**Bourbon Distillery in Kentucky’s Capital Temporarily Closed Due to Severe Flooding**
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The oldest continuously operating distillery in America faces temporary closure after significant flooding in Kentucky this week. The Buffalo Trace Distillery, situated on the banks of the Kentucky River in Frankfort, had to shut down as the river levels rose due to heavy downpours affecting the region. On Monday, the river reached a crest of 48.2 feet, marking the second highest level in Frankfort’s history. The highest recorded flood level for the Frankfort Lock was 48.47 feet back in 1978.
Video footage shared by Buffalo Trace displayed the surrounding water encroaching on the distillery’s historic buildings. In an announcement on Facebook, the distillery informed that they would remain closed until at least Thursday, April 10th, for both visitors and staff. Despite a leadership team managing to enter the premises on Tuesday to evaluate the damage, the water levels remained too high to conduct a thorough assessment.
Jake Wenz, CEO and president of Sazerac & Buffalo Trace Distillery, expressed their readiness in handling flood situations, having operated on the Kentucky River for over two centuries. Precautionary measures were taken in anticipation of the rising waters, with efforts made to mitigate the impact. However, the extent of the damage is expected to be substantial, necessitating ongoing recovery procedures in the foreseeable future.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the flooding, Buffalo Trace Distillery affirmed its commitment to supporting relief initiatives to aid Frankfort residents during this challenging period. With the Kentucky River flooding prompting a mandatory curfew for Frankfort residents, efforts are underway to assist affected individuals and areas. The region witnessed intense rainfall, leading to tragic incidents such as the loss of a 9-year-old boy swept away by floodwaters in Frankfort.
The situation extends beyond Kentucky, with forecasts indicating rising river levels along the Kentucky and Ohio rivers before cascading southwards towards the Mississippi River. Major river flooding is anticipated in the coming weeks, highlighting the widespread impact of the severe weather conditions.
Source: Famous bourbon distillery assessing damage as flooding ravages Kentucky’s capital
