In celebration of National Bourbon Heritage Month, Buffalo Trace Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in the U.S. with roots dating back to 1775, is offering one fan behind-the-scenes access to learn what it takes to be its Master Distiller – for one day only. 

Shadowing current Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley (pictured), the winner and one guest will receive a private, hands-on lesson on the heritage, craftmanship and production methods utilized to create the spirits made at the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery.

“If you are a bourbon enthusiast, now is your chance to become an honorary member of the Buffalo Trace Distillery team during this rare opportunity,” Wheatley said in a news release. “While many of our fans know the history of Buffalo Trace Distillery and legacy of our award-winning whiskeys, they have never gone this far behind-the-scenes. I’m excited to share more about what it takes to make the world’s most award-winning whiskeys with a fan who is equally as passionate about this industry as we are at Buffalo Trace Distillery.”

As Master Distiller, responsibilities range from product development to testing, quality control to production management, and much more. From grain to glass, nearly every aspect of the bourbon-making process will be explored.

From September 23 – 30^th, consumers aged 21+ can enter for a chance to win this day-in-the-life experience at buffalotracedistillery.com/distillerforaday. In addition to gaining hands-on experience mastering the art of bourbon production from Wheatley himself, additional “job perks” will include:

• One (1) night stay at the Buffalo Trace’s exclusive Stagg Lodge, a private, VIP-only residence on the Distillery grounds, including dinner prepared by the Distillery’s private chef
• Opportunity to taste the 2023 Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection, an ultra-rare collection honoring the whiskeys that were legally produced and sold at the distillery during Prohibition
• Roundtrip airfare/transportation to Louisville, KY
• Private transportation to Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY
• One (1) night stay at a four-star hotel in Louisville, KY
• Two (2) $100 gift cards to the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop
• One (1) $100 UBER e-credit for additional ground transportation

The details above are inclusive of the winner and one guest. The sweepstakes begins September 23 at 12:00am EST and runs until 11:59pm EST on September 30. To enter, and to view the full official rules, visit buffalotracedistillery.com/distillerforaday. The winner will be randomly drawn October 1, 2024 and notified via phone and email.  The experience, which will be scheduled for a later date determined based on the availability of the winner and Harlen Wheatley, must occur prior to May 1, 2025.

For any questions regarding the “day-in-the-life” sweepstakes, email [email protected].

Read more: Buffalo Trace to Open London Bourbon Experience May 6

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 it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history 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. 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.