Buffalo Trace Distillery has officially opened the John G. Carlisle Cafe, a brand-new permanent restaurant located inside the historic Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse. The grand opening marks a major milestone for the iconic Kentucky bourbon distillery, coming nearly one year after devastating 2025 floodwaters impacted the property.
The 4,900-square-foot John G. Carlisle Cafe celebrates resilience, tradition, and hospitality. It reopens a space that has welcomed guests, employees, and dignitaries for more than 90 years — now available to the public for the first time.
Fresh Lunch Menu with Kentucky Classics & Buffalo Trace Flavors
Open primarily for lunch, the cafe seats 70 guests indoors with additional patio seating. The menu features made-to-order sandwiches, salads, desserts, and Kentucky favorites, including the legendary Kentucky Hot Brown.
Signature offerings highlight Buffalo Trace Distillery spirits with creative touches like:
Bourbon bacon
Barrel-aged coffee
Bourbon-infused fudge topping
Bourbon-whipped cream
Guests can also enjoy a rotating selection of cocktails made with Buffalo Trace family spirits, such as the Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned, Wheatley Vodka Peach Mule, and Traveller Whiskey Lucky Penny.
Honoring History with a Touch of Resilience
True to the distillery’s motto — “Honor Tradition, Embrace Change” — the cafe showcases rare historic artifacts:
The only known bottle of Carlisle Whiskey from the distillery’s archives
Vintage photographs of the original Carlisle Distillery
Images of employees enjoying the Clubhouse since the 1950s
A subtle but powerful reminder of the distillery’s strength is the preserved flood line inside the cafe, marking the historic high-water level from the April 2025 flood.
Three Weeks of Celebratory Events in May 2026
To mark the grand opening, Buffalo Trace Distillery is hosting special daily experiences throughout May. Visitors can enjoy:
Free Meal Mondays (May 11, 18, 25) — Complimentary meals for the first 100 guests
From the Archives Tuesdays (May 12, 19, 26) — Noon–2 p.m. open house with Lead Archivist Nick Laracuente featuring Carlisle Cafe history
Whiskey Wednesdays (May 13, 20, 27) — Complimentary samples of a new soon-to-be-released whiskey (bottles available in the gift shop while supplies last)
Meet the Masters Thursdays (May 14, 21, 28) — One-hour meet-and-greet inside the cafe:
May 14: Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller
May 21: Danny Kahn, Master Distiller & Distillation/Aging Operations Director
May 28: Drew Mayville, Master Blender
Freddie Fridays (May 15, 22, 29) — Complimentary Freddie’s Old-Fashioned Soda plus special appearances by Global Brand Ambassador Freddie Johnson
Sippin’ Saturdays (May 16, 23, 30) — Noon–2 p.m. seasonal cocktails and Buffalo Trace Bourbon-infused Rebecca Ruth’s chocolate pairing
Grain & Glass Sundays (May 17, 24, 31) — Complimentary breakfast bites (11 a.m.–noon) plus Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain tastings
A Space Built for Connection
Originally constructed in 1935, the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse served as a cafeteria, breakroom, and event venue for decades. The new John G. Carlisle Cafe is named in honor of the influential politician who helped pass the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. later built the Carlisle Distillery in tribute — a legacy now revived in this beautifully reimagined space.
“For years, guests have asked for a dedicated place to enjoy a meal while spending the day with us,” said Tyler Adams, General Manager of Buffalo Trace Distillery. “The John G. Carlisle Cafe is a meaningful addition to the Distillery experience, opening this historic space to the public for the first time and inviting visitors to slow down, settle in, and fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere that makes Buffalo Trace so special.”
Adams added: “As we introduce the John G. Carlisle Cafe, our team is committed to delivering a terrific experience. We encourage guests to plan extra time for their next visit.”
Visit the John G. Carlisle Cafe
Opening Date: Monday, May 11, 2026
Hours: Daily, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Monday–Sunday)
Location: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky
Plan your visit to the new John G. Carlisle Cafe and experience Kentucky bourbon heritage with a side of great food and warm hospitality. Reservations are not required, but arrive early during the May celebration events for the best experience.
About Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, boasts one of the richest and most continuous histories in American whiskey-making. Distilling on the site dates back to 1775, when pioneers Hancock Lee and his brother Willis Lee established Leestown along the Kentucky River. The first formal distillery was built in 1812 by Harrison Blanton. In 1870, the legendary Col. Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr.—often called the “Father of Modern Bourbon”—purchased the operation and named it the Old Fire Copper (O.F.C.) Distillery. Taylor later sold it to his business partner George T. Stagg, who expanded the facility and installed the nation’s first climate-controlled aging warehouses in 1886 using steam heat. Through fires, floods, tornadoes, and two world wars, the distillery endured, even remaining operational during Prohibition by producing medicinal whiskey—one of only a handful in Kentucky to do so.
In the 20th century, visionary leaders like Albert B. Blanton and Elmer T. Lee guided the distillery through challenging times, pioneering single-barrel bourbon and elevating quality standards. The Sazerac Company acquired the property in 1992 and renamed it Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1999, honoring the ancient buffalo trails that once crossed the Kentucky River nearby. Today, it stands as America’s oldest continuously operating distillery and a National Historic Landmark. It produces a vast portfolio of acclaimed bourbons, ryes, and vodkas—including its flagship Buffalo Trace bourbon—while preserving historic buildings and artifacts that connect visitors to more than 250 years of bourbon heritage.
Products
Buffalo Trace Distillery produces one of the most diverse and acclaimed portfolios of American whiskeys in the world. Its flagship Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a smooth, approachable daily sipper that has earned countless awards and serves as the foundation of the brand. The distillery is renowned for its premium and ultra-premium bourbons, including the highly sought-after Blanton’s Single Barrel, Eagle Rare 10 Year, W.L. Weller (Special Reserve, Antique, and Full Proof), George T. Stagg, Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. series, and the legendary Pappy Van Winkle expressions. In addition to its core bourbons, Buffalo Trace offers excellent rye whiskeys such as Sazerac Rye, limited-edition experimental releases through its Experimental Collection, and single-barrel and small-batch selections like Elmer T. Lee. The distillery also produces Wheatley Vodka (crafted by Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley) and the newer Traveller Whiskey line, demonstrating its commitment to innovation while honoring more than 250 years of Kentucky distilling tradition.
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