Age and ID Rules at Buffalo Trace: Who Can Taste and Who Can Tour

To taste: 21+ with a valid photo ID. To tour: All ages welcome. On the free tours: The Trace Tour and Old Taylor Tour allow under-21s but they cannot taste. The Hard Hat Tour: 21+ only. One-tasting-per-day rule: At Evan Williams distillery only.

Age to taste21+

Photo ID requiredValid government ID, no exceptions

Trace TourAll ages welcome, under-21s cannot taste

Old Taylor TourAll ages welcome, under-21s cannot taste

Hard Hat Tour21+ only to book

One-tasting-per-day ruleAt Evan Williams only, not at Buffalo Trace

21+Kentucky’s legal drinking age is 21, and every distillery here checks a valid government photo ID before pouring. Under-21s are welcome on most tours but are not served; some warehouse and hard-hat tours set a higher minimum age of their own. If a tour includes tastings, plan a driver or book one that includes transport — and please drink responsibly.

Planning your visit?Timed slots are limited, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before. Reserve today, decide later.

Check ticket availability

Photo ID is required and has no exceptions

You must bring a valid government photo ID to taste or to buy alcohol. A driver’s license works. A passport works. A birth certificate does not work. A state ID works. If you do not have valid photo ID, you can still take the tour, but you cannot taste and you cannot buy from the gift shop.

The Trace Tour and Old Taylor Tour with under-21s

Both tours allow all ages. Under-21s can come along and see the warehouse, the barrel storage, and the distillery story. They just cannot join the complimentary tasting. This is useful if you are traveling with teenagers or family members who do not drink but want the experience of seeing how bourbon is made.

The Hard Hat Tour: 21+ to book

This tour is 21+ only. You cannot bring an under-21 on this tour at all. If your group is mixed ages, the under-21s can take the Trace Tour while you take the Hard Hat, or you can all take the Trace Tour together.

The one-tasting-per-day rule

This applies only to Evan Williams distillery in Louisville, not to Buffalo Trace. Kentucky law limits guests to one tasting experience per day at that specific venue. If you book the Evan Williams tasting in the morning, you cannot book a second Evan Williams tasting in the afternoon. You can taste at other distilleries and at Buffalo Trace on the same day.

If you forgot your ID

Turn back and get it, or skip the tasting and do the tour. There are no exceptions. The distillery checks ID at the tasting bar every time.

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure on most tours — book now, decide later.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need ID to tour Buffalo Trace?

No. ID is required only if you want to taste or buy from the gift shop.

Can I bring under-21s on the tour?

Yes, on the Trace Tour and Old Taylor Tour. They can see the distillery but cannot taste. The Hard Hat Tour is 21+ only.

What ID do I need?

Valid government photo ID. Driver’s license, passport, or state ID. No birth certificate.

Can I visit the gift shop without ID?

No. Valid photo ID is required to buy anything, even non-alcoholic merchandise.

Is there a one-tasting-per-day rule at Buffalo Trace?

No. This applies only to Evan Williams in Louisville. You can taste at Buffalo Trace and other distilleries on the same day.