Buffalo Trace Unveils Third Prohibition Collection of Historic Whiskeys

Buffalo Trace Distillery has unveiled the third annual Prohibition Collection, a limited-edition whiskey set that revives five historic brands once produced at the former Sazerac-owned George T. Stagg Distillery during America’s Prohibition era (1920–1933).

The 2026 release includes Henry Watterson, Kentucky River, John G. Carlisle, Walter B. Duffy, and Cove Spring—five discontinued labels rediscovered in the distillery’s historic archives. Each expression recreates original branding and packaging, offering collectors and whiskey enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the medicinal whiskey era.

During Prohibition, while most distilleries shut down, George T. Stagg was one of only six distilleries licensed by the US government to legally bottle medicinal whiskey for prescription sales. This historical legacy remains central to the Prohibition Collection.

“The Prohibition Collection gives us the opportunity to bring important chapters of our distillery’s history back to life,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller at Buffalo Trace. “Each year, we uncover stories, brands and whiskey traditions that might otherwise have been lost to time.”

Henry Watterson, Kentucky River, John G Carlisle, Walter B Duffy, and Cove Spring

Expression	Tasting Notes
Henry Watterson (Kentucky Straight Rye, 70.3% ABV)	Rye spice, citrus peel, and fresh green herbs lead into zesty citrus, cedarwood, thyme, and mint.
Kentucky River (Blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys, 50% ABV)	Honeyed grain, vanilla, and caramelised sugar open into baked apple, oak, and warm pastry notes.
John G. Carlisle (Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 50% ABV)	Bright orchard fruit and subtle tropical notes are balanced by vanilla, oak, and warm baking spices.
Walter B. Duffy (Blend of 10- & 14-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbons, 53.5% ABV)	Graham cracker, toasted corn, and oak are layered with dried fig, raisin, date, subtle anise, dried fruit, and gentle spice.
Cove Spring (Uncut Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 60.1% ABV)	Red cherry, toasted coconut, and oak evolve into sweet corn, spice, red fruit, and toasted oak.

Each of the five 375ml bottles mirrors the appearance and size of its Prohibition-era counterpart. The cartons also feature the distinctive prescription cut-out once used by physicians to authorize medicinal whiskey purchases.