Buffalo Trace Distillery creates new dining experience for guests
Mark your calendars for spring 2026 when Buffalo Trace Distillery will open an on-site café for visitors to its Kentucky home.
In spring 2026, Buffalo Trace Distillery will have a new offering for visitors to its facility at Frankfort, Kentucky, with the opening of a permanent dining facility – the John G. Carlisle Cafe.
Nestled on the first floor of the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse, the John G. Carlisle Cafe will span 4,900 square feet. With room to accommodate 70 guests, visitors will be able to choose between dining indoors or on the porch. Lunch will be the focal point of the cafe, offering a menu of fresh, made-to-order meals, including sandwiches, salads, soups and more – including a kids’ menu.
Of course, cocktails will also be offered, each crafted with select Buffalo Trace products. “The John G. Carlisle Cafe is an exciting new addition to the Buffalo Trace Distillery visitor experience, allowing our team to connect with guests in a brand new way,” says Tyler Adams, general manager, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Offering permanent food-and-beverage options alongside our complimentary tours and tastings is a natural extension to the distillery’s legacy of hospitality and craftsmanship. The cafe will bring a welcoming space that celebrates our history and complements the authentic experience we are known for.”
Crucial role
Carlisle was a key figure in both American spirits and Buffalo Trace Distillery’s history. He played a crucial role in the passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, important legislation that established quality and safety standards for American whiskey.
The distillery has previously recognised Carlisle’s contributions to American whiskey’s success. Buffalo Trace Distillery forefather Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr named one of the two distilleries he built after him. The Carlisle Distillery sat alongside the O.F.C. Distillery, and was later managed by Albert B Blanton, who renamed it the Kentucky River Distillery just before Prohibition.
During the 1936 expansion, the distillery was reduced to rubble to allow room to build the current mash house – but its legacy lives on. A commemorative plaque and stone from the original Carlisle Distillery building, located on site near Guardhouse 1, will be positioned by the flowerbed to the right of the John G Carlisle Cafe entrance, connecting the distillery’s past, present and future.
Building work has already begun, and the opening hours will be confirmed closer to the opening date next spring. What is certain is Buffalo Trace is looking forward to welcoming more visitors for an enhanced experience and sharing the joy of American whiskey with more people than ever before.
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