Review of Traveller Whisky

Say this after me: Vodka is not an ingredient in Traveler Whiskey. Vodka is not an ingredient in Traveler Whiskey. Vodka is not an ingredient in Traveler Whiskey. According to experts, you are more likely to remember something when you repeat it three times.

I mention this because, after visiting four different locations in an attempt to get the latest bottle of Sazerac, I was informed three times in a row by the manager/distributor that Traveler Whiskey is a blend of Buffalo

Trace Bourbon and Wheatley Vodka. How did this gossip begin?

Please understand that I am aware of people’s concerns that this might include vodka. “Blended Whisky” is allowed to contain “Grain Neutral Spirits” in the mix, as this specific bottle’s label makes quite apparent. Furthermore, vodka is a Grain Neutral Spirit (GGS or NGS, respectively). American whiskies that have been mixed include Kentucky Gentleman (also produced by Sazerac), which combines 49% grain-neutral spirits and 51% bourbon. Gross!

Oh, and the “Selling Points” portion of this product stat sheet contains evidence that Traveller Whisky does not employ GNS:

Confusion in Chris Stapleton’s message

You will get some marketing jargon and BS stories from a Sazerac representative if you ask them to tell you the history of Traveller Whisky. Although his name appears on the (back) label, country music icon Chris Stapleton undoubtedly approved the statement stating that great whisky and music have an inexplicable link that can only be experienced. However, beneath the surface is more.

Given that Chris Stapleton is involved in the introduction of this whisky business, it appears that his own experience with alcohol is at a crossroads. A few months ago, several press reports surfaced in which he publicly stated that he had been clean for a long time. He downplays the entire incident in a classic celebrity way, perhaps because he knew he would soon be launching his whisky line. This helps to gloss over any hint of relatability.

Review of Traveller Whisky

Chris, now 45, claims that drinking when he was younger “kicked his ass” and that he became aware of the issue when he had to take “a shot of tequila” before performing. According to the timeline I’m looking at, he entirely passes over his 30s, which also must have kicked his ass. He then completely stopped drinking (he refers to himself as “sober”) and kept emphasising that he accomplished everything without the need for treatment, and presto—problem solved!

The narrative seems to be an attempt to minimise his difficulties, as well as the difficulties that other people with alcoholism may face. I believe it’s no accident that he intended to make a big impression on the reporters who would eventually come to examine the guy behind the whisky label. astute.

 Traveller Whisky

Naturally, Chris has experience dealing with whisky and Buffalo Trace. In 2021 and 2022, he participated in the “hand picking” of individual barrels of EH Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon, with all sales going to charity. Not to diminish the charitable part, but I’m not sure I understand what he means when he uses the term “sober.” Did he remain sober as long as his drinking served a higher purpose? Is it a switch that he can turn on and off at will? Or did he simply choose a barrel with his name so that he wouldn’t have to touch it with his lips by saying “eenie meenie miney moe”?

Sazerac produces some of the world’s best bourbon, so why are we getting a blended whisky instead?

I refuse to play the fool and pretend that everything Sazerac produces is flawless. They’re still in charge of producing a lot of inexpensive whisky that ends up on the bottom shelves or is frequently served in bars as a mixer. Overall, though, Sazerac doesn’t have many products to rival those of the major manufacturers who have been around for longer. Surprisingly, Sazerac has a relatively tiny percentage of “On-Premise” sales, which includes pubs, hotels, casinos, and restaurants. Recall that Sazerac entered the scene quite recently (1992). Companies with lengthier histories of doing so include Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, Brown-Forman, and Seagrams (now divided into MGP/Four Roses/Diageo).

Review of Traveller Whisky

For all types of alcohol producers, on-premise sales are extremely important. For sales representatives and distilleries, the sheer volume of those sales alone can make the difference between a good and a terrific year. Sazerac has attempted a few different strategies, but they haven’t proven successful. You would imagine it would be alluring to hang some BTAC outside as a thank you for making Benchmark an establishment’s “well pour”!

Though I could be wrong, Sazerac’s new Benchmark lineup and its Buffalo Trace line haven’t been able to make an impact in that market. Their purchase of the Early Times brand, which has historically been associated with affordability, hasn’t worked either. Fireball performs admirably, although most whiskey-based cocktail recipes cannot be combined with it because to its intense cinnamon flavour.

Simply let us know if the whisky is good or bad.

Okay, fine, okay, fine. This bottle is generating so much silly buzz. The first person to get a bottle did so minutes later, and it was already being flipped for $120. People, wake up and stop being sheep. This is an inexpensive whisky that will quickly become well-known. In the summer, liquor store owners would still use cases of it to prop up their front doors, even if you missed out on getting one on opening day.

It is extremely unlikely to become the next Pappy, Blanton’s, or Eagle Rare. So let’s just put an end to this farce. I’ll go ahead and take some tasting notes to demonstrate it to you. Even though you’ll be sipping it via a straw while mixing it with ice and mixers, I tried it neat in a Glencairn.

Notes on Tasting:

The nose seems to hint at what’s to come. I was getting nothing, so I had to poke my nose in and out of the Glencairn a few times. I was able to check that my sense of smell was still intact by taking a brief sniff under my armpit. I returned to the glass with even greater concentration. Saltwater, hay, cornbread, a hint of vanilla, and faint cinnamon. These smells are so subtle that I had trouble getting a hold of them. It smells like whisky that has been diluted to 80-proof.