Bourbon Lens podcast guest and Buffalo Trace legend, Freddie Johnson, shines a light on his father through the bond of bourbon.
Buffalo Trace Distillery’s first-ever Holiday spot, Leave Your Trace, features 3rd generation team member, VIP Visitor Lead, and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer, Freddie Johnson. It aired during Sunday’s Season 5 Finale of Yellowstone on Paramount Network.
In the touching and emotional ad, Freddie reminisces on some of his favorite memories with his father, Jimmy Johnson. Freddie reminds everyone to slow down, take it easy during the holiday season, and capture those precious moments with loved ones. These are the same important sentiments echoed by Freddie during his prior appearance on the Bourbon Lens podcast. Watch the ad and then learn more about Freddie, his time at Buffalo Trace, and his deep connection to his father during Episode 243 of Bourbon Lens.
About Freddie Johnson:
Freddie Johnson is a legendary figure at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and within the bourbon community. He is a third-generation team member who returned to Frankfort from a successful career as an operations engineer in Atlanta, Georgia to fulfill a promise to his father, Jimmy Johnson Jr., ensuring three generations of Johnsons worked at the Distillery. Bourbon fans, new and old, agree that Freddie’s tours are among some of the best in the industry due to his engaging storytelling, deep knowledge, and warm personality. His dedication to preserving bourbon heritage earned him induction into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing his legacy as an icon of authenticity and passion in the bourbon community.
About Jimmy Johnson, Jr.:
Jimmy Johnson Jr. was a trailblazing figure at Buffalo Trace Distillery, following the footsteps of his father, Jimmy Johnson Sr., before helping his son, Freddie, get a job at the Distillery as a tour guide in 2002. Joining in 1936 with tasks like repairing barrels, Jimmy rose to become the first African American Warehouse Supervisor at Buffalo Trace and one of the first in Kentucky. Known for his humor, versatility, and attention to detail, Jimmy worked closely with distillery president Colonel Albert Blanton, leaving a lasting impact on operations. Even after retirement, he returned in 2008 to help roll out the six millionth barrel since Prohibition. Jimmy’s 42-year career and dedication to the bourbon industry planted his legacy before passing in 2011.
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