Traveller Whiskey, a collaboration between Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley and Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and musician Chris Stapleton, has announced the launch of a new Full Proof release — the first line extension from the award-winning American whiskey brand.

Traveller Whiskey Full Proof (60.5% ABV), which follows the success of the original Blend No. 40 launched in 2024, is described as a testament to the art of American whiskey blending. It delivers amplified intensity while preserving the balance and versatility that define the brand’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 to see 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, when Stapleton and his band unanimously agreed that the selected higher-proof expression captured something special and deserved to be bottled.

This latest higher-ABV release is said to deliver notes of caramelised sugar, baking spice and toasted oak on the nose, followed by layers of vanilla, warm toffee and dark fruit on the palate, adding depth and length to the finish.

Traveller Whiskey has quickly become one of the fastest-growing whiskey brands in the world, winning numerous top awards and expanding rapidly into global markets. In 2025, it became the Official Whiskey of Major League Baseball and captured the attention of NASCAR fans worldwide when JR Motorsports’ Traveller Whiskey No. 40 Chevrolet, driven by Justin Allgaier, secured a dramatic top-10 finish at the 2025 Daytona 500 — a challenge they will attempt again in 2026.

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

Chris Stapleton added: “Prior to collaborating with Harlen Wheatley and Buffalo Trace Distillery on Traveller Whiskey, I generally leaned towards higher-proof and barrel-strength bottles. Needless to say, when we decided to experiment with a higher-proof expression, I was excited to see where that might lead. 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-drinking 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.”

Traveller Whiskey Full Proof is now available from selected retailers across the US, for a RRP of $39.99.