Country star, Super Bowl performer and now whiskey impresario; Chris Stapleton has had a busy year. News of a prominent musician making their way into the whiskey space isn’t especially new, with everyone from Bob Dylan to Metallica having a hand in critically lauded spirits.
According to VinePair’s Hannah Staab, Stapleton is teaming up with Buffalo Trace for his entry into distilling. The bourbon isn’t expected to go on sale until 2024, and will be known as Traveller Whiskey. For readers curious about the choice of name, it’s worth mentioning that Stapleton’s acclaimed studio debut is titled Traveller — and, of Stapleton’s albums to date, it’s also the one with a title that lends itself the best to a bourbon. (Something tells us that a bottle of, say, Starting Over Whiskey might not look as appealing to the casual buyer.)
VinePair’s report also notes that Stapleton worked with Buffalo Trace’s master distiller Harlen Wheatley on the project, eventually selecting a blend from the options that Wheatley prepared. As part of its release, it will be bottled at 90 proof.
Over the years, Stapleton has amassed an impressive level of commercial success with his music. It’s not surprising, then, to see him making a move into the spirits world — but Wheatley’s involvement should make this an interesting prospect both for both fans of Stapleton’s music and bourbon fans who haven’t heard a note of Stapleton’s work.
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