Buffalo Trace looks to ‘pour it forward’ for tornado, flooding victims

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Buffalo Trace is looking to “pour it forward,” a little over a month after a historic Kentucky distillery was devastated by April flooding.

Relentless early April rainfall left Buffalo Trace underwater, forcing closures and cleanup that would take weeks. On May 16, just 88 miles from the renowned distiller, neighborhoods were demolished by a record-breaking tornado that took the lives of 19.

“The recent spring storms have had a profound impact on communities across Kentucky and, especially in times like these, it’s essential that we rally people to support our neighbors in need,” President & CEO of Sazerac & Buffalo Trace Distillery, Jake Wenz, said.

In response, on Thursday, May 22, the distillery announced “Pour it Forward for Kentucky,” an online charity fundraiser to benefit storm relief efforts.

“Buffalo Trace remains committed to supporting our home state, and every bid placed is a step toward helping our community recover. We’re grateful to stand alongside our partners and supporters in this effort to help ensure relief organizations have the vital resources they need to respond effectively,” Wenz said.

The auction, which goes live on Thursday, is in partnership with BlockBar. It’ll feature some of the distiller’s most sought-after bourbons, collectible items, and “once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” Buffalo Trace noted.

According to the distillery, the auction will feature items like:

• A Sazerac Barrel Select experience, including the opportunity to pick and purchase a barrel of Blanton’s Gold, a VIP tour, and a one-night stay in Stagg Lodge.
• Ultra-aged individual bottlings, like Weller Millennium, Eagle Rare 25, and O.F.C. Vintage 2005.
• A complete Pappy Van Winkle collection, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, 2024 Prohibition Collection, and an E.H. Taylor Jr. lineup.
• A bottle of Double Eagle Very Rare, plus a hand-crafted coffee table created from a former Double Eagle Very Rare barrel by the Buffalo Trace Whiskey Woodcraft team.
• A variety of contributions from Chris & Morgane Stapleton’s “Outlaw State of Kind” charitable fund, including an Epiphone Hummingbird Studio guitar, exclusive merchandise, and a bottle of Traveller Whiskey, each personally autographed by Chris Stapleton.
• An all-expenses-paid trip for two people to Fort Worth, Texas, for a behind-the-scenes visit of a 101 Studios set, the global entertainment company behind the hit show “Yellowstone.”

Two sweepstakes opportunities will also be offered, including:

• The opportunity to purchase a bottle of O.F.C. Vintage 2006
• Win an exclusive PGA package including a PGA certificate for four people to play a round of golf at the PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass and two Buffalo Trace Bettinardi golf putters.

The distillery said 100% of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross and the Franklin County Flood Relief Fund held at the Blue Grass Community Foundation.

“We are grateful to Buffalo Trace for their support in times of disaster. Their partnership enables us to give help and hope to hundreds of families who were affected by the deadly tornado in Southern Kentucky and the severe April floods. Their commitment to helping individuals and families across the Commonwealth recover after these devastating disasters allows us to support their road to recovery,” CEO of the Red Cross Kentucky Region Nadine McCrindle said.

“We know from experience that recovery is a long journey, and the needs will continue to grow. The Franklin County Flood Relief Fund is not only here for immediate relief, but also to support long-term recovery in the months to come,” Director of Community Advancement at Blue Grass Community Foundation Jane Higgins said. “We’re thankful to be part of Buffalo Trace’s ‘Pour it Forward for Kentucky’ Charity Fundraiser. Community partnerships like this are essential to moving forward — together, we are all making Frankfort Strong.”

Click here to access the fundraiser site.