Buffalo Trace and Chris Stapleton launch whiskey

Kentucky distillery Buffalo Trace has teamed up with American singer Chris Stapleton to release a new blended whiskey.

Together, they have launched Traveller Whiskey, said to represent a ‘first-of-its-kind collaboration of collective artistry'. Traveller is a blend of whiskeys hand-selected from Sazerac-owned distilleries, including Buffalo Trace. Created under the supervision of Buffalo Trace master distiller Harlen Wheatley, Traveller was the result of ‘countless hours’ of testing and tasting. Wheatley said the distillery experimented with more than 50 blends before settling on Blend No. 40. Chris Stapleton, who was born in Lexington near the Buffalo Trace distillery, was first introduced to Sazerac’s EH Taylor whiskey brand during a recording session for his first studio album, Traveller. It soon became a staple on his home bar. “Partnering with Buffalo Trace Distillery and Harlen Wheatley feels like a bucket list scenario for me,” said Kentucky native Stapleton. “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.” Bottled at 45% ABV, Traveller Whiskey offers an aroma of vanilla, aged fruit and buttery shortbread, with a touch of oak. Flavours of spice, toasted nut and oak follow on the palate. “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,” Wheatley added. “Traveller stands up on its own as a smooth and sippable whiskey or works great in a cocktail.” Traveller Whiskey is available in retailers, bars and restaurants across the US, priced at US$39.99.