Buffalo Trace Bourbon Advent Calendar Is a Scam — Here’s What You Actually Get for Your Money
Plus, learn the best steps to avoid falling for Advent calendar scams during the holidays!
Have you seen a promising ad online for a 2025 Buffalo Trace bourbon Advent calendar? It’s has been making the rounds online, and unfortunately, duping many shoppers. What looks like a delightful countdown complete with Buffalo Trace distillery goodies is nothing more than a scam. We took a closer look at what these calendars actually deliver, so you know why you should save your money. Plus, learn more about how to spot other scams!
What the Buffalo Trace bourbon Advent calendar promises
Buffalo Trace Distillery, a distillery located in Frankfort, Kentucky, offers a large collection of gifts for bourbon and whiskey fans this time of year. Customers can snag glasses, candles, whiskey souvenir boxes and more for the holidays.
Buffalo Trace bourbon has such a devoted following that when Advent calendars bearing the brand’s name started appearing, bourbon lovers were immediately intrigued. One listing on Walmart.com says the 2025 countdown calendar ($15.99) comes with 24 days’ worth of miniature spirit bottles, cocktails and bourbon. It also promises that the festive packaging “makes a great decorative and collectible addition to any home bar.”
Though it sounds like the perfect present for bourbon lovers, the calendar is not at all what it seems. In fact, it’s not even sold or created by Buffalo Trace Distillery!
What shoppers actually receive in their orders
Earlier this fall, savvy shoppers noticed ads appearing online for this year’s bourbon calendar and wanted to find out more about the product. “I’ve been seeing posts for a bourbon Advent calendar,” one person wrote in a Buffalo Trace Facebook group. “Have any of you done one before? Is it worth it?”
Others—including the group administrator—were quick to warn the original poster that these whiskey Advent calendars are nothing more than a scam. While the shopper does receive a product when they purchase the calendar, it doesn’t actually include any bourbon.
“They’re plastic ornaments, not liquor,” a shopper shared, referencing a post that was making its way around on Facebook. “They’re very careful not to say anything too specific about the product in the ad—just let you make the assumption. They aren’t U.S. companies, so [it’s] harder to stamp them out—they’re just scammers.”
Another product listing on the Walmart website that costs $25 does make it clear that the Advent calendar is filled with ornaments, but the low-star rating suggests their quality is extremely poor and the items barely resemble ornaments.
“Not actually drinks or even bottles,” reads a review. “Small poorly printed trinkets inside.”
Another agreed that they felt duped by the calendar they received. “Not what was expected,” a shopper wrote. “Certainly not worth the price.”
For those hoping for small bottles of bourbon or Buffalo Trace keepsakes, the actual product can prove rather disappointing!
A clever way to outsmart this Buffalo Trace scam
Even if you love the idea of a Buffalo Trace bourbon Advent calendar for December, stay clear of the ones being advertised online—you’ll be shelling out for products that will likely end up in the trash. Instead, consider making your own!
“Pick up a variety of tasters and drop them into a box-style Advent calendar,” suggested one shopper on Facebook. “My husband loved the one I did for him.”
Though it might be on the pricier side, the small bourbon bottles will be appreciated much more than the cheap ornaments!
How to spot Advent calendar scams
Unfortunately, Advent calendar scams are especially prominent during the holiday season as bad actors look to pocket money. Scammers will either take your money and never send you a product, or send you a calendar in which the contents are not as advertised.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your money.
- Be wary of great deals. Some calendars have a high price because they include luxury items or expensive goods like alcohol. If the calendar is being advertised for a very low price that seems too good to be true, it likely is.
- Do research on the product and the company. Even if the company is legitimate, the product might not be–particularly if you’re buying from a third-party seller.
- Read reviews when possible. This includes those for the product and the company selling the Advent calendar if it’s one unfamiliar to you. It’s also wise to do an online search incorporating words like “scam” or “complaint,” which will give you an indication if others have been duped.
- Buy directly from the company’s website, rather than via a link posted on social media. This ensures you don’t end up on a fake web page if the scammers are selling a knock-off version of a calendar.
With all of these smart shopping tips tips, you’ll keep your money safe from the Buffalo Trace bourbon Advent scam and other fake calendars just like it!
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