A brand new bottle has taken the spirit world by storm. It comes from a massive partnership. Traveller Whiskey World-famous country music star Chris Stapleton teamed up with Buffalo Trace Distillery. Together, they made something very special called traveller whiskey. This is not just another standard bourbon. Instead, it is a premium blended American spirit. It was designed to be smooth, approachable, and highly enjoyable for everyone.
Whether you love listening to country music or just enjoy a solid evening drink, this bottle brings an exciting story to your home bar. The creators spent months testing different recipes. They tried fifty separate mixes before they finally found the perfect flavor profile. They chose Blend No. 40. In this complete guide, we will break down the taste, the cost, and the best ways to enjoy this unique drink.
What Exactly is Traveller Whiskey?
This spirit is a unique creation in the modern beverage world. It is officially labeled as a blended American whiskey. That means it combines different high-quality spirits into one smooth bottle. This special project brings together two masters of their own crafts. You have Harlen Wheatley, who is the famous Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace. Then you have Chris Stapleton, the highly talented Grammy-winning musician.
The team wanted to make a drink that avoids the harsh burn of high-proof alcohol. Many people get turned away by that strong alcohol bite. This bottle solves that problem completely. It is mixed and bottled at the legendary Buffalo Trace facility in Frankfort, Kentucky. It sits at a very comfortable 90 proof, which means it has 45% alcohol by volume. This strength makes it great for beginners while remaining flavorful enough for long-time fans.
The Unique Blend Number 40 Story
The path to creating traveller whiskey was not short or easy. Harlen Wheatley and Chris Stapleton did not just slap a famous name on a random bottle. They actually put in a lot of hard work. They sat down together to experiment, test, and adjust the recipe over and over again. They wanted to make sure they got the flavor exactly right.
They tasted more than 50 different experimental blends before making a final choice. When they tasted Blend No. 40, they knew they had a winner. That specific mix had the exact balance, depth, and character they wanted. Stapleton has shared that Buffalo Trace bottles have been with him through his whole musical journey. They were backstage at his concerts and in the studio for every album. This project is a true piece of his personal history.
Tasting Notes: The Nose and Aroma
When you first open a bottle of traveller whiskey, the aroma hits you gently. It is very sweet and inviting. You do not get a strong burn of rubbing alcohol when you stick your nose into the glass. Instead, you get hit with complex aromas of vanilla and warm, buttery shortbread.
It smells a lot like a cozy bakery in the middle of winter. As you let the glass sit and breathe, you will notice other scents. Sweeter notes of toffee, caramel, and dark cherry start to show up. There is also a very light hint of toasted oak and corn sweetness in the background. A tiny touch of mint and citrus keeps the whole scent profile feeling fresh and clean.
Tasting Notes: The Palate and Flavor
Taking your first sip of traveller whiskey is a pleasant surprise. The mouthfeel is smooth and relatively light. The front of your tongue will immediately notice a gentle sweetness. This taste brings forward notes of maple syrup, sweet honey, and rich caramel.
As the liquid moves across your palate, deeper flavors start to open up. You will taste warm baking spices like cinnamon and clove. There is also a distinct flavor of toasted nut and aged fruit, like dried apricots. The spice does not sting your mouth. It simply adds a nice layer of complexity. It tastes very balanced, meaning no single flavor overpowers the others. It is designed to be completely inoffensive and highly pleasing.
Tasting Notes: The Bold Finish
The finish of a drink is the taste that stays in your mouth after you swallow. For traveller whiskey, the finish is clean and medium in length. It leaves behind a warm, comforting feeling down your throat.
You will notice lingering tastes of toffee, vanilla bean, and charred oak. There is also a small pop of black pepper spice and refreshing mint right at the very end. Some whiskey reviewers call this a very safe finish. It does not give you any weird or jarring surprises. It simply fades away nicely, leaving your mouth dry and ready for another taste. It is an incredibly easy drink to enjoy back-to-back.
Comprehensive Product Details Table
To help you understand the specific details of traveller whiskey, we have gathered all the vital facts into one handy chart. This table covers everything from the proof to the official partnerships.
| Detail Category | Product Specifications & Facts |
| Brand Name | Traveller Whiskey (Blend No. 40) |
| Distillery Partner | Blended & Bottled by Buffalo Trace Distillery |
| Co-Creator | Musician Chris Stapleton |
| Whiskey Type | Premium Blended American Whiskey |
| Alcohol Content | 45% ABV (90 Proof) |
| Mash Bill | Undisclosed Blend of Sazerac Distilleries |
| Retail Price (MSRP) | Around $35.00 to $40.00 USD |
| Primary Aromas | Vanilla, Buttery Shortbread, Caramel, Toffee |
| Core Flavors | Maple, Honey, Cinnamon Spice, Toasted Nut, Light Oak |
| Official Designation | Official Whiskey of Major League Baseball (MLB) |
Is It a True Bourbon?
