The quality of the food offerings in Kentucky bourbon country has gone up dramatically in recent years. Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, is joining the cafe caravan with the opening of the John G. Carlisle Cafe on May 11. The new establishment will have three weeks of special events to introduce its offerings to visitors. (See details below).
“For years, guests have asked for a dedicated place to enjoy a meal while spending the day with us,” said Tyler Adams, General Manager, 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.”
Buffalo Trace said the John G. Carlisle Cafe “is named in tribute of the influential politician whose leadership helped secure passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.” Carlisle’s name also appeared on a distillery built by Colonel E.H. Taylor in 1879, which was torn down in 1936.
The nearly 5,000-square-foot cafe in the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse will focus on lunch service for 70 visitors, with more seats on the patio.
The Whiskey Network will attend the ribbon cutting event for the Carlisle Cafe on May 11 and will offer more details then.
"As we introduce the John G. Carlisle Cafe, our team is committed to delivering a terrific experience," said Adams. "We encourage guests to plan extra time for their next visit and thank them for their patience as we welcome visitors into the space for the first time.”
The new Carlisle Cafe is hosting a three-week lineup of daily offerings throughout May. Those visiting can enjoy:
- Monday (5/11, 5/18, 5/25): Kick off the week with Free Meal Mondays, complimentary for the first 100 guests (meal vouchers provided upon check-in).
- Tuesday (5/12, 5/19, 5/26): Explore Buffalo Trace Distillery history with From the Archives – an open house event from noon–2pm with Lead Archivist Nick Laracuente, featuring John G. Carlisle Cafe historical highlights and a curated archives display on the second floor of the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse.
- Wednesday (5/13, 5/20, 5/27): Enjoy Whiskey Wednesdays with complimentary samples of a new, soon-to-be-announced release served all day. Bottles will also be available for purchase in the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop (limited quantities available).
- Thursday (5/14, 5/21, 5/28): Connect with the Distillery’s craftsmen through Meet the Masters – a limited, one hour meet and greet opportunity happening inside the John G. Carlisle Cafe.
- 5/14: Harlen Wheatley – Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller
- 5/21: Danny Kahn – Master Distiller & Distillation/Aging Operations Director
- 5/28: Drew Mayville – Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Blender
- Friday (5/15, 5/22, 5/29): Savor Freddie Fridays featuring complimentary Freddie’s Old-Fashioned Soda products available in the John G. Carlisle Cafe, plus special appearances by Global Brand Ambassador Freddie Johnson.
- Saturday (5/16, 5/23, 5/30): Experience Sippin’ Saturday featuring seasonal, limited-time cocktails in the Carlisle Cafe from noon-2pm, plus a Buffalo Trace Bourbon-infused Rebecca Ruth’s chocolate pairing.
- Sunday (5/17, 5/24, 5/31): Delight in Grain & Glass featuring complimentary breakfast bites from 11am-noon, including complimentary tastings of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain.
Source: Buffalo Trace
The Carlisle Cafe menu will feature:
— Made-to-order sandwiches, salads and desserts
— Kentucky classics, including the iconic Kentucky Hot Brown
— Buffalo Trace-infused flavors are incorporated into select cafe menu offerings, including bourbon bacon, barrel-aged coffee, bourbon-infused fudge topping and whipped cream, and more.
— A rotating menu of select cocktails featuring Buffalo Trace spirits available for purchase, including a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned, Wheatley Vodka Peach Mule, and a Traveller Whiskey Lucky Penny.
Source: Buffalo Trace
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 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 and is a National Historic Landmark as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Buffalo Trace Distillery also 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. (From the distillery).
