Buffalo Trace Distillery is not owned by Jim Beam. It is actually owned by the Sazerac Company. The Sazerac Company is a family-owned company based in New Orleans, Louisiana, that has been in the spirits business for over 150 years. They are known for their wide range of spirits, including whiskies, rums, vodkas, and liqueurs.
I have had the pleasure of visiting Buffalo Trace Distillery myself and experiencing their fine spirits. The distillery has a rich history and is located in Frankfort, Kentucky, in the heart of bourbon country. It has been in operation since 1787, making it one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States.
Buffalo Trace Distillery has gone through several name changes throughout its history. It was originally known as the Old Fashioned Copper (O.F.C.) distillery, then as the George T. Stagg distillery, named after one of its former owners. In 1992, the distillery was renamed Buffalo Trace, in honor of the buffalo that once roamed the area and the historic buffalo crossing on the Kentucky River nearby.
The Sazerac Company acquired the distillery in 1992 and has since invested heavily in its expansion and preservation. They have kept the traditional methods of production alive, using old-fashioned copper stills and aging their whiskies in charred oak barrels. It is this attention to detail and commitment to quality that has made Buffalo Trace whiskies highly regarded by bourbon enthusiasts and experts alike.
Buffalo Trace offers a wide range of whiskies, including their flagship Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, as well as other popular brands like Eagle Rare, Blanton's, and Pappy Van Winkle. Each of these whiskies has its own unique flavor profile and characteristics, making them sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.
Buffalo Trace Distillery is not owned by Jim Beam, but by the Sazerac Company. The distillery has a long and storied history, and their whiskies are beloved by many. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend visiting the distillery and experiencing their fine spirits firsthand.