Buffalo Trace Releases Its Second Prohibition Collection

Buffalo Trace Distillery just revealed the second edition of its Prohibition Collection, an annual limited-edition lineup of five bottles honoring the whiskeys that were legally produced and sold at the Distillery during the days of the 18th Amendment. Back then, Buffalo Trace went by George T. Stagg Distillery under the leadership of President Albert B. Blanton, and this release pays tribute to five brands from that era: Mirror Brook, Very Oldest Procurable (V.O.P.), Anderson’s Belle, Old Fashioned Mountain Corn, and Silver Wedding Rye Whiskey.

Prohibition, which ran from 1920 to 1933, is widely considered one of the most controversial chapters in American alcohol history. By law, no one could produce, sell, or transport alcohol during this time—unless it was for medicinal purposes, and only six distilleries were granted licenses to bottle “medicinal whiskey.” Buffalo Trace was among these lucky few.

Recently uncovered documents in the Distillery’s archives tell stories from more than a century ago and inspired these five new whiskeys. Each one features eye-catching packaging influenced by the bold and colorful original labels from that time.

"The second edition of the Prohibition Collection invites enthusiasts to explore and discuss the history behind these whiskeys," said 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."

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Last year’s Prohibition collection reintroduced five of the distillery’s Prohibition brands that disappeared during the distillery’s post-Prohibition years: Three Feathers, Old Stagg, Golden Wedding, Walnut Hill, and George T. Stagg Siritus Frumenti.

“Each of these brands disappeared slowly in the years after Prohibition, but they were integral to our survival,” Buffalo Trace’s Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said at the time. “Without them, today there would be no Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare or Weller bourbons.”

This year’s release includes:

• 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 bursts with a ripe cherry aroma, followed by a waft of oak and a hint of rye spice. A vibrant vanilla creaminess layered with a deep, mellow oak character provides a solid foundation for waves of 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 boasting a rye spice that intensifies on the palate while balanced by toasted oak, vanilla, and rich cherry notes that develop mid-tasting. The finish is warm, with the oak and rye spice persisting alongside lingering 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, inviting notes of caramel and maple deliver a rich sweetness with hints of vanilla and a touch of charred oak. It features robust oak and subtle dried fruit undertones that round out its distinct 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, the essence of the sweet corn shines, intertwined with toasted oak and balanced by rich caramel sweetness. 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 intertwined with subtle leather earthiness, toasted oak and a kick of rye spice on the palate. The finish of this whiskey pleasantly lingers, with the rye spice persisting alongside hints of vanilla and oak.

Similar to last year, this year’s collection entire is housed in a custom wooden display case featuring historical images of the distillery. Each of the five 375ml bottles are 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 — they’re pretty cool to look at, even before you crack the open to try the whiskey inside.

This year the brand is taking things a step further and partnered with the Scandinavian Tobacco Group on a limited-edition cigar set featuring five unique blends. The cigars are held in 750 individually numbered boxes that mirror the whiskey collection packaging and are launching in conjunction with the whiskeys. The 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.

Like many other releases from Buffalo Trace, this one is likely going to be a hard one to find. The Collection #2 will be released in limited quantities through Sazerac’s United States distributor network, which will ship to select retailers, bars and restaurants as of January 2025 at a suggested retail price of $999.99 (five 375ml bottles).