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What is Going On With Buffalo Trace & Yellowstone? Explained

What is Going on With Buffalo Trace and Yellowstone

Last Updated on March 8, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Buffalo Trace has been in the spotlight since it’s been featured on the fifth season premiere of Costner’s “Yellowstone.” 

If you’re one of those who’ve noticed the appearance of Buffalo Trace bourbon on the show, good for you, but for those who’ve missed the episode, you can still see BT soon. 

But what is going on with Buffalo Trace and Yellowstone? To clear this out, here we’ll break down the good news. 

What You Need To Know About Buffalo Trace & Yellowstone Partnership 

Buffalo Trace Distillery Water Tank

Buffalo Trace Distillery has an ongoing partnership with Yellowstone and Darden’s Yard House restaurants. 

This partnership entails 85 Yard House branches across the 27 US states, including selected restaurants to feature an exclusive Buffalo Trace Yard House Yellowstone Single Barrel Select.

Also, BT and Yellowstone are releasing limited edition merchandise, which includes: 

  • Barware (rocks glass)
  • Apparel (shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, trucker hats)

Why Did Buffalo Trace Bourbon Appear On Yellowstone? 

Buffalo Trace Bourbon recently appeared on Yellowstone, a hit US show starring Kevin Costner. 

This product appearance on the show is a result of the ongoing partnership between Yellowstone of the Paramount Network and the spirits company Sazerac, which owns Buffalo Trace.  

When Did Buffalo Trace Appear In Yellowstone?

Yellowstone Ranch

The appearance of Buffalo Trace in the Yellowstone show occurred on the premiere night of the fifth season of Yellowstone on the Paramount Network (November 13, 2022). 

And it looks like a great move from the Sazerac Company as they chose to partner with a good show.

The premiere night reportedly recorded around 12.1 million viewers [1]. 

Based on Nielsen (a US-based information, data, and market measurement company), it emerged as one of the show’s most popular episodes so far.  

How Did Buffalo Trace Appear In Yellowstone?

For those who have yet to watch the premiere episode of the fifth season on Yellowstone, Buffalo Trace Bourbon appeared in some scenes where the characters were enjoying the drink. (Actually, Weller appeared on the show, too.)

Buffalo Trace was also featured in an advertisement during the season premiere of Yellowstone.  

Sazerac confirmed this advertisement as a campaign that will run throughout the season of Yellowstone, exclusively at Paramount Network.  

Who Drank BT In The TV Show?

Beth Dutton holding Bottle of Weller

The character seen enjoying a drink of Buffalo Trace (and Weller) on the show is Beth Dutton alongside John Dutton. 

Fun Fact: Beth and John Dutton were Bulleit Bourbon drinkers before until they switched to Weller and Buffalo Trace.  

Is Buffalo Trace Bourbon The Only Whiskey Featured On The Show? 

No. Buffalo Trace isn’t the only whiskey expression featured on the Yellowstone show. As we’ve mentioned earlier, Weller was on that show, too. 

Buffalo and Trace Weller bourbons are seen enjoyed by the show characters. Weller is also a creation of Buffalo Trace Distillery, still under the ownership of the Sazerac company.  

Should Viewers Expect To See BT On The Show?

Hand Holding Bottle of Buffalo Trace

Fortunately for Buffalo Trace fanatics, you can expect to see Buffalo Trace bourbons on the Yellowstone show. 

And guess what? You can glimpse the Buffalo Trace expressions, not just once, twice, but many times throughout the show’s fifth season on the Paramount Network. 

“Fans love our whiskeys because we don’t waver on quality and craftsmanship – we absolutely don’t bottle our whiskey until it’s ready, and we refuse to cut corners.”

— Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director of the Buffalo Trace Distillery

Additionally, viewers and whiskey fans won’t just see Buffalo Trace on the show but on a few sets of merchandise, like hats and shirts— in collaboration with Yellowstone. 

If you’re aiming to get a hold of this limited edition merchandise of Buffalo Trace x Yellowstone, you can go ahead straight to the Buffalo Trace Distillery website or visit personally the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift store located in Frankfort, KY.   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Buffalo Trace make Yellowstone whiskey?

No. Buffalo Trace isn’t making Yellowstone whiskey, and you won’t ever see that happen, even in the future. There is already a Yellowstone whiskey produced by the Limestone Branch Distillery. So, there’s no way Buffalo Trace will make another Yellowstone whiskey. 

Does Buffalo Trace sponsor Yellowstone?

Buffalo Trace is not just a sponsor of Yellowstone; BT is currently a partner of the show [2]. So, expect to see more Buffalo Trace bourbons throughout the Yellowstone fifth season. 

What is the Buffalo Trace drink on Yellowstone?

On the television series Yellowstone, characters are often seen enjoying Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Buffalo Trace, known for its smooth and well-balanced flavor profile, has become a popular choice for the characters on the show, reflecting the brand’s real-world reputation and appeal among bourbon enthusiasts.

Who owns Yellowstone Bourbon Company?

The Yellowstone Bourbon Company is owned by Luxco, a leading producer, importer, and marketer of alcoholic beverages.

