This Legendary Bourbon Maker Has Just Filled Its 9 Millionth Barrel

Thursday, 23 October 2025 at 17:03Buffalo Trace Distillery

In Kentucky, the Buffalo Trace Distillery is gearing up for a party. The distillery has just filled its nine millionth bourbon barrel since Prohibition. And the whiskey maker has some exceptional plans for it.

FAQ

Where is the Buffalo Trace Distillery located?
In Frankfort, Kentucky.
Does Buffalo Trace Distillery only produce Buffalo Trace whiskey?
No. They also make many other types of whiskey such as Eagle Rare and Pappy Van Winkle whiskey.
Is the distillery open to visitors?
Yes.

After Prohibition, a lot of American distilleries immediately resumed production of spirits. Buffalo Trace was no exception and it even increased production at a rapid pace. From 1933 to the present day, an impressive 9 million barrels have been filled with spirits.

A Recording-breaking Pace in Distilling

The distillery has been operating for over 200 years and has in recent years elevated production to an unprecedented level. They filled their one-millionth barrel in 1942. More than 60 years later, it was the seventh millionth barrel's turn in 2018.

This milestone was followed in 2022, just prior to the completion of a massive expansion, by the eight millionth barrel. This indicates a significant increase in the distillery's pace. Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace, states that the nine-millionth barrel marks a historic chapter in the distillery's history.

A Bourbon Barrel With a Special Purpose

The barrel was filled during an elaborate ceremony. It was also announced how long the bourbon would be maturing in the barrel.

The barrel will be stored in Warehouse V, which is the world's only single-barrel warehouse. This American whiskey will mature there until Buffalo Trace Distillery fills its ten millionth barrel.

It may sound like a very long period, but in fact, it isn't. If Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to distill at the same pace, it should be about three years.

While the whiskey matures in the barrel, visitors can view it during tours at the distillery.