FRANKFORT, KY (April 21, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery has officially announced the grand opening of its first permanent dining destination, the John G. Carlisle Cafe. Housed within the historic Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse, the 4,900-square-foot cafe marks a triumphant return to hospitality following the historic floodwaters that impacted the distillery just one year ago.
The cafe offers a curated lunch menu featuring Kentucky classics like the Kentucky Hot Brown, alongside Buffalo Trace-infused delicacies such as bourbon bacon and barrel-aged coffee. Guests can also enjoy a rotating selection of craft cocktails, including the Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned and Traveller Whiskey Lucky Penny.
“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… inviting visitors to slow down, settle in, and fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere that makes Buffalo Trace so special.”
Honor Tradition, Embrace Change
The cafe is named in honor of John G. Carlisle, the politician instrumental in passing the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. The interior serves as a living museum, displaying rare photographs and the only known bottle of Carlisle Whiskey. Notably, the design includes a permanent “flood line” to commemorate the distillery’s resilience after the April 2025 floods.
A Month of Celebration
To mark the opening on May 11, 2026, Buffalo Trace is hosting three weeks of daily events throughout May:
- Free Meal Mondays: Complimentary lunch for the first 100 guests.
- Whiskey Wednesdays: Samples of a new, unannounced release and gift shop bottle drops.
- Meet the Masters Thursdays: Meet Harlen Wheatley (5/14), Danny Kahn (5/21), or Drew Mayville (5/28).
- Sippin’ Saturdays: Seasonal cocktails and Rebecca Ruth bourbon-infused chocolate pairings.
“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 John G. Carlisle Cafe is open daily from 11am – 3pm. For more information, visit buffalotracedistillery.com.
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