Why Is Buffalo Trace So Hard to Find (and Where to Buy It Online)

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why Buffalo Trace Bourbon is so elusive, you’re not alone. This Kentucky straight bourbon has become one of the most sought-after whiskeys in the U.S. — and despite being part of a large, historic distillery, it's often nearly impossible to find on store shelves.

So, what’s behind the shortage? And more importantly, where can you reliably buy Buffalo Trace online?

Looking to buy a bottle? Shop our full Buffalo Trace Bourbon collection here — with rare releases, bundles, and fast nationwide shipping.

🥃 What Is Buffalo Trace Bourbon?

Buffalo Trace is a flagship bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky — one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in America. With rich notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice, it has earned countless awards and a loyal following from both casual drinkers and seasoned collectors.

Explore our full selection here: Buffalo Trace Collection

📦 Why Is Buffalo Trace So Hard to Find?

While high demand plays a major role, there are deeper issues related to distribution and allocation that keep Buffalo Trace bottles off shelves.

1. Allocated Distribution
Buffalo Trace products are "allocated," meaning only limited quantities are distributed to each market. Even high-demand areas may receive small shipments, making it difficult for stores to keep it in stock.

2. State Liquor Control Boards
In some states, government-run boards regulate how and where liquor is distributed. These entities may reserve Buffalo Trace for bars and restaurants or limit the amount retailers can sell to the public.

3. Distributor Conflicts
There have been periods of tension between Buffalo Trace and certain distributors, which have led to inconsistent availability across the U.S. This complicates the supply chain, especially in less populated states.

4. Aging Process
Buffalo Trace bourbon is aged for 6–8 years, meaning the distillery can't just ramp up production overnight. This long lead time makes demand hard to catch up with.

5. Secondary Market & Resellers
Because Buffalo Trace has become so collectible, some buyers scoop up bottles to resell at inflated prices. This practice further drives scarcity and price spikes.

🛍️ Where to Buy Buffalo Trace Online

Many retailers can't keep it on shelves — but at Don’s Liquors & Wine, we work hard to maintain stock and bundle options for Buffalo Trace enthusiasts.

👉 Shop Buffalo Trace Online Now →

We offer:

• Fast, reliable nationwide shipping

• Competitive pricing

• Rare Buffalo Trace bundle deals

• Trusted customer service from a family-owned business

🔄 Buffalo Trace Alternatives to Try When It’s Out of Stock

While you're waiting for Buffalo Trace to come back in stock, check out these excellent alternatives from the same distillery:

• E.H. Taylor Small Batch

• W.L. Weller

• Eagle Rare

🥇 Final Thoughts

Buffalo Trace isn’t hard to find because it’s rare — it’s hard to find because it’s great. Between tight allocation, aging cycles, and intense demand, it’s the perfect storm of scarcity.

But with a bit of persistence and a reliable online source like Don’s, you don’t have to overpay or wait for a random restock.

👉 Explore the Buffalo Trace Collection at Don’s

Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo Trace