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Everything You Need to Know About Traveller Whiskey

The American whiskey market sees hundreds of new labels each year. What separates Traveller from the pack isn't marketing or fancy packaging - it's their focus on five core production elements that define quality bourbon:
  1. Grain selection standards
  2. Fermentation control
  3. Precise distillation methods
  4. Systematic aging protocols
  5. Consistent blending procedures
For whiskey enthusiasts in Liverpool, NY, Pascale's Liquors offers this unique brand that balances traditional bourbon-making methods with modern production standards.

The Heritage Behind Traveller Whiskey

Traveller Whiskey's Kentucky distillery began operations in the heart of bourbon country. Their facility layout follows traditional Kentucky distillery design: a main stillhouse, multiple rackhouses for aging, and an on-site bottling facility.

The distillery runs a 45-foot copper column still, accompanied by a doubler for secondary distillation. This equipment configuration aligns with traditional Kentucky bourbon production methods. Their water source comes from limestone-filtered Kentucky aquifers, providing mineral content that supports fermentation and contributes to the whiskey's profile.

Traveller Whiskey Distillery Location and Layout

Traveller Whiskey's distillery is in Kentucky. The facility includes:
  • A main stillhouse for production
  • Several rackhouses for aging barrels
  • An on-site bottling facility
This setup allows Traveller to control the entire production process from start to finish.

Production Equipment

The distillery's main equipment includes:
  • A 45-foot copper column still for primary distillation
  • A doubler for secondary distillation
The size and material of the still affect the bourbon's flavor. The doubler helps refine the spirit further.

Traveller uses water from limestone-filtered Kentucky aquifers. This water has minerals that help fermentation and add to the bourbon's taste. The limestone naturally removes iron, which can make bourbon taste bad.

Grain Processing

Traveller uses separate mills for corn, rye, and malted barley. Each mill is set to grind the grains to the right size. This helps get the most flavor from each grain and makes fermentation work better.

The grain processing system has:
  • Computer-controlled grinders
  • Temperature-controlled storage silos
  • Automated systems to move the grains
These features help keep the grain quality consistent and prevent contamination.

Mashing Process

Traveller uses a temperature-controlled mash cooker. They follow this process:
  1. Cook corn at 220°F. This high heat breaks down the corn starches.
  2. Add rye at 185°F. This temperature gets flavors from the rye without making it too bitter.
  3. Mix in malted barley at 155°F. This temperature activates enzymes in the barley that turn starches into sugars.
This process creates the base flavors of the bourbon. It balances the corn's sweetness with rye's spice and barley's nutty taste.

Fermentation

Fermentation at Traveller takes 72 hours in temperature-controlled tanks. Computers monitor:
  • Temperature changes
  • pH levels
  • Alcohol production
  • How fast sugars turn into alcohol
This careful monitoring helps Traveller make consistent, high-quality bourbon. The fermentation stage creates many of the flavors in the final product.

Pascale’s Pick: Traveller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 

Here are some facts about Traveller's main product:
  • Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
  • Bottle size: 750ml
  • Made in: Kentucky
  • Filtering: Non-chill filtered
The 90 proof strength works well in cocktails and for sipping. Not chill-filtering keeps all the flavor compounds in the bourbon.

Traveller Whiskey Taste Profile

Here's what to expect when you drink Traveller Bourbon:
1. Smell:
  • Main scents: Vanilla, caramel
  • Other notes: Oak, light fruit, mild baking spices
2. Taste:
  • First sip: Smooth toffee flavor
  • As you drink: Baking spices, toasted nuts
  • Overall feel: Rich texture, balanced sweetness
3. Aftertaste:
  • Lasts: Medium to long time
  • Flavors: Warm spices
  • Finish: Clean, slightly sweet

Traveller Whiskey Aging and Warehousing

Traveller ages its bourbon in multi-story warehouses. This setup creates different aging environments:
  • Top floors: Hot (up to 95°F in summer). Makes bold, woody bourbon.
  • Middle floors: Moderate temperatures. Creates balanced flavors.
  • Bottom floors: Cooler, steady temperatures. Produces subtle flavors.
The warehouses have controlled airflow and regular temperature and humidity checks.

