Buffalo Trace Announces Grand Opening Of New On-Distillery Cafe

Buffalo Trace Distillery has named the date for the grand opening of the John G. Carlisle Cafe, a permanent dining destination located within the historic Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse. For past visitors trying to place the Lee Clubhouse, that is the log building once passes going to and from the stillhouse, adjacent to Albert Blanton’s gardens.

Originally constructed in 1935 as part of Albert Blanton’s post-Prohibition, pre-war building spree, the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse was designed as a welcoming gathering place for meals, celebrations and community at the Distillery. Over the decades, the lower level served as a cafeteria, breakroom and company event venue, hosting everything from holiday gatherings to visits from national dignitaries.

John G. Carlisle was the senior political partner of E.H. Taylor, Jr. in the passage of the Bottled in Bond Act. He was US Speaker of the House from 1883 to 1889, represented Kentucky in the US Senate from 1890 to 1893; and ended his career in political office as Grover Cleveland’s Secretary of the Treasury in 1897.

Primarily focused on lunchtime service, the 4,900-square-foot cafe offers seating for 70 guests with additional seats on the patio. The menu features made-to-order sandwiches, salads and desserts as well as Kentucky classics, including the iconic Kentucky Hot Brown. Buffalo Trace-infused flavors are incorporated into select cafe menu offerings, including bourbon bacon, barrel-aged coffee, bourbon-infused fudge topping and whipped cream, and more. Additionally, the John G. Carlisle Cafe will offer a rotating menu of select cocktails featuring Buffalo Trace spirits available for purchase, including a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned, Wheatley Vodka Peach Mule and a Traveller Whiskey Lucky Penny.

Keeping with the Distillery’s motto, “Honor Tradition, Embrace Change,” the John G. Carlisle Cafe features historic artifacts that connect guests to the people and moments that have shaped the Distillery’s more than two centuries of history. On display is the only known bottle of Carlisle Whiskey, which has been preserved in the Distillery’s archives, along with rare photographs of the original Carlisle Distillery and images of employees using the Clubhouse dating back to the 1950s. Visitors who look closely may also notice a subtle yet powerful design element inside the cafe – the flood line marking the historic high-water level reached during the April 2025 flood.

“For years, guests have asked for a dedicated place to enjoy a meal while spending the day with us,” said Tyler Adams, General Manager of Buffalo Trace Distillery. “The John G. Carlisle Cafe is a meaningful addition to the Distillery experience, opening this historic space to the public for the first time and inviting visitors to slow down, settle in, and fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere that makes Buffalo Trace so special.”

The John G. Carlisle Cafe opens May 11, 2026. Hours of operation are Monday-Sunday from 11am – 3pm.

In celebration of the John G. Carlisle Cafe’s grand opening, the Distillery is hosting a three-week lineup of daily offerings throughout May. Those visiting can enjoy:

• Monday (5/11, 5/18, 5/25): Kick off the week with Free Meal Mondays, complimentary for the first 100 guests (meal vouchers provided upon check-in).
• Tuesday (5/12, 5/19, 5/26): Explore Buffalo Trace Distillery history with From the Archives – an open house event from noon–2pm with Lead Archivist Nick Laracuente, featuring John G. Carlisle Cafe historical highlights and a curated archives display on the second floor of the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse.
• Wednesday (5/13, 5/20, 5/27): Enjoy Whiskey Wednesdays with complimentary samples of a new, soon-to-be-announced release served all day. Bottles will also be available for purchase in the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop (limited quantities available).
• Thursday (5/14, 5/21, 5/28): Connect with the Distillery’s craftsmen through Meet the Masters – a limited, one hour meet and greet opportunity happening inside the John G. Carlisle Cafe.
  • 5/14: Harlen Wheatley – Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller
  • 5/21: Danny Kahn – Master Distiller & Distillation/Aging Operations Director
  • 5/28: Drew Mayville – Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Blender
• Friday (5/15, 5/22, 5/29): Savor Freddie Fridays featuring complimentary Freddie’s Old-Fashioned Soda products available in the John G. Carlisle Cafe, plus special appearances by Global Brand Ambassador Freddie Johnson.
• Saturday (5/16, 5/23, 5/30): Experience Sippin’ Saturday featuring seasonal, limited-time cocktails in the Carlisle Cafe from noon-2pm, plus a Buffalo Trace Bourbon-infused Rebecca Ruth’s chocolate pairing.
• Sunday (5/17, 5/24, 5/31): Delight in Grain & Glass featuring complimentary breakfast bites from 11am-noon, including complimentary tastings of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain.