Buffalo Trace Distillery’s master distiller Harlen Wheatley and Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and musician Chris Stapleton have partnered on a new release: Traveller Whiskey.
The expression, a first-of-its-kind artistic collaboration for Buffalo Trace, has been blended using whiskies from across the Sazerac Company's portfolio of distilleries and is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV). Tasting notes from Buffalo Trace say the new whisky has notes of maple, vanilla, aged fruit, shortbread, caramel, toasted nuts, and oak.
Of the collaboration, Stapleton said: “Partnering with Buffalo Trace Distillery and Harlen Wheatley feels like a bucket-list scenario for me. Some things just make total sense – and this is definitely one of those things. Bottles from barrels that Harlen has cared for have been with us for every note we’ve ever recorded, backstage before shows and in all the moments we’ve celebrated along the way. I believe what we’ve achieved with Traveller Whiskey not only represents our shared history but also a common artistic vision and uncompromising standards of taste. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve made.”
Wheatley added: “When making art – and we really do think that both Chris’ music and the whiskey we make at Buffalo Trace is art – you experiment, test, adjust, and don’t give up until you’ve got it right. That’s why we experimented with more than 50 blends before agreeing that Blend No. 40 would be it for Traveller.
“This is a whiskey for everyone, whether you’ve been enjoying all the variety in the category for years or are just now discovering it. Traveller stands up on its own as a smooth and sippable whiskey or works great in a cocktail, if that’s more your style.”
Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Stapleton’s relationship with Buffalo Trace developed during the recording of his first studio album, Traveller. He was introduced to E.H. Taylor, one of the distillery’s other whiskey offerings, which soon became a staple on his home bar. Since then, Buffalo Trace has collaborated with Chris and Morgane Stapleton’s charitable fund, Outlaw State of Kind, for multiple fundraising initiatives.
Traveller Whiskey is available from retailers nationwide in the United States at a suggested retail price of US$39.99 (local taxes and fees will vary), and is also available at select restaurants and bars.
