A well-known whiskey brand just celebrated a true milestone. Buffalo Trace officially filled its 9 millionth barrel since post-Prohibition counting started in 1933. It’s an example of just how busy distillers have been over the years, especially along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
How much whiskey is that? It’s hard to put an exact figure out there, but each barrel tends to produce about 200-300 bottles. So, a ballpark estimate is about 2.25 billion bottles.
“The filling of our nine millionth barrel represents a historic chapter in the Distillery’s story, which began more than two centuries ago and is still being written today,” said Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Distillery master distiller. “This milestone is exciting not just because we are producing more whiskey than ever before, but because every barrel filled ensures that generations to come will be able to enjoy the same quality and craftsmanship that has defined the Distillery since the 1850’s.”
It’s a moment that shows just how much Buffalo Trace has grown over the years. The brand started way back in 1775, making it older than the country it resides in. In April, the distillery worked through historic floods and the site is on the verge of expanding its visitor experience with both on onsite cafe and a traveling roadshow.
Buffalo Trace tradition dictates that the 9 millionth barrel will go on display at the distillery until the 10 millionth barrel is filled. At that point, it will go to select bottles. The historic barrel can be seen above and is signed by members of the outfit’s team.
Buffalo Trace is owned by the Sazerac Company, which oversees a host of whiskey brands. The label is perhaps best known for its label, featuring a prominent bison. The bourbon has won more than 100 awards since 2000.
We’ve got more in that department. Check out our feature on the best rye whiskies and the best sipping whiskies. Or, change it up and check out the cool happenings over in the bustling Colorado whiskey scene.
