Traveller Whiskey Blend No 40 Review

Overview: Traveller Whiskey is a first ever collaboration from Sazerac / Buffalo Trace, landed in my glass as an allocation from my whiskey club. I don't often venture into blended whiskeys, but this bottle piqued my curiosity. Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace's master distiller, Harlen Wheatley, meticulously sampled 50 different blends, ultimately settling on blend number 40.

This is not a straight whiskey so, there is no age statement, no indication of mashbill and it was not limited to the constraints of straight whiskey, like distillation proof, barrel entry proof, minimum age, blending components and additives. Buffalo Trace assures us that no neutral grain spirits are in this blend but, we will have to take their word for it. The whiskey's widespread availability and reasonable price suggest Sazerac is looking to break into the "well pour" market which they have struggled to break into.

Age: NAS (No Age Statement)

Proof: 90 proof (45% ABV)

Mashbill: Undisclosed

Nose: The nose is subtle, demanding patience to uncover its nuances.  At 90 proof, there's little ethanol burn but also a distinct lack of classic bourbon or rye notes. Faint oak and a medley of light fruits emerge - apples, grapes, honeydew melon, and cantaloupe.  It evokes the image of a generic fruit salad at a hotel breakfast buffet.

Palate: The palate pleasantly surprises, exceeding expectations set by the nose.  A welcome viscosity coats the mouth.  Sweetness and oak come alive, intertwined with cherry, butterscotch, and a hint of vanilla.  Notes of bread suggest the possible presence of wheat in the mash bill.

Finish: The finish is short-lived and unmemorable, leaving a slight sense of disappointment. Yet, it also sparks a desire for another sip.  I'm surprised by how quickly a pour disappears, considering my less-than-stellar impressions.

Final Thoughts: Traveller drinks like the watered-down remnants of a whiskey that's lingered on the rocks too long.  Faint flavors remain, but they lack any captivating complexity. The remaining whiskey might be best shared with a friend new to neat pours, as its mildness won't overwhelm like a high-proof bourbon. I'll experiment with cocktails, but I suspect its simplicity won't hold up against mixers.

If you're dipping your toes into the world of bourbon or rye, Traveller offers a gentle introduction.  For seasoned whiskey enthusiasts, there's little to explore here. I won't be actively seeking out another bottle, but I'm glad to have experienced this one.  It certainly wasn't a major investment.

Rating: Leave it out the Counter - Link to ratings explanations