Buffalo Trace reveals third Prohibition Collection
Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled its third set of whiskeys produced at its predecessor, George T Stagg Distillery, during Prohibition.
The third annual limited edition series features five brands produced and sold at the distillery during the era of the 18th Amendment, from 1920 to 1933: Henry Watterson, Kentucky River, John G Carlisle, Walter B Duffy, and Cove Spring.
The five now-discontinued brands were found in the distillery’s historic archives, with each expression drawing on the original branding and packaging of the long-forgotten labels.
While most distilleries were forced to shut down, George T Stagg was one of only six distilleries granted licenses by the US government to legally bottle medicinal whiskey for prescription sales during Prohibition. The distillery was named Buffalo Trace in 1999 following acquisition by Sazerac.
“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 honour 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.”
All offered in 375ml bottles, the series was launched in 2023 with Three Feathers, Old Stagg Uncut Unfiltered, George T Stagg Spiritus Frumenti, Walnut Hill, and Golden Wedding.
The second set in 2025 featured Mirror Brook, Very Oldest Procurable (VOP), Anderson’s Belle, Old Fashioned Mountain Corn, and Silver Wedding.
2026 collection
The first expression in this year’s collection was inspired by US congressman and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Henry Watterson, known for his anti-Prohibition views.
Watterson’s public support for distilleries and their products led to his likeness being used for a whiskey brand distributed by several companies, including the George T Stagg Distillery.
The current version is bottled uncut and unfiltered at 70.3% ABV. It is a Kentucky straight rye whiskey that features aromas of rye spice, citrus peel, and fresh green herbs. On the palate, it offers notes of zesty citrus, cedarwood, thyme, and mint.
Kentucky River pays tribute to the closed Kentucky River Distillery, formerly known as Carlisle Distillery. It was later rebranded under the leadership of Albert Blanton to honour the river’s essential role in transporting goods, people, and materials.
Today’s offering is a blend of Kentucky straight whiskeys with a 50% ABV, featuring aromas of honeyed grain, vanilla, and caramelised sugar. The palate presents notes of baked apple, oak, and warm pastry.
John G Carlisle was also a prominent US congressman and a key architect of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. A steadfast ally of Colonel EH Taylor Jr, Carlisle shared his vision for enhancing quality and building consumer trust in the spirits industry.
Bottled at 50% ABV, John G Carlisle Kentucky Straight Bourbon features bright orchard fruit and subtle tropical notes, balanced with vanilla, oak, and warm baking spices.
The fourth expression pays tribute to Walter B Duffy, who became the sole owner of the then-known Old Fashioned Copper (OFC) Distillery following George T Stagg’s death in 1893.
The 2026 version is a blend of 10- and 14-year-old Kentucky straight Bourbons bottled at 53.5% ABV. It opens with notes of graham cracker, toasted corn and oak, layered with dried fig, raisin and date, followed by oak, subtle anise, dried fruit, and gentle spice.
Cove Spring pays tribute to the spring that inspired the distillery’s founding. This uncut Kentucky straight Bourbon is made from a wheated recipe and bottled at 60.1% ABV.
On the nose, it presents aromas of red cherry, toasted coconut, and oak. On the palate, the Bourbon offers notes of sweet corn, spice, red fruit, and toasted oak.
Each of the five 375ml bottles captures the appearance and size of its Prohibition-era counterpart.
The accompanying cartons feature the distinctive prescription cut-out that physicians used to authorise purchases of medicinal whiskey. Together, these elements provide ‘an authentic glimpse’ into the prolific period in American whiskey history.
The Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection #3 is only available as a set, with limited quantities being released through Sazerac’s network of US distributors. It has a suggested retail price of US$999.99 per set.
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