Buffalo Trace Traveller Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Traveller Whiskey: Full Review, Tasting Notes, and Buying Guide

The Buffalo Trace Distillery is a name synonymous with tradition, from its iconic Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey to its highly allocated Antique Collection. So, when this bastion of heritage releases something entirely new, the whiskey world takes notice. Enter Buffalo Trace Traveler whiskey​, a premium blended whiskey that represents a bold departure and a new direction for the historic distillery. This isn’t just another bourbon; it’s a carefully crafted blend designed for smoothness and approachability, inviting both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers on a flavorful journey.

The very name “Traveller” sparks a natural comparison: Traveler whiskey vs Buffalo Trace—how does this new blend stand up against the distillery’s flagship bourbon? At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we’re always excited to explore the latest innovations from the world’s greatest distilleries. This guide is your definitive resource for Buffalo Trace Traveler Whiskey, offering an in-depth analysis of its profile, the art of blending, and where it fits in the modern whiskey landscape.

The Art of the Blend: What is Traveler whiskey?

Unlike the straight bourbon whiskey that made Buffalo Trace famous, Traveler Whiskey is a blended whiskey. This is a crucial distinction that defines its character.

• Straight Bourbon: A spirit from a single distillery season, aged in new charred oak for at least two years, with no added flavors or colors.

• Blended Whiskey: A combination of different straight whiskeys, often from different distilleries or with different grain bills, and/or neutral spirits. The goal is to create a harmonious and consistent final product that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Buffalo Trace Traveler is a premium blend, meaning it uses high-quality straight whiskeys selected by the distillery’s master blenders. The exact blend is a proprietary secret, but the result is a spirit engineered for a specific taste profile—one that is exceptionally smooth, slightly sweet, and remarkably easy to drink. It’s a testament to the blenders’ skill at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, showcasing their expertise beyond aging single batches of bourbon.

The Hallowed Halls: Buffalo Trace Distillery

The Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, is more than just a production facility; it is a National Historic Landmark and the cradle of American whiskey Kentucky tradition. It is the home of legendary buffalo trace bourbons like Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and the elusive Pappy Van Winkle.

The release of Buffalo Trace Traveller demonstrates the distillery’s dynamic nature. While they are masters of preserving tradition, they are also not afraid to innovate and explore new categories. The same pristine limestone water, fermentation expertise, and quality control that go into their world-class bourbons are also applied to the creation of this blend. When you buy a bottle of Travelers Whiskey Buffalo Trace, you are getting a product born from the same commitment to quality, even if its expression is different.

Tasting Notes: A Smooth and Approachable Journey

A Traveller Whiskey review must be approached on its own terms. This is not a bourbon meant to be dissected for layers of oak and complex spice; it is designed for seamless enjoyment.

Nose

The aroma is soft, inviting, and notably gentle. The sharp ethanol bite often found in younger spirits is absent. Instead, you’re greeted with a pleasant bouquet of sweet cream, light caramel, and a hint of honey. There’s a subtle grain note, reminiscent of sweet corn, and a very faint whisper of vanilla and orchard fruit, like ripe pear. It’s an uncomplicated but very appealing nose that promises a smooth sip.

Palate

The palate is where Buffalo Trace Traveller truly delivers on its promise of approachability. The mouthfeel is light and smooth, with virtually no alcohol heat. Flavors of sweet vanilla and creamy toffee lead the way, followed by notes of honeyed cereal and a touch of baked apple. The blend minimizes the robust, oaky tannins and peppery rye spice found in many straight bourbons, resulting in a profile that is consistently mellow and sweet from start to finish. It’s incredibly easy to drink.

Finish

The finish is short, clean, and slightly sweet. It doesn’t linger with heavy oak or spice, but rather fades away gracefully with a final note of vanilla and a touch of light brown sugar. There is no bitterness or astringency, making it a very “clean” finish that leaves the palate ready for another sip.

Traveler Whiskey vs. Buffalo Trace Bourbon: The Key Differences

The question of Travellers Whiskey vs Buffalo Trace is inevitable. Here’s a clear breakdown:

• Buffalo Trace Bourbon: A straight bourbon whiskey. It is more complex, with prominent notes of caramel, vanilla, toffee, and a distinct dried fruit and anise character. It has a fuller body, more oak influence, and a spicier, longer finish. It’s a classic, robust Kentucky bourbon.

