Why is it so hard to find Buffalo Trace?
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that the scarcity of Buffalo Trace products, such as Blanton's and E.H. Taylor, is primarily due to two factors: high demand and the time-consuming nature of bourbon production.
First and foremost, the demand for Buffalo Trace products has skyrocketed in recent years. The bourbon industry has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with more and more people discovering and appreciating the rich flavors and craftsmanship of this quintessential American spirit. Buffalo Trace, known for its high-quality and sought-after bourbons, has become a favorite among enthusiasts and collectors.
However, despite the distillery's efforts to ramp up production, it simply takes time to produce a good bourbon. Bourbon must be aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years, and many of Buffalo Trace's products are aged for much longer. This aging process allows the whiskey to develop complex flavors and mellow out harsh characteristics, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable drinking experience.
Moreover, Buffalo Trace follows traditional methods of bourbon production, which prioritize quality over quantity. They use a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, and their production process involves careful fermentation, distillation, and aging techniques. This attention to detail and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in bourbon production contribute to the exceptional quality of Buffalo Trace products but also limit the speed at which they can be produced.
Furthermore, Buffalo Trace has faced challenges in meeting the increasing demand due to its limited production capacity. While they have made efforts to expand their facilities and increase production, it takes time to build and commission new stills and aging warehouses. The distillery has been investing in infrastructure improvements, but these changes cannot happen overnight.
Another factor that contributes to the scarcity of Buffalo Trace products is the allocation system employed by the distillery. In order to ensure fair distribution and prevent hoarding, Buffalo Trace uses an allocation system to allocate limited quantities of their highly sought-after products to retailers and markets. This system aims to prevent shortages in one area and distribute their products more evenly.
In addition to the challenges faced by Buffalo Trace itself, the bourbon industry as a whole has experienced supply chain issues. The demand for bourbon has outpaced the available supply of aged whiskey, leading to shortages and price increases across the market. This is not unique to Buffalo Trace but is a broader issue affecting the entire industry.
The scarcity of Buffalo Trace products, such as Blanton's and E.H. Taylor, can be attributed to the combination of high demand, the time-consuming nature of bourbon production, limited production capacity, and supply chain challenges. Despite the distillery's efforts to increase production and meet the growing demand, the reality remains that good bourbon takes time, and it will be years before Buffalo Trace reaches current demand levels.