Food

CHRIS STAPLETON’S GOLD-MEDAL-WINNING TRAVELLER WHISKEY ARRIVES IN THE UK AHEAD OF DEBUT NATIONWIDE TOUR THIS FALL

A first-of-its-kind collaboration from the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Traveller is the result of meticulous craftsmanship and a shared commitment to uncompromising quality

This October, the UK welcomes a taste of American southern flavor and soul with the UK launch of Traveller Whiskey, created by x10 Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and musician Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Master Distiller, Harlen Wheatley. Traveller Whiskey touches down ahead of Stapleton’s headline ‘All-American Road Show’ tour, which is visiting arenas across the UK and Ireland for the very first time this October.

A new, premium blended whiskey that was first introduced in the USA in early 2024, Traveller is inspired by Stapleton’s authenticity and musical artistry and is proudly blended and bottled at the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery under Wheatley’s expert supervision. Now available to whiskey lovers in the UK, Traveller is the result of countless hours of testing, tasting and dedication to craftsmanship that have produced powerful songs and world-class whiskeys and is an invitation to explore the adventurous, independent spirit that defines American whiskey culture and country music.

Of the collaboration, Stapleton shared, “Partnering with Buffalo Trace Distillery and Harlen feels like a bucket list scenario for me. 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.”

Wheatley added: “When making art – and we really do think that both Chris’ music and the whiskey we make at Buffalo Trace is art – you experiment, test, adjust, and don’t give up until you’ve got it right. That’s why we experimented with more than 50 blends before agreeing that Blend No. 40 would be it for Traveller.”

Traveller Whiskey was awarded “Best in Class Gold” at the 2024 Whiskies of the World competition and “Gold” at the Spirits Business American Whiskey Masters 2024. Bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof), Traveller Whiskey is characterized by notes of oak, sweet maple, tart currant and leather. Complex aromas of vanilla, aged fruit and buttery shortbread are rounded off by caramel and a touch of oak. The flavor profile also showcases a touch of sweetness, followed by spice, toasted nut and oak flavors, closing with a robust finish. Traveller is a completely unique combination of whiskeys hand selected from The Sazerac Company’s award-winning distilleries.

“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. Traveller stands up on its own as a smooth and sippable whiskey or works great in a cocktail, if that’s more your style,” said Wheatley. “But especially if you’ve tried whiskey before and been turned away by the burn – we think you’ll take one sip of this and think to yourself, “OK, now this I can do.”

Born in Lexington, Kentucky, just down the road from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Stapleton’s relationship with Buffalo Trace matured while he recorded his first studio album, Traveller. It was during those recording sessions that he was first introduced to E.H. Taylor, one of the Distillery’s other whiskey offerings, which soon became a staple on his home bar. Since then, Buffalo Trace has collaborated with Chris and Morgane Stapleton’s charitable fund, Outlaw State of Kind, for multiple fundraising initiatives.

Traveller Whiskey has been widely released to retailers, bars and restaurants nationwide as of October 1 2024 at a suggested retail price of £29.00 (local taxes and fees will vary). Traveller Whiskey will also be available at Buffalo Trace Distillery’s recently opened Covent Garden tasting and retail experience, Buffalo Trace Distillery London, located at 32-33 Long Acre and amazon.co,uk.

Stay up to date on all things Traveller Whiskey by following along on Instagram at @TravellerWhiskey.