This release is a high-profile collaboration between 10-time Grammy winner Chris Stapleton and Harlen Wheatley, the Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace. It is technically a "Blended Whiskey" rather than a straight bourbon, a deliberate choice that gave Wheatley the freedom to source from various Sazerac distilleries to hit a specific flavour profile. They tested over 50 different variations before settling on "Blend No. 40," aiming for a spirit that prioritizes drinkability over aggressive complexity.
Tasting Notes: The aroma is soft and dessert-like, with distinct notes of buttery shortbread and vanilla bean, layered with stewed fruit like pears or apples and a faint touch of toasted oak. It lands on the tongue with a surprising creaminess for a 90-proof spirit. The profile is sweet and accessible, featuring flavours of maple syrup, caramel corn, and toasted nuts. There is a gentle rye spice that builds slowly, keeping the sweetness in check without burning. The finish is clean and concise, transitioning from that initial sweetness into a savory note of leather and white pepper, leaving a warm, easy aftertaste.