Chris Stapleton’s Traveller Whiskey turns up the ABV
Traveller Whiskey, created by singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace Distillery, has released its first line extension: Full Proof.
The brand debuted in the US in January 2024, with a UK release following in September the same year.
Bottled at 60.5% ABV (121 proof), the new release is said to ‘preserve the balance’ of Traveller’s signature whiskey, which sits at 45% ABV.
“Across our products, we like to experiment with proof as a way to bring out different flavour characteristics already present in the whiskey,” said Buffalo Trace master distiller Harlan Wheatley. “When we started experimenting with proof in Traveller’s blended recipe, flavours and finishes came to the forefront that aren’t as apparent in the 90 proof blend.
“It’s remarkable how different the blended recipe responds to proof variation compared to our straight Bourbons. We think where we’ve landed is a completely unique offering that every whiskey drinker should try.”
The recipe for the higher-ABV whiskey was allegedly chosen during a backstage tasting, where Stapleton and his band unanimously agreed on the liquid.
“Prior to collaborating with Harlen Wheatley and Buffalo Trace Distillery on Traveller Whiskey, I generally leaned toward higher-proof and barrel-strength bottles,” said Stapleton. “Needless to say, when we decided to experiment with a higher-proof expression, I was excited to see where that could land.
“One night after a show, we had two potential Full Proof contenders backstage with the band and some friends. Everyone agreed 121 was the clear winner. It’s the same easy-to-drink DNA, just turned up a few notches. I think Traveller Whiskey Full Proof is one of those moments where more of a good thing is definitely a good thing.”
The whiskey’s release was hinted at in late January in a social media video featuring Nascar Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt Jr and Justin Allgaier.
Traveller Full Proof is said to be a ‘rich, higher-impact’ expression with notes of ‘caramelised sugar, baking spice and toasted oak’, as well as flavours of ‘vanilla, warm toffee, and dark fruit’.
The whiskey is available as a limited release in retailers, bars and restaurants across the US, with a suggested retail price of US$39.99 for a 750ml bottle.
Last weekend (8 February), parent company Sazerac promoted Traveller Whiskey in a 30-second commercial during Super Bowl LX.
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