Whiskey enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the next great bottle, and when Buffalo Trace Distillery, a name synonymous with quality bourbon, announces a collaboration, it’s bound to turn heads. Enter Traveller Whiskey, the brainchild of an unexpected partnership between Buffalo Trace and eight-time Grammy Award-winning artist Chris Stapleton. The hype surrounding this release was considerable, fueled by the promise of a premium whiskey crafted through a meticulous blending process. But does Traveller Whiskey live up to the buzz, or is it another case of celebrity endorsement overshadowing substance? Having finally managed to sample this much-talked-about spirit, we delve into a detailed Traveller Whiskey Review to uncover the truth behind Blend No. 40.
Traveller Whiskey: Bottle and Brand Information
Before we dive into the tasting notes, let’s take a look at the official information surrounding Traveller Whiskey. Buffalo Trace Distillery highlights this as their first-ever celebrity collaboration, emphasizing the artistry of both Chris Stapleton and Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. The distillery claims over 50 blends were sampled before settling on Blend No. 40, the final product intended to be a “premium whiskey” that is both “Easy to Drink, Hard Not to Love.”
- Distiller: Blended and Bottled by Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Collaboration: Chris Stapleton
- Mash Bill: Undisclosed
- Proof: 90
- Age: Non-Age Stated (NAS)
- Year of Release: 2024
- MSRP: $39 USD
- Average Price (2024): $47 USD
- Official Website: Buffalo Trace Traveller Whiskey
Upon its initial release, finding Traveller Whiskey at the suggested retail price was a challenge. Many retailers capitalized on the initial demand, marking bottles up significantly. However, as the initial frenzy subsided, availability improved, and prices have largely normalized, even dipping below MSRP in some locations. But availability and price are secondary; the real question is about the liquid inside the bottle.
Tasting Notes: A Traveller Whiskey Disappointment?
Unfortunately, despite the pedigree and the hype, the tasting experience of Traveller Whiskey proved to be underwhelming. It presents as a rather simplistic and indistinct whiskey across the nose, palate, and finish. While personal preferences vary, and taste is subjective, this particular blend struggles to stand out, especially considering its Buffalo Trace lineage.
Nose: Simple and Somewhat Generic
The initial nosing of Traveller Whiskey reveals a rather simple and unpronounced aroma profile. Subtle hints of apple and vanilla are present, but they are quickly overshadowed by a noticeable ethanol note. The nose lacks complexity and depth, failing to entice or suggest a rich tasting experience to follow. It’s a somewhat generic whiskey nose that doesn’t particularly excite the senses.
Palate: Bland and Lacking Definition
Moving to the palate, the experience unfortunately doesn’t improve significantly. The taste is surprisingly bland and lacks definition. Faint notes of corn and vanilla can be detected, mirroring the nose, but they are muted and fail to develop into anything more substantial. The palate lacks any real character or distinctive flavors, resulting in a rather underwhelming tasting experience. It’s easy to drink, as advertised, but in a way that suggests a lack of impactful flavor rather than smooth drinkability.
Finish: Short and Unmemorable
The finish of Traveller Whiskey is notably short and fleeting. It concludes with a very mild pepper spice, which is the most discernible characteristic in the entire tasting profile. However, this spice is faint and quickly dissipates, leaving a finish that is ultimately forgettable. The lack of a lingering or developing finish further contributes to the overall impression of a simplistic and somewhat unremarkable whiskey.
Final Verdict: Pour It Out or Pass on Traveller Whiskey?
In conclusion, this traveller whiskey review leans towards disappointment. While it’s perfectly drinkable, Traveller Whiskey fails to deliver the complexity, depth, or memorable flavors one might expect from a Buffalo Trace product, especially one associated with a celebrity collaboration. The tasting experience is simplistic and indistinct, lacking the nuances that typically define a premium whiskey.
Rating: Pour It! / Donate It!
This rating reflects the sentiment that while not offensive, Traveller Whiskey simply doesn’t offer enough to warrant a repurchase, especially when considering the vast landscape of readily available and more flavorful bourbons at similar or even lower price points. Ultimately, while some may find its simplistic profile appealing, for those seeking a more engaging and rewarding whiskey experience, Traveller Whiskey is likely to leave you wanting more.
Remember, enjoying whiskey is a personal journey. Feel free to experiment with a few drops of water or enjoy it in your preferred manner. However, for those seeking a standout bourbon, exploring other options might be a more fruitful endeavor.
