FRANKFORT, Ky. — Buffalo Trace Distillery is opening its historic grounds after dark again this October, bringing bourbon tastings, seasonal cocktails and stories of unexplained happenings together for the second annual Night at the Distillery.
The Halloween experience returns with more dates, new storytelling stops and additional locations to explore. Running Thursdays through Saturdays through Oct. 31, the event invites visitors to discover a different side of the Frankfort distillery, where more than two centuries of whiskey-making history provide the backdrop for an evening of history, folklore and mystery.
Guests will follow a route past illuminated warehouses, trees, pumpkins and barrels, with seasonal soundscapes setting the mood. Along the way, storytellers will share accounts inspired by documented distillery history, local folklore and tales passed down through generations.
Among the stories are unexplained voices said to echo through Warehouse C, the origins of the Buffalo Trace name and hidden love letters discovered beneath floorboards of the Blanton family home. The experience invites visitors to consider where the historical record ends and folklore begins while exploring grounds they typically see during daylight hours.
“Seeing how guests embraced Night at the Distillery last year was incredibly special, and we knew right away we wanted to make the experience even bigger and better for its second year,” said Tyler Adams, general manager of Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Adams said the expanded event offers more opportunities to introduce visitors to the people, traditions and memories associated with the property, alongside tastings of the distillery’s whiskeys.
“Buffalo Trace Distillery has more than 200 years of incredible stories, traditions and memories within these grounds, and there’s something truly special about watching them come to life after dark,” he said.
For guests 21 and older, the experience includes a neat pour of Eagle Rare 12 Year Bourbon and a choice of three specialty cocktail tastings. The seasonal menu features Buffalo Trace Bourbon, E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon, Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon and Wheatley Vodka, with drink names and flavors tied to the evening’s stories.
Pearanormal Activity draws inspiration from the mysteries of Warehouse C, combining pear, apple cider, citrus and autumn spice with either E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon or Wheatley Vodka.
The Albert Bacon Bloody Mary pays tribute to Albert “Bacon” Blanton with a savory, smoky version of the classic vodka cocktail, finished with candied bacon. Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon anchors Maple After Midnight, which blends maple spice, blood orange and cranberry, also with a candied bacon garnish.
For visitors drawn to a traditional bourbon cocktail, The Old Frightened offers a Halloween take on the Old Fashioned, pairing Buffalo Trace Bourbon with brown sugar, orange, vanilla and baking spice. The Witching Sour features Wheatley Vodka with tart cherry, apple, cinnamon and citrus flavors.
Admission also includes a seasonal treat from the John G. Carlisle Cafe and a commemorative Night at the Distillery tote bag.
The event adds an evening option to a fall visit to Kentucky bourbon country, pairing the distillery’s historic setting with seasonal flavors and storytelling.
Night at the Distillery takes place Oct. 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 and 29-31. Reservations are $25 per person and are available at buffalotracedistillery.com/night-at-the-distillery.
- Pearanormal Activity: Pear, apple cider, citrus and autumn spice come together in a bright seasonal cocktail inspired by the mysteries of Warehouse C. Made with E.H. Taylor Small Batch or Wheatley Vodka.
- Albert Bacon Bloody Mary: A savory, smoky take on the classic inspired by Albert “Bacon” Blanton and finished with candied bacon. Made with Wheatley Vodka.
- Maple After Midnight: Blanton’s Single Barrel meets maple spice, blood orange and cranberry in a rich fall cocktail finished with candied bacon.
- The Old Frightened: A Halloween twist on the Old Fashioned, combining Buffalo Trace Bourbon with notes of brown sugar, orange, vanilla and baking spice.
- The Witching Sour: A crisp seasonal sour featuring tart cherry, apple, cinnamon and citrus flavors. Made with Wheatley Vodka.
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.