• Buffalo Trace Traveler Whiskey: A blended whiskey. It is smoother and lighter-bodied, with a primary focus on sweet, creamy vanilla and honey. It is deliberately less complex, with a much shorter and cleaner finish. It’s engineered for easy sipping and mixing.

Think of it this way: Buffalo Trace Bourbon is the complex, engaging novel you read to savor every chapter. Buffalo Trace Traveller is the smooth, enjoyable page-turner you read for pure, effortless pleasure.

The Ideal Drinker: Who Is Traveller Whiskey For?

Buffalo Trace Traveller has a specific audience:

1. New Whiskey Drinkers: Its smooth, gentle profile makes it a perfect introductory spirit for those who find straight bourbon too strong.

2. Cocktail Enthusiasts: Its mild, sweet character makes it an excellent base for cocktails where you don’t want the whiskey to overpower other ingredients.

3. Seasoned Enthusiasts Looking for a “Palate Cleanser”: Even bourbon aficionados can appreciate a smooth, easy-sipping whiskey for casual occasions.

The Acquisition: Traveler Whiskey Price and Availability

The Travellers Whiskey price is positioned as a premium offering, typically sitting slightly above the standard Buffalo Trace bourbon whiskey price. This reflects its status as a new, crafted product from the distillery.

As a new release, finding Buffalo Trace Travellers Whiskey can be inconsistent. While it’s not as allocated as some of the distillery’s other products, high demand can make it tricky to find. Searches for “buffalo trace bourbon near me” may not yield results for Traveller, as it’s a separate product line. Your most reliable source for a bottle is a specialized retailer like Rare Finds Liquor Store.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Buffalo Trace Traveller a bourbon?
A: No, Buffalo Trace Traveller is not a bourbon. It is labeled as a blended whiskey. While it contains straight bourbon whiskeys within its blend, the addition of other straight whiskeys and/or neutral spirits means it does not meet the legal definition of a straight bourbon.

Q2: What is the alcohol proof of Travellers Whiskey?
A: Buffalo Trace Traveller is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV). This is a slightly higher proof than many standard blended whiskeys, which helps carry its flavor without introducing harshness.

Q3: Is Travelers Whiskey good for cocktails?
A: Excellent. Its smooth, sweet, and non-aggressive profile makes Travelers Whiskey a fantastic choice for whiskey cocktails. It works wonderfully in a Whiskey Sour, a Gold Rush, or simply with ginger ale. It provides a solid whiskey backbone without dominating the drink.

Q4: How does it compare to other blended whiskeys?
A: A Traveler Whiskey review often places it high among premium blends. Unlike many budget blended whiskeys that can taste thin or harsh, Buffalo Trace Traveller maintains a creamy, quality mouthfeel and a clean flavor profile, thanks to the high-quality components selected from the Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Q5: Where can I buy Buffalo Trace Traveller?
A: For a guaranteed bottle, your best bet is to buy bourbon online from a curated retailer like Rare Finds Liquor Store. We strive to keep this new and popular item in stock for our customers. You can also check with local premium liquor stores, but availability will vary.

Conclusion: A Worthy Journey for the Curious Drinker

Buffalo Trace Traveller Whiskey is a successful and intriguing experiment from one of the world’s best distilleries. It does not try to be another heavy-hitting bourbon; instead, it carves out its own niche as a premium, approachable, and mixable blended whiskey. It is a testament to the fact that “smooth” and “simple” are not dirty words when executed with the skill and quality ingredients that Buffalo Trace provides.

For the novice, it’s a welcoming gateway. For the enthusiast, it’s a fascinating look at the distillery’s blending prowess and a perfect bottle for easygoing moments. It may not replace your favorite straight bourbon, but it deserves a place on your shelf for what it is: a well-made, delicious, and highly versatile spirit.

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we celebrate all expressions of whiskey craftsmanship. Buffalo Trace Traveller is a welcome new traveler on the long and storied road of American whiskey, and we are delighted to help you embark on that tasting journey.

Explore our curated collection of whiskeys at Rare Finds Liquor Store comment share on other sites firstofitskind collaboration from buffalo trace distillery. From the latest innovations like Buffalo Trace Traveller to legendary rare bourbons, we are your premier online destination to buy bourbon online from master distiller harlen wheatley.