Traveller Whiskey: Smooth, Bold & Built for the Road

It was late October, somewhere near the Catskills. The air was crisp, and the fire stubborn. A buddy of mine fumbled out a bottle from his backpack—Traveller Whiskey, he said, grinning like he’d just won a bet. “This isn’t just any bourbon,” he told us, trying to open it with a multitool that promptly snapped. We laughed, passed around tin cups, and finally got it open with a tent stake. The name stuck with me. Traveller. It felt right—smoke in the air, boots muddy, stories trading hands like currency. That bottle didn’t last the night, but the memory did.

That’s the spirit of Traveller Whiskey. It’s not designed to sit on a shelf collecting dust. It’s built for the road, the firepit, the tailgate, or the quiet nights when you want something smooth without overthinking it.

What Exactly Is Traveller Whiskey?

Traveller Whiskey isn’t just another celebrity collab—it’s the kind of bottle you reach for when the playlist shifts from blues to backroads. Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace didn’t rush this; they tested over 50 blends before landing on No. 40.

I first tried it on a rainy Thursday with a friend who usually hates bourbon. She sipped, paused, and said, “Wait…this is actually good.” That’s Traveller: smooth enough for skeptics, layered enough for loyalists. It’s not trying to impress—it just shows up and delivers.

Why the Name “Traveller” Matters

The name isn’t just clever marketing. Stapleton’s Traveller album was all about life on the move — searching, exploring, finding meaning along the way. This whiskey carries that same spirit.

• Heading out for a weekend road trip? It fits in your overnight bag.
• Sitting by the lake with friends? Pull it out of the cooler.
• Just need a wind-down after work? It’s as comfortable on your shelf as it is in your flask.

Traveller Whiskey feels like a companion, not just a drink.

Pros & Cons (From Firsthand Tasting)

After sharing a bottle with friends (and revisiting it later at home), here’s how I’d break it down:

Pros

• Smooth, balanced flavor with just enough character.
• Easy to drink neat or mix into cocktails.
• Affordable compared to premium bourbons ($40–$50 range).
• Great branding/story Stapleton + Buffalo Trace is a strong Traveller Whiskey isn’t trying to be the rare, $200 collector’s bottle you show off once a year. Instead, it’s the whiskey you actually drink — on the road, at the firepit, with friends, or winding down solo.
• It delivers on flavor, story, and accessibility, making it an excellent option for both beginners exploring bourbon and seasoned drinkers who want a reliable, affordable bottle with character.
• If you’re looking for a whiskey that feels like a companion to your adventures, Traveller Whiskey earns a spot in your bag – and on your shelf.

Cons

• Limited distribution; some stores don’t carry it yet.
• Whiskey connoisseurs may find it a bit too “light.”
• Doesn’t have the long legacy of older bourbons.

Best Ways to Enjoy Traveller Whiskey

If you’re new to whiskey, Traveller is forgiving and flexible. Here are my go-to ways:

• Neat or on the rocks → For when you want to savor the smoothness.
• Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour → Its balance shines in cocktails.
• Campfire Pour → A personal favorite — nothing beats passing the bottle around under the stars.

Pro tip: Add a drop or two of water if you’re sensitive to strong spirits. It opens up subtle flavors without watering it down.

How It Stacks Up Against Other Whiskeys

I’ve compared it side-by-side with a few staples:

• Versus Jack Daniel’s → Traveller is smoother, less sweet, and more “bourbon” than Tennessee whiskey.
• Versus Buffalo Trace → A bit lighter and friendlier, but shares the same DNA.
• Versus Maker’s Mark → Similar price and versatility, though Traveller feels more personal thanks to its story-driven branding.

It’s like the middle child: approachable but not basic, smooth but not boring.

Traveller Whiskey FAQs

s Traveller Whiskey actually a bourbon? Yes — it’s a straight bourbon made at Buffalo Trace Distillery. That means it follows all the classic bourbon rules, like being at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels.

Who’s behind Traveller Whiskey? It’s a collaboration between country music star Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace. Stapleton brought the inspiration, and Buffalo Trace handled the craft.

Why is it called “Traveller”? The name comes from Stapleton’s Grammy-winning album Traveller. The idea is that this bourbon should feel like a companion you can take on the road — to campfires, concerts, or just casual nights with friends.

What does it taste like? Traveller Whiskey opens with a whisper of green apple and grape—bright, almost playful. The first sip is smooth and creamy, like maple candy melting on the tongue.

How much does a bottle cost? You’ll usually find it in the $40–$50 range. It’s affordable compared to premium bourbons, but still feels like a step up from the cheapest options.

Where can I buy it?
It’s rolling out across U.S. liquor stores, but availability can vary. If your local shop doesn’t have it, check larger retailers or online liquor delivery services (where legal).

Is Traveller Whiskey good for beginners?
Yes — in fact, it’s one of the best bourbons for newcomers. It doesn’t have the heavy burn that scares some people off, but it still gives you that classic bourbon flavor.

How does it compare to other whiskeys like Jack Daniel’s or Maker’s Mark?
It’s smoother and less sweet than Jack Daniel’s, lighter than Buffalo Trace’s flagship bourbon, and a bit more adventurous in branding than Maker’s Mark. Think of it as a middle ground that’s easygoing but not boring.

Is this a limited release?
No, it’s meant to be part of Buffalo Trace’s lineup long term — though, since it’s still new, some areas may have limited stock for now.

Final Thoughts

Traveller Whiskey isn’t trying to be the rare, $200 collector’s bottle you show off once a year. Instead, it’s the whiskey you actually drink — on the road, at the firepit, with friends, or winding down solo.

It delivers on flavor, story, and accessibility, making it an excellent option for both beginners exploring bourbon and seasoned drinkers who want a reliable, affordable bottle with character.

If you’re looking for a whiskey that feels like a companion to your adventures, Traveller Whiskey earns a spot in your bag — and on your shelf.