This is a common question that causes a lot of debate among fans. The short answer is no, traveller whiskey is not a bourbon. The label on the front of the bottle clearly states that it is a blended American whiskey. To be legally called a straight bourbon, the liquid must be aged in brand-new, charred oak barrels. It also must be made from at least 51% corn.
Because this is a blend, it uses different styles of whiskey sourced from various Sazerac-owned distilleries. Some whiskey experts report that the blend includes light whiskey and rye-forward components. This allows the creators to build a smoother, less wood-heavy profile. So while it shares a home with famous bourbons like Eagle Rare, it is proud to be its own unique style.
How Much Does It Cost?
Price is where traveller whiskey truly shines as a great value bottle. The suggested retail price sits right around $35.00 to $40.00 for a standard 750ml bottle. When it first launched, some stores tried to raise the price because of the celebrity hype. However, Buffalo Trace makes plenty of this spirit, so it is easy to find at normal prices now.
At this price point, it competes with bottles like Elijah Craig Small Batch or Maker’s Mark. It is cheap enough to use as an everyday drink or a party mixer. You do not have to worry about saving it only for special occasions. It gives you a premium brand experience without draining your wallet.
Best Ways to Serve and Drink It
Because traveller whiskey is so smooth, it is highly versatile. You can drink it neat, which means pouring it straight into a glass with no ice. This lets you taste all the subtle sweet maple and vanilla notes clearly. If you want to cool it down, add one large ice cube. The melting water will actually open up the aromas even more.
It also shines brightly when mixed into traditional cocktails. Try using it as the base for a classic Old Fashioned. The sweet profile pairs beautifully with aromatic bitters and a fresh orange peel. It also works perfectly for a simple weekend drink when mixed with ginger ale or refreshing club soda.
Food Pairings to Try at Home
Drinking traveller whiskey alongside the right food can make your experience twice as good. Because the spirit has a lot of caramel and baking spice flavors, it pairs beautifully with smoked meats. Try pouring a glass next to a plate of slow-cooked barbecue pork ribs or beef brisket.
If you prefer sweet things, this whiskey is a match made in heaven for desserts. The buttery shortbread notes in the drink taste amazing with warm apple pie, pecan bars, or a simple slice of vanilla pound cake. The slight oak wood flavor also cuts right through rich, creamy cheeses like sharp cheddar or brie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy a bottle of this spirit?
You can find this bottle at most major liquor retailers, large supermarkets, and online beverage delivery websites across the country. Because production is high, it is widely stocked on regular store shelves.
Does Chris Stapleton actually drink this?
Yes! Chris Stapleton was deeply involved in the creation process. He spent months tasting various experimental versions alongside Harlen Wheatley until they officially settled on Blend No. 40.
What is the alcohol percentage?
This spirit is bottled at 90 proof. This means it contains exactly 45% alcohol by volume (ABV), offering a smooth taste with very minimal alcohol burn.
Can I use this for making cocktails?
Absolutely. Its sweet vanilla and caramel notes make it an excellent base for traditional drinks like an Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or a simple whiskey ginger highball.
Is there a stronger version available?
Yes, there is a limited release called Traveller Full Proof. That version is bottled uncut at a powerful 121 proof (60.5% ABV) for those who want a bolder flavor.
Where is the product manufactured?
The spirit is expertly blended and bottled at the world-famous Buffalo Trace Distillery located in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Conclusion: Is It Worth the Buy?
At the end of the day, traveller whiskey achieves exactly what it set out to do. It delivers a friendly, completely accessible, and highly enjoyable drinking experience. It does not try to blow you away with crazy, intense heat or heavy wood tannins. Instead, it offers a safe, sweet, and comforting pour every single time.
For a retail price under forty dollars, it offers fantastic value from a legendary distillery. It is a bottle that looks great on your shelf, tells a fun story, and tastes great in a cocktail. If you are looking for a smooth new bottle to try this weekend, go ahead and pick this one up. Have you had a chance to try Blend No. 40 yet? Grab a bottle, share a pour with your good friends, and see how you like it!