Whiskey Review: Traveller Whiskey

THE BRAND

From the Bottle: “Good whiskey is like a good song. It required no explanation. One taste should tell you everything you need to know. No one has to tell you how you feel about it. You simply settle in & enjoy.

For this first-of-its-kind collaboration from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Traveller brings together the collective artistry of Chris Stapleton and Master Distiller, Harlen Wheatley.

Blend No. 40 is the carefully curated result of countless hours of testing & tasting. It’s a completely unique combination of whiskeys from award winning distilleries and exactly what you’d expect, a premium whiskey that speaks for itself.”

THE WHISKEY

Proof: 90

Distiller: Buffalo Trace as well as other Sazerac Company’s distilleries

Batch # or Barrell #: Blend No. 40

Type: Blended Whiskey

Mash Bill: Undisclosed

Price: $39.99 

FIRST IMPRESSION

The Packaging: At first glance the label is rather simple but once to spend a little time looking at it, it has a few nice little details. Small cigar band style simple label on the front with the whiskey’s name on it in a nice simple western style font. In the background behind the whiskey, you see an older style map of the Lexington Kentucky area. The back has a rather large label that talks about the whiskey and the names of Harlen Wheatley – Master Distiller and Co- Founder and Chris Stapleton Musician & Co Founder. Stated on the back “Proudly Bended and Bottled by Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky. 

The Whiskey: Nice golden in color. Looks like honey or a light apple juice. Little to no legs. Looks thin.

THE NOSE

On the nose: Up front you are met with a rush of sweet green apple jolly ranchers followed by a light fruit cup, honey and sweet corn. Ethanol burn on the nose is more prominent than the smell. All aromas hit you and leave you. Nothing that’s really last.

THE PALATE

On the palate: First sip, Youth corn note up from follow by a fruit cup syrup sweetness that once you drink it its gone. 

2nd sip, there’s not really much there. If you are looking to experience more flavors after the first sip, I’m not sure it will happen. Flavors don’t stick around to really get noticed.

THE BODY

There and gone is the name of the game. All flavors are candy/ fruit syrup sweet and are gone the moment you drink them. Ever so slightly creamy mouth feel. Easy to drink. Slight youthful burn on the tongue but again nothing that lasts.

THE FINISH

Short and sweet with little to no finish. No hug on the way out to tell you goodbye. Sometimes, we all just need a hug!

ENJOYMENT

For me this whiskey is all sweetness and little personality. Very easy to drink but lacks in complexity. Is this something I would sit down to enjoy after a long day, probably not. 

PRICE vs EXPERIENCE

In the world of high price whiskey that keeps getting higher and higher, I do like the fact that someone comes out with a whiskey that’s $40. With that said, is the price worth the juice…. I don’t think so. When you look at other bottles in this price range you can get bottles like Coopers Craft 100, Old Forester 100, Early Times BIB, Wild Turkey 101, or ever Buffalo Trace for ten or more dollars less that’s got more flavor and complexity than this. 

SCORE:

Nose:       7/10

Palate:    6/10

Finish:     6/10

Enjoyment:     6/10

Price vs Experience:     6/10

Average Score: 6.2 – Not a Fan

FINAL THOUGHTS

It’s kind of cool to see Chris Stapleton and Buffalo trace team up to produce a whiskey. I am actually a huge fan of both. Where Chris’s music and Buffalo Traces bourbon rarely ever miss the mark, for me, this one fell short. If you are seasoned whiskey drinker, I don’t think this is going to be up your alley. I do however think that if you are looking to get a new whiskey drinker who is a Stapleton fan a bottle, this one is for you. If you are a fan of Buffalo Trace and want something that won’t break the bank, personally, I would stick with the Benchmark line of just get normal Buffalo Trace.