Drawing inspiration from historic documents preserved in the Distillery’s archives, the latest release continues to uncover stories from nearly a century ago that inspired the whiskeys crafted for this year’s Collection
FRANKFORT, KY (June 30, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly unveils the third edition of its Prohibition Collection, an annual limited-edition set of five bottles commemorating the whiskeys legally produced and sold at the Distillery while the 18th Amendment was in effect. This year’s collection honors five historic brands bottled under President Albert B. Blanton’s leadership at George T. Stagg Distillery, as Buffalo Trace was known during the Prohibition era, including: Henry Watterson, Kentucky River, John G. Carlisle, Walter B. Duffy and Cove Spring.
Spanning from 1920 to 1933, Prohibition marked one of the most contentious periods in American whiskey history following the ratification of the 18th Amendment, which banned the production, sale and transportation of alcohol across the United States. While most distilleries were forced to shut down, six were granted licenses by the U.S. Government to legally bottle medicinal whiskey for sale with a prescription. This includes the George T. Stagg Distillery, known today as Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Historic documents preserved within the Distillery’s archives uncovered stories that inspired the five whiskeys featured in this year’s Collection. Each expression draws influence from the original branding and packaging of these long-forgotten labels, bringing another chapter of Prohibition-era whiskey history back to life.
· Henry Watterson was a U.S. Congressman and a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, known for his anti-Prohibition views. Because of his public support for distilleries and their products, Watterson’s likeness was used for a whiskey brand that was distributed by several companies, including the George T. Stagg Distillery. Today’s iteration – bottled uncut and unfiltered at 140.6 proof – is a Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey bursting with rye spice, citrus peel and fresh green herbs. The palate is powerful and structured, revealing zesty citrus, cedarwood and herbaceous notes of thyme and mint, finishing long, dry and energetic.
· Kentucky River pays tribute to the former Kentucky River Distillery, previously known as Carlisle Distillery and later rebranded under Albert Blanton’s leadership to honor the river’s vital role in transporting goods, people and materials. Under Blanton’s leadership, the distillery tripled in size during this period of remarkable growth. Today’s expression is a 100 proof blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys. On the nose this whiskey offers aromas of honeyed grain, vanilla and caramelized sugar. Rounded and balanced, the palate showcases baked apple and gentle oak, finishing smooth and polished with warm pastry notes.
· John G. Carlisle, a prominent U.S. Congressman and one of the key architects behind the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, played a pivotal role in shaping the future of American whiskey. A steadfast ally of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr., Carlisle shared Taylor’s vision for elevating quality and consumer trust in the spirits industry. Their strong bond inspired Taylor to construct the Carlisle Distillery adjacent to the O.F.C. Distillery, expanding production capacity while honoring the man whose legislative leadership helped establish one of the most important standards in American whiskey history. This 100 proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey presents classic bourbon structure, layering rye-driven spice over toasted nuts and caramelized grain. It features bright orchard fruit and subtle tropical notes balanced by vanilla, oak and warm baking spices. The finish is dry and with lingering spice, light nuttiness and a restrained sweetness.
· Following George T. Stagg’s death in 1893, Walter B. Duffy became sole owner of the O.F.C. Distillery and helped usher in its next chapter. Operating from New York, Duffy placed his trust in Albert B. Blanton to oversee the Distillery’s operations, ultimately appointing him president in 1921. That decision would prove historic, as Blanton’s leadership helped shape the Distillery’s legacy and secure its place in American whiskey history. A blend of 10- and 14-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbons bottled at 107 proof, today’s tribute opens with notes of graham cracker, toasted corn and oak, layered with dried fig, raisin and date. Rich sweetness, structured oak and subtle anise lead to a long, refined finish accented by dried fruit and gentle spice.
· Named for the spring that fueled the Distillery’s earliest growth, Cove Spring honors a vital piece of Buffalo Trace history. In 1804, a stone dam and overflow tower transformed the spring into a reservoir, supplying water to Leestown and the growing operation that would become O.F.C. Distillery. Today, remnants of the original structure remain in Cove Spring Park, connecting past and present. This uncut Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, crafted from a wheated recipe and bottled at 120.2 proof, offers aromas of red cherry, toasted coconut and oak. The palate is rich and fruit-forward, layered with sweet corn and spice, before giving way to a long, balanced finish marked by red fruit, toasted oak and lingering warmth.
“The Prohibition Collection gives us the opportunity to bring important chapters of our Distillery’s history back to life,” said Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “Each year, we uncover stories, brands and whiskey traditions that might otherwise have been lost to time. By reimagining these historic whiskeys, we honor the resilience, ingenuity and determination that carried this Distillery through one of the most challenging periods in American whiskey history and helped shape the legacy we continue today.”
Housed in a custom wooden display case featuring archival imagery from the Distillery’s history, the collection is designed as both a tribute and a time capsule. Each of the five 375ml bottles recreates the look and scale of its Prohibition-era predecessor, while the accompanying cartons include the distinctive prescription cut-out once used by physicians to authorize medicinal whiskey purchases. Together, these details offer an authentic glimpse into one of the most remarkable periods in American whiskey history.
The Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection #3 will be released in limited quantities through Sazerac’s United States distributor network, which will ship to select retailers, bars and restaurants starting in June 2026 at a suggested retail price of $999.99 (five 375ml bottles); state taxes will vary per market.
For more information, please visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.
-end-
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller, Stagg, Eagle Rare 10, and Thomas H. Handy received Gold Awards at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition and its flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon received a Master Medal at the 2025 Global American Whiskey Masters. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media-kit.
