Traveller Whiskey

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Released in January 2024, Traveller Whiskey is a collaboration between Buffalo Trace’s Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley and Grammy-winning country singer Chris Stapleton.

After trying over 50 blends, they settled on #40, hence “Blend No. 40” on the bottle’s label. As for its taste: “Complex aromas of vanilla, aged fruit and buttery shortbread rounded off by caramel and a touch of oak. The palate has just a touch of sweetness, followed by spice, toasted nut and oak flavors, with a robust finish.”

Hailing from Lexington, KY, nearby the Buffalo Trace Distillery, and later moving to Nashville, Stapleton recorded his first studio album, Traveller. During that session he was introduced to E.H. Taylor, one of the Distillery’s other whiskeys, and a relationship was formed between Stapleton and Buffalo Trace. Over years, the distillery has collaborated with the Stapleton’s charitable fund, Outlaw State of Kind, for various fundraising initiatives with many based throughout Kentucky and Tennessee.

How We Enjoy Traveller

Keeping it simple: we love it on the rocks, however if that’s not quite your cup of tea (errr… whiskey), here are three recommendations:

Whiskey Highball

2 ounces whiskey

4 ounces soda water, chilled

Glassware: highball glass

Serving Ice? Yes

  1. Add the whiskey into a highball glass with ice.
  2. Top with soda water and stir gently to briefly combine.

Manhattan

2 ounces whiskey

1 ounce sweet vermouth

2 dashes bitters

Garnish: brandied cherry

Glassware: coupe glass

  1. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
  2. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  3. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

Old Fashioned

1 teaspoon sugar*

3 dashes bitters

1 teaspoon water

2 ounces whiskey

Garnish: orange twist

Glassware: rocks glass

Serving ice: Large sphere or cube

  1. Add the sugar and bitters into a mixing glass, then add the water, and stir until the sugar is nearly dissolved.
  2. Fill the mixing glass with ice, add the bourbon, and stir until well-chilled.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube.
  4. Express the oil of an orange twist over the glass, then place in the glass.

*Option: use simple syrup in lieu of sugar cube and water

We’re proud to distribute Traveller Whiskey, Buffalo Trace, many other Sazerac portfolio products throughout Washington. Contact your local Columbia Distributing rep or main office to learn more. We’re happy to help you find the perfect selection for your customers.

Can’t find Traveller Whiskey at your local beverage retailer in Washington? Ask them to give us a call and add it to their next order!