AN AMERICAN SPIRIT SHINES -- Official release

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CONTACT: Angela H. Traver

Public Relation Manager

PH: 502-696-5957

atraver@buffalotrace.com

For Immediate Release

AN AMERICAN SPIRIT SHINES

Pappy Van Winkle 15 year old bourbon named "2005 American Whiskey of the Year"

FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY - The vote is in and Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 year-old Bourbon has been named "2005 American Whiskey of the Year" by Whisky Magazine at the annual "Icons of Whisky" dinner held in London, England, Thursday, March 10th in conjunction with WhiskyLive London. The whiskies were broken down into two categories for judging-over 10 years of age and under 10 years of age. Pappy 15 year-old was voted the best overall, earning it the title of "2005 American Whiskey of the Year."

"It's so nice to be recognized by some of the world's greatest whiskey palates, said Julian Van Winkle, President of Old Rip Van Winkle and Pappy Van Winkle's grandson. "The Pappy 15 year old whiskey is very unique and differs greatly from the 12 and 20 year-old. The proof also makes it special. Most people are really surprised to find out it is 107 proof. The smoothness really fools them." Along with the Pappy 15-year being honored, the 13-year Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye also tied for a bronze medal in the competition.

Whiskies from nine American distilleries were represented. The whiskies were tasted by two panels of industry experts, one in Bardstown KY and the other in Dublin, Ireland. The finals were then conducted in London, England by a panel of over 20 European tasting experts. A total of 15 whiskies were tasted by the panels-seven under 10 years of age and eight over 10 years of age. "There are so many great American whiskies out there. It's an honor to be singled out amongst such a prestigious group," said Kris Comstock, Bourbon Brand Manager for Buffalo Trace Distillery, where the Van Winkle bourbons are produced. "It's also nice to see that people outside the United States appreciate good bourbon."

Buffalo Trace Distillery was also recognized at the event, taking home "Distiller of the Year" honors. Buffalo Trace is the first and only American distiller to receive this prestigious award from Whisky Magazine. For more information on the "Icons of Whisky" 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.

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