Traveller Whiskey Full Proof 121: Stapleton's New Drop
Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley just dropped Traveller Whiskey Full Proof, cranking the original Blend No. 40 up to 121 proof without losing its signature smooth character. This marks the brand's first line extension since launching in January 2024, proving that the duo's experimental approach to blending can deliver intensity and approachability in the same bottle. After a backstage tasting with Stapleton's band unanimously crowned the 121-proof expression the winner, the release became inevitable—more proof, same easy-drinking DNA, just amplified.
The Specs on Traveller Full Proof
Traveller Whiskey Full Proof lands at 121 proof (60.5% ABV), representing a significant jump from the original 90-proof Blend No. 40. Bottled at Buffalo Trace Distillery under Harlen Wheatley's direction, this expression uses adjusted blending techniques that bring forward flavors less prominent in the lower-proof version. The release hit shelves nationwide in February 2026 with a suggested retail price of $39.99 for a 750ml bottle, distributed through Sazerac's network to retailers, bars, and restaurants across the country. The brand teased the 121-proof release in late January through a social media video featuring NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., who co-owns the JR Motorsports team that runs Traveller's No. 40 Chevrolet.
Why This Release Matters
This drop represents a calculated move in the blended whiskey category, which historically struggles against the bourbon and rye prestige game. By pushing proof while maintaining drinkability, Stapleton and Wheatley are challenging preconceptions about what blended American whiskey can deliver. The brand's trajectory since 2024 has been aggressive—partnerships with Major League Baseball and NASCAR visibility at DAYTONA 500 positioned Traveller as a lifestyle brand, not just a celebrity vanity project. Full Proof doubles down on that momentum, offering barrel-strength enthusiasts an entry point while giving the existing fanbase something new to chase. At under $40, it also undercuts many craft barrel-proof releases, making high-proof accessible without sacrificing the Buffalo Trace pedigree that anchors the brand's credibility.
Flavor Profile
Traveller Full Proof showcases how proof variation transforms a blended recipe. The expression delivers amplified notes of caramelized sugar, baking spice, and toasted oak that form the backbone of the experience. Layers of vanilla, warm toffee, and dark fruit emerge with added depth compared to the 90-proof original. The finish extends longer, bringing complexity that highlights what blended whiskey can achieve when treated with the same experimental rigor as straight bourbon. The higher proof opens up characteristics already present in the blend but muted at lower strength, offering a richer, more intense sipping experience that still maintains the approachable foundation Traveller established with Blend No. 40.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy Traveller Whiskey Full Proof?
Traveller Full Proof is available nationwide through Sazerac's distributor network at retailers, bars, and restaurants starting February 2026. Check your local liquor stores or use the store locator at travellerwhiskey.com to find bottles near you, with availability expanding as distribution ramps up across all markets.
How does Traveller Full Proof differ from Blend No. 40?
Traveller Full Proof is bottled at 121 proof compared to Blend No. 40's 90 proof, using adjusted blending techniques that amplify flavors like caramelized sugar, dark fruit, and baking spice. The higher proof brings forward characteristics less apparent in the original while maintaining the smooth, approachable drinking experience that defines the Traveller lineup.
Is Traveller Whiskey a bourbon or blended whiskey?
Traveller is a blended American whiskey, not a straight bourbon, crafted by combining different whiskey components under Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley's direction at Buffalo Trace Distillery. This blending approach allows for more flexibility in flavor profile creation compared to single-barrel or straight bourbon regulations.
What proof is best for drinking Traveller Full Proof?
Traveller Full Proof is designed to be enjoyed at its bottled 121 proof strength, as the blending was specifically calibrated for that intensity. That said, adding a few drops of water can open up additional flavor layers if you prefer a lower-proof experience, letting you customize the intensity to your palate preferences.
How much does Traveller Full Proof cost?
Traveller Whiskey Full Proof retails for $39.99 per 750ml bottle as a suggested price, though local taxes and fees will vary by state and retailer. This positions it competitively against other high-proof American whiskeys while remaining accessible compared to many barrel-strength bourbon releases.