Luxco acquired the Yellowstone brand, known for its rich history dating back to the 19th century, and has continued its legacy by producing high-quality bourbons under the Yellowstone name.

What bourbon does John Dutton drink on Yellowstone?

John Dutton, portrayed by Kevin Costner on Yellowstone, is often seen drinking Yellowstone Bourbon on the show. The choice of Yellowstone Bourbon for the character aligns with the brand’s historical significance and its association with the Dutton family within the storyline.

The bourbon’s rich heritage and complex flavor likely contribute to its inclusion as John Dutton’s drink of choice in the series.

What product placement is Buffalo Trace on Yellowstone?

Buffalo Trace Bourbon enjoys significant product placement on Yellowstone, with its distinctive bottle and label prominently featured throughout the series.

The brand’s association with the show has been a successful marketing strategy, as the characters’ preference for Buffalo Trace creates a positive and recognizable image for the bourbon.

The seamless integration of Buffalo Trace into the Yellowstone narrative serves as an example of effective product placement within the realm of entertainment, contributing to the brand’s visibility and popularity among viewers.

What is the drink called Yellowstone?

The drink referred to as Yellowstone is typically Yellowstone Bourbon, a brand of American whiskey known for its rich history and high-quality bourbon expressions.

Produced by the Yellowstone Bourbon Company, this whiskey has gained popularity for its distinctive flavor profile and association with the Dutton family on the television series Yellowstone.

Why is Yellowstone Bourbon called Yellowstone?

Yellowstone Bourbon derives its name from the iconic Yellowstone National Park. The connection is rooted in the brand’s history, dating back to the late 19th century when J.B. Dant, a Kentucky distiller, crafted the original Yellowstone Bourbon.

The name pays homage to the national park’s natural beauty and captures the spirit of the American West, aligning with the adventurous and rugged image associated with bourbon.

Is Yellowstone Bourbon owned by Jim Beam?

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Yellowstone Bourbon is not owned by Jim Beam. Instead, it is owned by Luxco, a prominent producer, importer, and marketer of alcoholic beverages. Luxco acquired the Yellowstone brand, preserving its legacy and continuing its production under the Yellowstone Bourbon Company.

Please note that ownership structures can change, so it’s recommended to check for the latest information to ensure accuracy.

What family owns Yellowstone?

The Dant family, specifically J.B. Dant, originally owned and created Yellowstone Bourbon in the late 19th century. Over the years, the brand changed hands, but its association with the Dant family legacy endured.

As of my last knowledge update, the Yellowstone Bourbon Company is owned by Luxco, which has continued the brand’s tradition of producing high-quality bourbons while maintaining its connection to the Dant family’s historical contributions to the whiskey industry.

Is Yellowstone bourbon made by Jim Beam?

No, Yellowstone Bourbon is not made by Jim Beam. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Yellowstone Bourbon is produced by the Yellowstone Bourbon Company, which is owned by Luxco. Luxco, a leading alcoholic beverage company, acquired the Yellowstone brand and continues to craft high-quality bourbons under its ownership.

What liquor does Beth Dutton drink?

On the television series Yellowstone, Beth Dutton, portrayed by Kelly Reilly, is often seen drinking a variety of alcoholic beverages.

While specific brands may not always be explicitly mentioned, Beth is known for her bold and sophisticated taste, often opting for whiskey or bourbon, aligning with the rugged and Western atmosphere depicted in the show.

What beer does Rip drink?

Rip Wheeler, played by Cole Hauser on Yellowstone, is frequently seen enjoying bottles of the fictional beer brand “Roosevelt’s Revenge.” This beer is a product of the show’s creative narrative and is not an actual commercial product available for purchase.

The choice of a fictional brand adds authenticity to the Yellowstone world and contributes to the character’s persona as a rugged ranch hand.

What is the difference between whiskey and bourbon?

The primary distinction between whiskey and bourbon lies in their production and legal definitions. Bourbon is a type of whiskey, and for a whiskey to be labeled as bourbon, it must meet specific criteria. Bourbon must be made in the United States, with a mash bill containing at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and entered into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof.

Additionally, bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof.

While all bourbons are whiskey, not all whiskeys are bourbon, as whiskey encompasses a broader category that includes various types such as Scotch, Irish whiskey, and rye whiskey, each with its own production standards and regional distinctions.

So, What is Going On With Buffalo Trace and Yellowstone?

This recent move of the Sazerac Company, involving Buffalo Trace Distillery, means they’re ready to invest in making award-winning whiskeys and expanding and welcoming more whiskey fans through Yellowstone. 

This move isn’t new in various industries, and it’s just surprising knowing about the first-ever public show collaboration of Buffalo Trace (and they even opt to run ads). 

Well, as whiskey fanatics, let’s congratulate Buffalo Trace and Yellowstone for this wonderful partnership.

For sure, many people are looking forward to new plans and projects soon.  

References:

  1. Buffalo Trace has ads, product placement on ‘Yellowstone’. Is a new bourbon next?
  2. Kevin Costner and ‘Yellowstone’ return for another season along with plenty of product placements
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