Buffalo Trace Distillery recently completes two large-scale, onsite construction projects.
These include a 5,500-square-foot expansion of its visitor center, and completely renovating the Old Taylor House, the oldest structure on the distillery’s property.
The Visitor Center
Buffalo Trace expanded its visitor center upward into the second floor (pictured above), where there is more room to grow as needed, the company says.
A newly constructed grand staircase made of white oak leads to the new space, which contains four additional tasting-bar areas and a new meeting and event space. At the top of the grand staircase is a large landscape mural of the distillery.
A collection of historic article clippings and photos from the distillery archives are also on the wall at the top of the stairs.
Future additions from the distillery archives are being planned for the second floor, including the construction of a vault to display rare, old bottles for guests to view, the company says. Display cases featuring old bottles and artifacts will also be installed on the second floor, including one dedicated to the Single Oak Project.
By expanding upward, the first floor now has ample space the gift shop merchandise, a new checkout counter and dedicated spirits space. Additionally, new bathrooms have been installed on both floors.
Old Taylor House
The Old Taylor House is not only the oldest structure at the distillery, but the oldest residential building in Franklin County, Kentucky, the company says.
The Old Taylor House
Constructed in the late 1700s, with the second floor added in the 1800s, the house was originally built for Commodore Richard Taylor, who served as superintendent of navigation on the Kentucky River and who was great-grandfather to Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr.
Since its inception, the two-story house has held many different roles, including a residence, first aid clinic, and even a laboratory for the distillery. After a long life of use, the house had begun to deteriorate, but has now been fully restored to preserve its history.
Evidence of that preserved history can be seen in details throughout the house, the company says, down to the horsehair used as a bonding agent in the original construction of the walls.
The renovated house features hardwood floors and fresh paint throughout, and is lit by hanging Edison bulbs. The second floor lab displays old beakers and artifacts once used in the house.
The Distillery intends to incorporate the restored house into some of its existing tours.
A joint grand opening for the Visitor Center and Old Taylor House will be held in early July.
