaned and tested, though only small amounts of whiskey were ultimately lost.
High-water marks now etched into buildings serve as reminders, with tour guides referencing the event during visits.
Master distiller Danny Kahn admitted the experience left him shaken:
“It actually looked kind of calm, but I knew that it was not calm because we could see buildings were under 10 feet of water. It was really quite overwhelming.”
Damage and Costs
The flood caused more than $30 million in damage.
- Several storage tanks shifted from their foundations, some replaced entirely.
- Dozens of electrical control panels were destroyed.
- About three-fourths of the gift shop’s inventory was ruined.
- Bourbon production was halted for nearly a month.
Despite the setbacks, bottling resumed quickly, and a makeshift gift shop was opened until repairs were complete.
Production Resumes and Expansion
Five months later, Buffalo Trace is back to full production, including its sought-after brands Eagle Rare, W.L. Weller, Blanton’s, and the flagship Buffalo Trace bourbon.
The distillery recently filled its 9 millionth barrel since Prohibition, just two and a half years after reaching the 8 million milestone. A new café and event center is also under renovation.
Buffalo Trace had just completed a $1.2 billion decade-long expansion before the flood, doubling its production capacity.
Broader Industry Challenges
The recovery comes as the American whiskey industry faces headwinds.
- In 2024, U.S. whiskey sales dropped nearly 2%, the first decline in over two decades.
- Exports fell more than 13% through July 2025 amid tariffs, supply chain issues, and shifting consumer trends.
While large distilleries like Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Wild Turkey can absorb downturns, smaller producers remain vulnerable.
Heaven Hill Brands, meanwhile, recently invested $200 million into a new distillery in Bardstown, betting on bourbon’s long-term growth.
Preparing for Future Floods
Buffalo Trace officials acknowledge the risks of its riverside location.
“This area being a National Historic Landmark, being right on the river, there’s only so much you can do to hold back that water,” Adams said. “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.”
Despite the challenges, Buffalo Trace’s swift recovery has reassured bourbon fans worldwide that production of Kentucky’s most iconic spirits continues strong.
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