Flavor Camp
Flavor Camp

Traveller Whiskey

June 8, 2024

Blended Whisky Spirits Whisk(e)y
3 min reading time

TL;DR: We would happily drink this if it was served to us, but it doesn’t compare to sister brand Buffalo Trace in terms of value for price point. That being said, if you’re a Jack Daniel’s fan, this might be something for you; it may not be as ‘smooth as Tennessee Whiskey’, but it’s got that bananas note.

Traveller Whiskey, named after Chris Stapleton’s eponymous studio album, is a collaboration between the singer and Buffalo Trace distillery. After putting together over 50 blends, blend No. 40 was the chosen combination for this expression.

Flavor Camp Taste Profile

Overall Rating

Total Score: 27/50

Aroma: 5/9
Taste: 5/9
Finish: 2/5
Distinctiveness: 1/5
Overall Drinkability/Balance: 6/9
Value for Price: 5/8
Appearance: 3/5

Tasting Notes

  • Appearance: Burnt caramel color
  • Aroma: Ethanol-forward on the nose, tropical fruits (banana, yellow cherries), honeycomb, menthol/dried grass, cinnamon hearts, whipped vanilla cream.
  • Taste & Mouthfeel: Hot & young - straight forward. Lots of ethanol-y gingery spice, caramel, white pepper, macadamia nuts, tropical fruits (pineapple, mango), bananas foster vibes.
  • Finish: Short. Flavors dissipate fast, ethanol-y burn lingers.
  • Distinctiveness: Not distinctive on the nose or palate - we can't quite put our finger on the mash bill.
  • Overall Drinkability & Balance: It's enjoyable and sharable, but perhaps forgettable.

Product Details

  • Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery (blended and bottled at)
  • Type: Blended Whiskey
  • Age: No Age Statement
  • Still Type: Not Disclosed
  • Cask Type(s): New charred American Oak
  • Origin: Distillery is in Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Sourced distillate is from Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
  • Composition: Not disclosed but must be at least 20% Straight Whiskey based on US Law
  • ABV: 45%
  • # of Distillations: Not Disclosed
  • Price: $50ish CAD in BC (+ taxes)

Comments / Conclusions:

Okay, let’s talk about what US Law aka 27 CFR § 5.143 – Whisky defines as “Blended Whisky” as it’s different than other countries. Blended whisky in other countries typically describes a combination of malt and grain whiskies from multiple distilleries. In the USA, a blended whisky can be made at a single distillery. In the USA, blended whiskies must be made with at least 20% Straight Whisky on a proof gallon basis plus Whisky or Neutral Spirits alone or in combination. In addition, it will contain a blend of spirits, some stored and some not stored (aged). Most interestingly, There can be up to 80% neutral grain spirit on a proof gallon basis in the blend and it can contain colouring, flavouring, and blending materials. We’re not sure of the composition with this Blended Whiskey but if it had at least 51% Straight Bourbon in it, then it would be labelled as a “Blended Bourbon Whisky”.

  • Crushable / Daily Drinker
  • Cocktail Worthy
  • Special Occasion Sipper Only
  • Weird & Wonderful
  • Skip It


Food Pairing Recommendations: Brie Cheese, Havarti, Vanilla Ice Cream

Flavor Camp Cocktail Icons (2)


Cocktail Recommendation: Whisky & Ginger Beer / Use is in a boozy milkshake

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6 Comments

  • Matt Dash
    June 9, 2024

    Excellent breakdown!

  • Mark
    June 9, 2024

    Thank you for this informative review – I have been curious about this whiskey but have been resisting buying it because there are so many other options around this price point.

    • flavorcamp
      June 9, 2024

      We think it’s worth a try for sure! But interested to see if the market is their long term for it.

  • Jessica S.
    June 9, 2024

    I’m not familiar with blended whiskies from the USA! I’m curious though, how do the rules for blending whiskey in the USA compare to those in Scotland? Do they make a big difference in how it tastes?

    • flavorcamp
      June 9, 2024

      The short answer is YES! So I think the biggest difference is that blended whiskey in the USA only needs to have 20% straight whiskey in its composition and can contain a large portion of grain neutral spirit. In Scotland and Ireland, it must contain a 100% mix of malt/grain/pot (in Ireland) whiskies of which they must be aged a minimum of 3 years. Canada has similar rules but will allow up to 1/11 of other (aged) spirits. Ultimately, looser controls create a bigger spectrum which can me more innovation, or lower quality on each side of it.

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