Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley and Grammy-winning musician Chris Stapleton announced the release of Traveller Whiskey Full Proof, a bold evolution of the original Blend No. 40, and the award-winning brand’s first line extension since its January 2024 debut. 

Bottled at 121 proof, the new release is a testament to the art of American whiskey blending, delivering amplified intensity while preserving the balanced, “easy-sippin’” versatility that defines Traveller’s signature style.

Much like making music, both Stapleton and Wheatley consider whiskey blending an art form – an intentional craft rooted in expertise, balance and creativity, where experimentation fuels inspiration. Curious how far Traveller’s signature 90 proof could be pushed without sacrificing its smooth, approachable character, the duo began exploring different blend adjustments and techniques. 

Guided by a shared commitment to quality, the breakthrough came during a backstage tasting, where Stapleton and his band unanimously agreed the selected higher-proof expression captured something special and needed to be bottled.

“Prior to collaborating with Harlen Wheatley and Buffalo Trace Distillery on Traveller Whiskey, I generally leaned toward higher-proof and barrel-strength bottles,” Stapleton said in a news release. “Needless to say, when we decided to experiment with a higher-proof expression, I was excited to see where that could land. One night after a show, we had two potential Full Proof contenders backstage with the band and some friends. Everyone agreed 121 was the clear winner. It’s the same easy-to-drink DNA, just turned up a few notches. I think Traveller Whiskey Full Proof is one of those moments where more of a good thing is definitely a good thing.”

“Across our products, we like to experiment with proof as a way to bring out different flavor characteristics already present in the whiskey,” Wheatley said. “When we started experimenting with proof in Traveller’s blended recipe, flavors and finishes came to the forefront that aren’t as apparent in the 90 proof blend. It’s remarkable how different the blended recipe responds to proof variation compared to our straight bourbons. We think where we’ve landed is a completely unique offering that every whiskey drinker should try.”

Traveller has quickly risen to be one of the fastest-growing whiskey brands in the world, winning numerous top awards and expanding rapidly to global markets. In 2025, it became the “Official Whiskey of Major League Baseball” and captured the attention of NASCAR fans worldwide when JR Motorsports’s Traveller Whiskey No. 40 Chevrolet, driven by Justin Allgaier, navigated a dramatic top 10 finish in the 2025 running of the DAYTONA 500 – a challenge they’ll attempt again in 2026. 

For those paying extra close attention, Traveller’s 121-proof release was quietly revealed in late January in a social media video featuring NASCAR Hall of Famer and JRM Co-Owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., Stapleton and Allgaier.

Initially launched as a limited release in February 2026, Traveller Full Proof is now available to retailers, bars and restaurants nationwide via Sazerac’s distributor network at a suggested retail price of $39.99 (750ml; local taxes and fees will vary).

To learn more, visit www.travellerwhiskey.com.

Read more: Buffalo Trace Releases 25th Annual Antique Collection

About Buffalo Trace Distillery 

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Buffalo Trace Distillery also has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.