What used to be the site of where the mighty buffalo crossed over the Kentucky River is now the site of heavy cranes and lifts at Buffalo Trace Distillery this month as repairs are being made to Warehouse B, the oldest aging barrel warehouse on the property grounds.
Warehouse B, constructed in 1884, is a fine example of a brick aging warehouse. The walls are constructed of brick and mortar and the interior houses an extensive rick system made of heart pine, a favored wood for construction in that time period, but one that can’t be found today.
The aging warehouse stood strong for more than 120 years, until a tornado hit the structure in 2006 that caused significant damage. Fortunately the warehouse was empty at the time, but the north wall and the northwest corner of the roof were damaged.
Over the next few months, Warehouse B is undergoing repairs to rebuild it as it stood before it was damaged by the tornado. The purpose of the restoration is to bring the building back to the strength and stature it once held and to maintain the historical integrity of the Distillery as a whole.
The repair work, which started in October, includes the northwest corner of the roof, and rebuilding all the windows on the northwest wall utilizing as many existing components as possible. Windows on the remaining three walls will be reconstructed as necessary. Repairs to the mortar will be made with the same mortar recipe used by the original builders.
In order to keep the exterior of the warehouse with the same look as before the tornado, as much brick as possible will be salvaged. A steam heating system will also be added so temperature can be maintained inside the building to prevent condensation and the accumulation of moisture which will keep the structure from deteriorating.
The repairs are targeted to be complete by March 2011, weather permitting. Sullivan & Cozart Inc. of Louisville, Ky. is handling the repairs.
About Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The distillery's rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Malt Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotrace.com.
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