Traveller Blend No. 40 Whiskey by Chris Stapleton 750ML

Traveller Blend No. 40 Whiskey by Chris Stapleton is a 750ml, 90-proof (45% ABV) blended whiskey combining Canadian whisky with bourbon distilled at the Barton Distillery. Born from a collaboration between eight-time Grammy Award winner Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, this expression was selected from over 50 trial blends before earning its final designation as Blend No. 40.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 Proof)  |  Origin: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA  |  Blended Whiskey (Canadian Whisky + Bourbon)  |  Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Production & Heritage

Buffalo Trace Distillery, one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in America with origins tracing back to 1775 in Frankfort, Kentucky, produced Traveller as a first-of-its-kind collaboration with musician Chris Stapleton. The blend marries Canadian whisky with bourbon distilled at Barton Distillery — also located in Kentucky — and contains zero grain neutral spirits, distinguishing it from many standard blended whiskeys on the market. Harlen Wheatley and Stapleton worked through more than 50 candidate blends before landing on No. 40, a designation that reflects both the rigorous selection process and Stapleton's personal palate preferences.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet apples and light caramel greet the nose first, followed by aged fruit, buttery shortbread, and vanilla. Mild rye spices and a hint of citrus add depth underneath the sweeter top notes.

Taste: The entry is gently sweet with honey-like warmth that gives way to toasted nut, baking spice, and layered oak at the mid-palate. A touch of caramel ties the bourbon and Canadian whisky components together, while the spice builds gradually without overwhelming the blend's inherent smoothness.

Finish: Robust and medium in length, the finish carries white pepper spice alongside lingering oak and subtle vanilla. The warmth fades cleanly, leaving a dry, slightly peppery close.

How to Drink Traveller Blend No. 40

Neat or with a single large ice cube allows the interplay between the Canadian whisky and bourbon components to open up fully; a few drops of water can also soften the spice and bring the fruit notes forward. In an Old Fashioned, the blend's caramel and oak backbone holds up well against bitters and sugar. A Whiskey Sour benefits from Traveller's apple and citrus hints, which complement the lemon component naturally. For a longer drink, try it in a Highball — the light honey sweetness and peppery finish pair well with quality ginger ale or soda water.

Best For

• Chris Stapleton fans looking for a genuine extension of the artist's creative involvement
• Whiskey drinkers curious about cross-border blends that combine Canadian and American styles
• Hosting a tasting night comparing blended whiskeys against straight bourbons
• Gifting someone who appreciates music-and-spirits collaborations with real production credibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Traveller Blend No. 40 taste like? Traveller Blend No. 40 leads with honey sweetness, caramel, and vanilla before transitioning to toasted nut, baking spice, and oak. The finish is robust with white pepper and lingering dry oak.

How does Traveller Blend No. 40 compare to Five Trail Whiskey? Both are unconventional American blended whiskeys at a similar price tier, but Traveller blends Canadian whisky with bourbon, while Five Trail — produced by Molson Coors — blends American single malt, bourbon, and other whiskey types. Traveller tends toward a smoother, sweeter profile, whereas Five Trail leans into richer malt and darker fruit characteristics.

Is Traveller Blend No. 40 good for sipping neat? Yes — the 90-proof strength provides enough body and complexity for neat sipping without excessive heat, and the blend was specifically developed with neat drinking in mind during the 50-plus blend selection process.

Where is Traveller Blend No. 40 made? Traveller is produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, using bourbon distilled at the Barton Distillery, also in Kentucky, blended with Canadian whisky.

What foods pair well with Traveller Blend No. 40? Smoked pulled pork complements the oak and pepper spice. Pecan pie echoes the toasted nut and caramel notes. Sharp cheddar cheese provides a savory counterpoint to the honey sweetness. Apple tart mirrors the fruit aromatics in the nose. Dark chocolate with sea salt amplifies the vanilla and balances the peppery finish.

What sizes does Traveller Blend No. 40 come in? Traveller Blend No. 40 is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Traveller Blend No. 40 worth the price? Traveller positions itself in the mid-premium tier for blended whiskey, and the involvement of Buffalo Trace's production team along with the extensive 50-blend development process lends genuine credibility that separates it from many celebrity-branded spirits in the same range.

Why Traveller Blend No. 40?

What sets Traveller apart from the crowded field of celebrity spirits is the depth of its production pedigree — this is not a licensing deal slapped onto existing stock, but a blend developed through more than 50 iterations by Harlen Wheatley with direct input from Stapleton. The decision to blend Canadian whisky with Barton-distilled bourbon creates a profile that sits outside conventional American whiskey categories, giving it a distinct identity. At 90 proof and free of grain neutral spirits, Blend No. 40 delivers genuine complexity rather than relying on smoothness alone. For drinkers skeptical of celebrity collaborations, the Buffalo Trace name on the production side provides meaningful assurance of quality and intent.