THE SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY HONORED

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For Immediate Release

3/15/2005

Contact: Angela Traver

FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY – Bourbon has long stood in the shadow of Scotch in the whiskey world, but industry experts worldwide have spoken and a bourbon distillery has been named “2005 Distiller of the Year” by Whisky Magazine. Buffalo Trace Distillery of Franklin County, Kentucky took home this prestigious honor at the annual “Icons of Whisky” dinner held in London, England, Thursday, March 10th in conjunction with WhiskyLive London. Buffalo Trace was up against such notable distillers as Allied Domecq, Chivas Brothers, Diageo, Gordon MacPhail and Four Roses.

Whisky Magazine has been presenting this award for 5 years and this is the first time an American distiller has ever received the high distinction. Results were based on a poll of industry experts including: writers, retailers, whiskey producers and independent bottlers from around the world. “It’s not a moment too soon that an American Distiller has won this award,” said Damian Riley-Smith, Managing Director of Whisky Magazine. “Bourbon whiskey is beginning its crusade around the world and it’s an honor to acknowledge a distiller who is at the forefront of that crusade.”

Several of Buffalo Trace’s whiskies were also honored at the event. In the category of “Best American Whiskey—over 10 years of age” five of the eight winners were from Buffalo Trace, including: Eagle Rare 17 yr. old, George T. Stagg 16 year old, Sazerac Rye 18 yr. old, Pappy Van Winkle Family Reseve Rye and the winner for “Best American Whiskey” was Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15 yr. old. Buffalo Trace has garnered more awards since 1990 than any other North American distillery—over 130 awards for more than14 different brands.

“What an incredible honor. We couldn’t be more proud,” said Mark Brown President of Buffalo Trace Distillery. “I’m just so happy to be able to share this with the great men and women of Buffalo Trace who work hard everyday to make the best bourbon whiskey. This truly is a reflection of their efforts.”

For more information on the “Icons of Whisky” awards visit www.whiskymag.com and to learn more about the award-winning bourbons of Buffalo Trace Distillery go to www.greatbourbon.com.

About Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Franklin County, Kentucky. The distillery's rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and has included such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon and vodka on site, and was recently named to the National Historic Register. The distillery is also part of the Sazerac family of companies, which has operations in New Orleans, Louisiana; Franklin County, Kentucky; Fredericksburg, Virginia and Loomis, California. For more information, please visit www.buffalotrace.com.