Buffalo Trace Distillery Announces the Grand Opening of the John G. Carlisle Cafe

Press Release – John G. Carlisle Cafe

View my short video here: Carlisle Cafe YouTube Short | Carlisle Cafe Instagram Reel

Three-Week Celebration and Daily Experiences

In celebration of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s first permanent dining destination, the John G. Carlisle Cafe, Buffalo Trace invites guests to explore a three-week lineup of daily experiences

FRANKFORT, KY (April 21, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery today announces the grand opening of the John G. Carlisle Cafe, a permanent dining destination located within the historic Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse. Opening nearly one year after historic floodwaters impacted the Distillery, the John G. Carlisle Cafe is a testament to the Distillery’s resilience and enduring spirit of hospitality, inviting guests to gather and dine in a space that has been central to the Distillery for more than 90 years.

Cafe Details and Menu Offerings

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.

Historic Artifacts and Design Features

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.

Official Statement from Buffalo Trace Distillery

“For years, guests have asked for a dedicated place to enjoy a meal while spending the day with us,” said Tyler Adams, General Manager, 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.”

Grand Opening Weekly Event Schedule

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.

Additional Remarks and Guest Experience

“As we introduce the John G. Carlisle Cafe, our team is committed to delivering a terrific experience,” said Adams. “We encourage guests to plan extra time for their next visit and thank them for their patience as we welcome visitors into the space for the first time.”

History of the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse and Carlisle Legacy

Originally constructed in 1935, 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. Today, that spirit of connection continues through the John G. Carlisle Cafe, named in tribute of the influential politician whose leadership helped secure passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.

To honor Carlisle’s support of industry, Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. built two distilleries in 1879 – one of which he named the Carlisle Distillery. Situated alongside Taylor’s O.F.C. Distillery, the Carlisle Distillery produced Kentucky River Whiskey and Carlisle Whiskey until Prohibition. Although the Carlisle Distillery was demolished in 1936, its legacy – as well as the legacy of the namesake – lives on in the reimagined space.

Opening Date and Visitor Information

The John G. Carlisle Cafe opens May 11, 2026. Hours of operation are Monday-Sunday from 11am – 3pm. For more information about the Carlisle Cafe, and the lineup of daily offerings, please visit buffalotracedistillery.com/visit-us/cafe.

Will you be heading out to Buffalo Trace Distillery to check out the new John G. Carlisle Cafe? Next, learn more about the distillery in our Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour and read this article: Buffalo Trace Distillery Debuts Single Oak Rye Bourbon and Newest Experimental Collection Release. You can also read about more places to eat on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in my Complete Guide to Kentucky Bourbon Trail Distillery Restaurants.

Would you like to learn more about distilleries and bourbon? Are you planning a trip to Kentucky Distilleries? Maybe you would like to live the bourbon life vicariously through us? If any of these are true, then check out BourbonObsessed.com today!