Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled the second edition of its Prohibition Collection, an annual limited-edition set featuring five bottles commemorating the whiskeys legally produced and sold at the distillery while the 18th Amendment was in effect.
The second release tributes the following brands produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery, known during the Prohibition era as George T. Stagg Distillery, under President Albert B. Blanton’s leadership: Mirror Brook, Very Oldest Procurable (V.O.P.), Anderson’s Belle, Old Fashioned Mountain Corn and Silver Wedding Rye Whiskey.
During Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933 and is arguably the most contentious period in alcohol history, the U.S. banned the production, sale and transportation of alcohol due to the ratification of the 18th Amendment. During this time, purchasing alcohol was only legal with a medical prescription, and only six distilleries were granted licenses by the U.S. Government to bottle medicinal whiskey. Buffalo Trace Distillery, as it’s known today, was one of these distilleries.
Documents discovered in the Distillery’s archives reveal stories from over a century ago and inspired the five whiskeys crafted in this year’s Prohibition Collection, all of which are inspired by the original packaging for these historic brands.
- Mirror Brook first appeared in a letter written by Albert Blanton in 1932, in which he directed cases of O.F.C. bottled in 1919 to be rebottled as Mirror Brook to update obsolete pre-Prohibition labeling. Today’s iteration is a 100 proof, bottled-in-bond blend of Kentucky straight whiskeys that has a ripe cherry aroma, followed by oak and a hint of rye spice, the company reports. A vanilla creaminess layered with a mellow oak character provides a foundation the chocolate and rye spice that follow.
- Very Oldest Procurable, also known as V.O.P., was one of the whiskey brands bottled but not owned by the distillery during Prohibition. Buffalo Trace Distillery archives found that in 1932, Blanton submitted government paperwork to formally register the name V.O.P. for medicinal bottling orders. Uncut and unfiltered, today’s V.O.P is a barrel-proof Kentucky straight bourbon with a rye spice on the palate, balanced by toasted oak, vanilla and cherry notes that develop mid-tasting, according to the distillery. The finish is warm, with the oak and rye spice persisting alongside sweet honey notes.
- Anderson’s Belle, not to be confused with the Belle of Anderson brand, was a limited release meant to honor a woman; yet there is no record of who “Anderson’s Belle” was in the distillery’s archives. However, the package art reminiscent of a Scottish tartan could be a clue. Almost identical in packaging to the original, this recreation is a 100-proof, bottled-in-bond wheated bourbon. On the nose, notes of caramel and maple deliver sweetness with hints of vanilla and a touch of charred oak, according to distillery notes. It features oak and dried fruit undertones that round out its sweet and warm wheat character.
- Old Fashioned Mountain Corn was fully owned and produced by the distillery during Prohibition, according to an original letter written by Blanton. Featured on the original and recreated packaging is the claim “Made in the Heart of the Bluegrass,” which appeared on many Prohibition whiskey brands, referencing a time before industrialized cities became the norm. On the palate of this 110-proof Kentucky straight corn whiskey is sweet corn, with toasted oak balanced by caramel sweetness, the distillery reports. The finish is warm, with the oak flavor lingering alongside the sweet corn.
- Silver Wedding Rye Whiskey, originally made in Midway, KY under Blanton’s supervision, references a 25-year anniversary in a similar manner to Golden Wedding Rye Whiskey’s 50-year celebration. A short-lived, limited whiskey release, it was replaced by Silver Wedding Gin and often paired with Golden Wedding Rye Whiskey at public events. Today’s 125-proof Kentucky straight rye whiskey features flavors of vanilla and toffee sweetness with subtle leather earthiness, toasted oak and rye spice on the palate, the distillery says. The finish of this whiskey has rye spice alongside hints of vanilla and oak.
“As the oldest continuously operating distillery in America, Buffalo Trace Distillery carries a legacy built by pioneers like Albert B. Blanton, who guided it through Prohibition,” says Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace master distiller. “The Prohibition Collection honors that history while embodying our long-lasting commitment to crafting exceptional whiskey.”
“The second edition of the Prohibition Collection invites enthusiasts to explore and discuss the history behind these whiskeys,” adds Andrew Duncan, global brand director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Faithful updates to significant brands that came to Buffalo Trace to age during Prohibition, these new expressions embody our motto of ‘Honor Tradition, Embrace Change.’ After releasing the first set, we were thrilled to see lots of conversation around these previously-forgotten brands. We look forward to hearing more forgotten stories as these new expressions are released into the world.”
The entire collection is housed in a custom wooden display case featuring historical images of the distillery, with each of the five 375-ml. bottles heavily inspired by their Prohibition Era packaging and original bottle size. Even the back cartons feature the cut-out for doctors to apply the prescription for medicinal whiskey, without which one could not legally purchase alcohol.
To celebrate the release of the second Prohibition Collection, Buffalo Trace has partnered with the Scandinavian Tobacco Group on a limited-edition cigar set featuring five unique blends held in 750 individually numbered boxes that mirror the whiskey collection packaging. Launching in conjunction with the whiskeys, the Buffalo Trace Distillery Prohibition Collection Series #2 cigar set will be available online at Cigora as well by special invitation from Meier and Dutch as the exclusive distributor as of January 15, 2025.
The Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection #2 will release in limited quantities through Sazerac’s U.S. distributor network, which will ship to select retailers, bars and restaurants as of January 2025 at a suggested retail price of $999.99 (five 375-ml. bottles).
