While spirits sales have declined in recent years as the trend of mocktails and non-alcoholic beers rises, Americans still spent $37.2 billion on them in 2024.
That means that despite being less in favor than they once were, they’re still very much a major player in the alcohol market. After all, everyone is looking for a way to relax, and a drink or three has been one of the most popular ways to do that for decade after decade.
Americans are also used to being able to head to their local liquor store on a weeknight or weekend and get whatever their alcohol of choice is, may it be a six-pack or a splurge on a fine bottle of bourbon whiskey. You don’t really think about whether that bottle of Jim Beam will be there because you expect it to be no matter what.
Related: LVMH delivers concerning news about the future of alcohol
That is, until something unfortunate happens to a key supplier, meaning your next visit to the liquor store might come with a shocking surprise.
Award-winning distillery unexpectedly shut down
Sazerac-owned Buffalo Trace Distillery, a 200-year-old business in Frankfort, Kentucky known for winning a slate of awards, has unexpectedly shut down after a brutal flood in the area hit record levels. The distillery is located on the banks of the Kentucky river, leaving it fully vulnerable to the deluge.
The distillery was forced to close and turn away both staff and customers seeking to tour its facilities
Related: Popular diet drink brand adds alcohol
“Due to the unprecedented and ongoing rain and flooding, we are not able to advise on the impact to our total distillery footprint,” Buffalo Trace said. “We will assess those realities in the coming days as the facilities become safe to navigate and will make necessary adjustments to operations as required.”
While Buffalo Trace tentatively plans to remain closed through April 10, there’s no telling if that date will stand firm. The distillery called the initial damage “extensive” in a press release.
“Because Buffalo Trace Distillery has survived in its location on the Kentucky River for over 200 years, we have, unfortunately, experience in flood management and recovery,” Jake Wenz, Sazerac & Buffalo Trace Distillery CEO and president, said. “We initiated a preparation flood plan ahead of the surge. We were able to implement that plan late last week and are hopeful in doing so we will have mediated at least some of the damage. That said, we do expect the impact to be extensive and the recovery efforts to be significant and ongoing for some time.”
Wenz was quick to express gratitude for all the support Buffalo Trace received during the crisis.
“Our hearts are with the rest of the community that has also been impacted by this devastation,” Wenz said. “Buffalo Trace Distillery will support relief efforts in the coming weeks to help Frankfort residents through this difficult time. We also want to say a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated team members, consumers, city and county officials, and vendor partners who have offered an incredible amount of support during this time. And finally, please accept our regrets to our fans that planned visits to the distillery this week.”
Buffalo Trace encourages its customers to watch its Instagram for updates on its reopening.
Related: Major tequila company makes huge tariff announcement
