
Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced the release of its second Prohibition Collection, a limited-edition set featuring five whiskeys that commemorate brands legally produced during America’s ban on alcohol from 1920 to 1933. During this contentious period, the distillery operated as one of only six facilities granted federal licenses for medicinal whiskey production.
The collection showcases five distinct expressions inspired by medicinal whiskeys produced at what was then known as George T. Stagg Distillery under President Albert B. Blanton‘s leadership. Each brand’s revival stems from historical documents discovered in the distillery’s archives.
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Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection #2
Mirror Brook first appeared in a 1932 letter from Albert Blanton, in which he directed cases of O.F.C. whiskey, originally bottled in 1919, to be rebottled under the Mirror Brook name to comply with updated post-Prohibition labeling. Today, it returns as a 100-proof, bottled-in-bond blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys, offering a bold aroma of ripe cherries, followed by oak and a hint of rye spice. A creamy vanilla base supports layers of mellow oak, chocolate, and warming rye spice.
Very Oldest Procurable (V.O.P.) was a brand bottled—but not owned—by the distillery during Prohibition. Buffalo Trace Distillery archives reveal that in 1932, Blanton formally registered the V.O.P. name for medicinal whiskey orders. The modern release is an uncut, unfiltered, barrel-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon. It opens with an intense rye spice, balanced by toasted oak, vanilla, and rich cherry notes. The finish is warm, with lingering honey sweetness alongside oak and rye spice.
Anderson’s Belle—not to be confused with Belle of Anderson—was a limited release honoring an unknown woman, with no records of her identity in the distillery archives. However, the tartan-inspired packaging suggests a possible Scottish connection. This revival stays true to the original, presented as a 100-proof, bottled-in-bond wheated bourbon. Aromas of caramel and maple lead to a rich sweetness, complemented by vanilla and charred oak. The palate delivers robust oak notes with subtle dried fruit undertones, rounding out its distinctive warm, wheated character.
Old Fashioned Mountain Corn was one of the few Prohibition-era whiskeys fully owned and produced by the distillery, as detailed in a letter from Blanton. The original and recreated packaging features the phrase “Made in the Heart of the Bluegrass,” a nod to the era before industrialization reshaped American whiskey production. This 110-proof Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey highlights the natural sweetness of corn, enriched by toasted oak and a deep caramel character. The finish lingers with warm oak and sweet corn notes.
Silver Wedding Rye Whiskey, originally crafted under Blanton’s supervision in Midway, KY, was inspired by a 25-year anniversary, much like its counterpart, Golden Wedding Rye Whiskey, which marked 50 years. Though short-lived, Silver Wedding Rye was later replaced by Silver Wedding Gin and often appeared alongside Golden Wedding Rye at public events. Today’s release is a 125-proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, featuring a balance of vanilla and toffee sweetness with earthy leather notes, toasted oak, and a pronounced rye spice. The finish is long and satisfying, with rye spice, vanilla, and oak lingering on the palate.
A Lasting Legacy
“As the oldest continuously operating distillery in America, Buffalo Trace Distillery carries a legacy built by pioneers like Albert B. Blanton, who guided it through Prohibition,” remarked Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Master Distiller. “The Prohibition Collection honors that history while embodying our long-lasting commitment to crafting exceptional whiskey.”
“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.”
Collector’s Package and Companion Release
The collection comes housed in a custom wooden display case featuring historical distillery images. Each 375ml bottle faithfully recreates Prohibition-era packaging, including prescription cut-outs on the back cartons that doctors once used to legally prescribe whiskey.
In a unique collaboration, Buffalo Trace has partnered with Scandinavian Tobacco Group to release a companion limited-edition cigar set. The collection features five unique blends housed in 750 individually numbered boxes that mirror the whiskey collection’s presentation. The cigar set launched on January 15, 2025, available through Cigora and by special invitation from Meier and Dutch.
Distribution and Availability
The Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection #2 will be available through Sazerac’s U.S. distributor network in January 2025, with a suggested retail price of $999.99 for the five-bottle set. Pricing may vary by market due to state taxes.