Buffalo Trace officials inspecting bourbon as cleanup continues after Kentucky flooding
Despite substantial damage to the Frankfort campus during this month's major flood event, Buffalo Trace Distillery officials report they hope to reopen the company's bottling operation next week, as well reopen to visitors on a limited basis.
At a Friday news conference in the parking lot of one of the state's most popular bourbon producers, officials reported many of the buildings were flooded and a full-scale cleanup is underway. Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, who has been in that role for 20 years, briefed reporters on recovery efforts.
In the distillery's 200-plus year history, Wheatley noted Buffalo Trace has survived several floods, but this latest disaster was 'one of the most severe that we've seen.'
Days of non-stop rain that began April 2 soaked much of the state, swelling rivers and waterways and leaving seven people dead.
One silver lining for Buffalo Trace is flood waters have completely receded from the distillery's campus, allowing recovery efforts to get underway. Clean up crews and water trucks fanned out across the site Friday morning, which hummed with activity. Hundreds of trade experts and professionals are assisting with the clean up, Wheatley said.
'Our distribution center and main bottling operation did not take on flood waters and thus distribution began today. We actually shipped out this morning,' Wheatley told reporters April 11. 'The distillery team is working toward resuming bottling operations as early as next week.'
Wheatley added the distillery's guest experience team is working to welcome the public back in a 'modified capacity' next week. That involves extending email invites to visitors with scheduled tours interrupted by the flooding, Wheatley said, adding more details will be released on the distillery's social media channels.
For now, the distillery will remain closed to visitors through Sunday, April 13.
'We are committed to welcoming visitors back' as we lead up to the Kentucky Derby, Tyler Adams, general manager, said Friday.
When the public returns, there will be a modified retail experience available in the visitor check-in building next to the parking lot, Wheatley said.
Distillery officials said they are inspecting barrels for damage and contact with floodwater, and do not have a number on the possible barrels affected. The process is expected to take several weeks. Staff had moved some barrels of bourbon to upper floors ahead of the prolonged rain event.
They do not expect any meaningful loss of inventory, Wheatley said.
Initially Tuesday, Buffalo Trace announced it would temporarily close due to the extensive flooding from the nearby Kentucky River.
'While assessments are still ongoing, what we have learned so far is that impact to infrastructure across the distillery is substantial,' an April 10 new release stated.
Officials said Friday they do not expect job losses as a result of the disaster.
Wheatley thanked the Buffalo Trace team and community for their support.
'We've also been touched by the enormous outreach of many offers to help us clean up,' Wheatley said.
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