AP News reported on Monday that storms bringing deadly Kentucky flooding caused the Buffalo Trace distillery to shutter its doors out of safety for its staff and tourists alike. The BBC reported on Sunday the storms were projected to bring “potentially historic” levels of rainfall.
“Due to unprecedented and ongoing rain and flooding, we are not able to advise on the impact to our total distillery footprint,” Buffalo Trace said about the closures in a statement. “We will assess those realities in the coming days as the facilities become safe to navigate and will make necessary adjustments to operations as required.”
As for the impact on the distillery’s production and revenue, the outlook remains unclear. The one clear thing, however, is that the current situation in Kentucky remains personal for everyone in the whiskey world, regardless of where they’re from. It’s inevitable that if you work in the bourbon business, you’ll find yourself in Kentucky and such was the case with our Founder and Head Spirits Critic Jay West (T8ke.) West was visiting the Buffalo Trace Distillery on business, and managed to witness the deadly storm firsthand.
“Staying at the Stagg Lodge overlooking the Buffalo Trace distillery grounds was a spectacle when the storms rolled in,” West shared with us. “For a facility that’s operating 24/7, I wondered what the folks still working were experiencing as tremendous winds swept over the distillery, bringing the heaviest rain I’ve seen in years.”
Buffalo Trace is one of the closest distilleries to the Kentucky River, according to AP News. The outlet reports that the distillery bears multiple high-water marks from other floods that have hit the Bluegrass State, including the horrific 1978 flood. This year’s storms appear to be one of those uniquely catastrophic ones that happen once every generation.
“Driving through Frankfort, Lexington and Augusta Kentucky on Friday, it was clear the area was going to see flood levels they hadn’t seen in years,” West explained. “Bridges were washing out as we sought routes with higher ground and worried we may not be able to retrace our steps and use those same routes to get back to Louisville that night. The amount of water already claiming the homes and properties was astounding.”
AP News reported that the bourbon brand’s historic water tower appeared to be flooded, and those who lived near the distillery were spotted photographing the property.
Fortunately, West was able to leave the site, but he explained during his time at Buffalo Trace, the waters were rising and didn’t appear like they were going to stop.
“Even leaving Buffalo Trace Thursday morning, it was clear the river was going to be a problem, it had risen overnight significantly and the evidence of earlier flooding was still strewn about, now swirling in newly-risen waters and not far at all from the distillery grounds that were bustling with activity,” West shared in a statement.
The extent of the damage still needs to be assessed, but photographs can be viewed on social media from accounts like Tour Guide Buffalo Trace .
WNKY News 40 reported that the distillery would remain closed until Thursday “at least.” Kentucky’s Governor, Andy Beshear, shared in a social post that homes near the Frankfort distillery were evacuating and that residents needed to “work together to conserve water.” Gov. Beshear additionally claimed that state offices would be closed on Monday.
In February, Buffalo Trace offered its assistance when disaster struck on the other side of the United States, by offering up a barrel of Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old for auction after the Los Angeles fires. Proceeds from the winning bid would be split between two organizations offering aid to victims: World Central Kitchen and Another Round Another Rally.
Since the rain began, 16 people across the South have died, according to NPR on Monday, and that number appears to be on the rise.
CNN reported on Tuesday that the rain was finally stopping, yet the rivers continue to rise, leaving many communities in danger.
“As long as I’ve been alive — and I’m 52 — this is the worst I’ve seen it,” Frankfort Kentucky resident Wendy Quire told The Associated Press.
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