Frankfort's Buffalo Trace Distillery closed after 'unprecedented' flooding from Ky. River

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort is temporarily closed because of what a company spokesperson called "unprecedented" flooding.

Several buildings are flooded, and the distillery's parking lots are under water with some vehicles submerged. The water tower with the brand's logo stands over the visitor center and warehouses that appear to be inundated with water.

Officials with the Frankfort-based distillery said it will remain closed through at least April 10 as crews assess the damage with the receding floodwaters. It's not known how much of Buffalo Trace's inventory — including barrels, bottles and other items — have been damaged.

Company officials said in a written statement Tuesday that the distillery's history on the river has made it prepared for damage this week.

"Because Buffalo Trace Distillery has survived in its location on the Kentucky River for over 200 years, we have, unfortunately, experience in flood management and recovery," Jake Wenz, president and CEO of Sazerac & Buffalo Trace Distillery, said in a news release Tuesday. "We initiated a preparation flood plan ahead of the surge. We were able to implement that plan late last week and are hopeful in doing so we will have mediated at least some of the damage. That said, we do expect the impact to be extensive and the recovery efforts to be significant and ongoing for some time."

Buffalo Trace is one of the closest distilleries to the banks of the Kentucky River, which crested early Monday morning at 48.3 feet.

"Our hearts are with the rest of the community that has also been impacted by this devastation," Wenz said in a news release. "Buffalo Trace Distillery will support relief efforts in the coming weeks to help Frankfort residents through this difficult time. We also want to say a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated team members, consumers, city and county officials, and vendor partners who have offered an incredible amount of support during this time. And finally, please accept our regrets to our fans that planned visits to the Distillery this week."

The historic distillery recently completed a 10-year, $1.3 billion expansion.

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