Barrel Management

  • Bourbon goes into barrels at 125 proof
  • Uses new American oak barrels with #4 char (heavy char)
  • Rotates barrels between floors
  • Regularly samples bourbon to check its progress

Tasting Traveller Whiskey

To fully appreciate Traveller Whiskey, try this tasting method:
  1. Pour about 1.5 oz into a Glencairn glass or tulip-shaped whiskey glass.
  2. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature (68-72°F).
  3. Add a few drops of water to release more aromas.
When you look at the whiskey, you'll see:
  • A deep amber color with hints of copper
  • A clear liquid without any floating bits
  • Thick "legs" running down the glass when you swirl it
Now, let's smell and taste:
First smell:
  • Vanilla and caramel jump out
  • A hint of oak
  • Light fruit scents
Final smells:
  • Dried fruit notes
  • Subtle nutmeg and cinnamon
  • A balanced oak scent
After a few moments:
  • Baking spices become noticeable
  • Toasted grain smells appear
  • A touch of leather

How to Serve Traveller Whiskey

To get the most out of Traveller Whiskey:
Drinking it neat:
  • Serve at 65-70°F
  • Pour and wait 10-15 minutes before drinking
  • Don't keep it in the fridge
With ice:
  • Use big ice cubes (at least 2 inches)
  • Just add 1-2 cubes
  • Try whiskey stones to cool without watering it down

Cocktails with Traveller Whiskey

1. Old Fashioned

  • 2 oz Traveller Whiskey
  • 1 sugar cube or 1/4 oz simple syrup
  • 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel
    How to make it:
    1. Put everything in a rocks glass
    2. Squeeze the orange peel over the drink
    3. Stir with a big ice cube
    4. Add the orange peel as garnish

    2. Manhattan

    • 2 oz Traveller Whiskey
    • 1 oz sweet vermouth
    • 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
    • Luxardo cherry
    How to make it:
    1. Stir everything with ice for 30 seconds
    2. Strain into a chilled coupe glass
    3. Add the cherry

    3. Whiskey Sour

    • 2 oz Traveller Whiskey
    • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
    • 3/4 oz simple syrup
    • Optional: egg white
    • Angostura bitters for garnish
    How to make it:
    1. If using egg white, shake everything without ice first
    2. Add ice and shake again
    3. Strain into a rocks glass
    4. Add a few drops of bitters on top for decoration

    Food Pairings for Traveller Whiskey

    Traveller Whiskey pairs well with a variety of foods, like cheeses, meats and desserts. Here's why these pairings work:

    Cheeses

    • Sharp Cheddar: The tangy, bold flavor of cheddar complements the whiskey's caramel notes.
    • Aged Gouda: The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of aged gouda enhances the whiskey's oak tones.
    • Blue Cheese: The strong, salty flavor contrasts nicely with the whiskey's sweetness.
    • Brie: The creamy texture of brie balances the whiskey's warmth.

    Meats

    • Prosciutto: The salt and fat in prosciutto bring out the whiskey's subtle fruit notes.
    • Spanish Chorizo: The spicy, smoky flavor of chorizo matches the whiskey's baking spice notes.
    • Grilled Ribeye Steak: The rich, beefy flavor stands up to the whiskey's bold character.
    • Smoked Brisket: The smoky taste of brisket complements the whiskey's oak flavors.

    Desserts

    • Dark Chocolate (70% Cocoa or Higher): The bitterness of dark chocolate balances the whiskey's sweetness.
    • Sea Salt Caramels: The salt enhances the whiskey's caramel notes.
    • Apple Pie: The sweet-tart flavor of apples pairs well with the whiskey's vanilla tones.
    • Pecan Tart: The nuttiness of pecans complements the whiskey's toasted grain flavors.

    Pick Up a Bottle of Traveller Whiskey Today

    Traveller Whiskey blends modern bourbon-making with traditional methods. It's great for sipping straight or mixing in cocktails. The brand's focus on quality shows in every step, from choosing grains to the final product.

    If you're in Liverpool, NY, check out Pascale's Liquors for Traveller Whiskey and other top-notch spirits. You can visit us at 7401 Oswego Road, Liverpool, NY 13090, call (315) 701-0781, or look at our website: www.pascalesliquor.com. Our expert staff can help you get the most out of your Traveller Whiskey.