Buffalo Trace x Chris Stapleton?

Good morning. Welcome to the First Edition of the Bourbon Central Bulletin!

If you received this email, it’s likely that you’ve purchased our Mystery Box recently. First and foremost, thank you for joining the journey, and second, welcome to another perk: a weekly newsletter that dives into a new bourbon, offers insights on allocations, and exclusive info on new releases.

Buckle up, and let’s talk spirits!

MYSTERY BOX: THIS WEEK’S ALLOCATIONS
The Mystery Box Markets

Markets: We thought it’d be best to show you guys what to expect in any given week. So, with our weekly newsletter, you’ll get a snapshot of which allocated bottles to look out for when your box arrives, along with how we value them and how many are up for grabs.

With that said, this week carries amplified odds to score either a timeless bottle of Eagle Rare, or one of the crown jewels of the Weller lineup—the 12 Year or Full Proof. As usual, 1 bottle of 23 Year is set to be dispatched, while Blanton’s hits the sidelines this week.

WHISKEY OF THE WEEK
Buffalo Trace’s Traveller Blended Whiskey

Is Buffalo Trace’s collaboration with Chris Stapleton worth the hype?

To be honest, we were a little bewildered when Buffalo Trace announced a celebrity-collaboration with Chris Stapleton. Nothing wrong with it, per say, just not the type of brand to expect it from.

Of course, given that it’s BT, it warrants a review. Simply put: it’s not bad, but far from exceptional. If you’re expecting this to be a Weller 107 Antique, or even E.H. Taylor Single Barrel comparable sipper, you’re in for a disappoint. That said, it is a far more approachable spirit—both in terms of price and palate.

Nose: Floral. Roses, perhaps a touch of lavender. Nature’s perfume, mingling with the more rich, robust aroma of wheated whiskey.

Palate: Sharp at the onset. Mellow notes of buttery oak, brown sugar, and rye spice. At 90 proof, it offers a subtle mouthfeel, with just a touch of heat.

Finish: Long, oaky finish. Surprisingly full flavored for a 90 proof whiskey. Lingers pleasantly.

Is it a Buy?

Honestly, we’d pass on this. It’s not the grand slam from the Mount Sazarec that the market was hoping for. At $35, again, not a bad option to have on your bar cart—but plenty of other, more premium blended whiskies out there.

OTHER BOOZE NEWS
Wrapping Up The Spirits Space…

• CT lawmakers call for further regulation of THC-infused seltzers

• Teamsters’ union strike against Anheuser-Busch seems unavoidable

•  Olympic sponsorship deal with beer company AB InBev criticized as an ‘odd paring’

• Are New York wine bars even bars anymore?

Have any questions or suggestions for us? Please let us know by directly responding to this email - we’d love to chat!