This Bottle MIGHT Not Be Good After All...

Check out our other channel: • We Tried 9 Different F...
Join us for Behind the Scenes, Livestreams, and more:
/ slbdrinks
Download our iOS app:
apps.apple.com...
Merch:
slbdrinks.com
Follow us on Instagram:
/ slbdrinks
Join us on Facebook:
/ slbdrinks
Email us:
[e-mail]

[@coywagoner779]

I saw some Traveller in a local store after I grabbed a bottle of the Green River wheater. They put Traveller next to Sazerac on the shelf. The buzz around this whiskey was in the back of my mind when I saw the bottle, but passed it up because of the price. Kinda glad I didn’t swing for it. Green River is tasty, though.

[@veezypewpew4701]

It's a good bottle BUT when you consider that Trace is 25 bucks, W.Reserve msrp is comparable. It just doesn't measure up. Not bad, but you are 1000% paying for a Name. Glad i tried. One and done purchase. Thnx for the all the info and data guys. Cheers

[@OrangeGuyBlows]

I think it's an alright mixer. That being said i think the price should be 20-25 bucks.

[@zackthomas6684]

My thoughts exactly

[@JonMetzel-p3v]

Keep it going guys! Enjoyed the episode. You talked my wife out of wanting the traveler! Thanks!!

[@TheWhiskeyRambler]

I have not tried this yet… the only problem I see with peoples comparisons is everyone is comparing this to Bourbon. It’s not a Bourbon it’s a blended whiskey so is it really giving it a fair shake to compare to bourbons? Rumor I have heard is it a blend of Canadian whiskey and Barton….. so maybe we should be comparing this to like Caribou crossing, Pendleton etc.

[@AppalachianChaplin]

Agreed. Everyone keeps judging it as a bourbon and it's gonna lose every time in that category. When taken into account what it's actually made of, it's good stuff for the price. I'll take it over caribou and crown all day long

[@waldthegoonie3145]

I've only heard rumors of this, but I tend to trust Kirk and Trents take on it. Keep it up guys! Love SLB!

[@stuartroberts5629]

I avoid celebrity endorsed products, especially bourbon. I'm glad these two suffered through this one. Sorry Chris..

[@coreysstillbarking]

Heaven’s Door is the exception to this rule. Their Cask Strength picks are amazing and I can get them under $60 in Tennessee.

[@robertschroeder1978]

Thank you gentleman for the afternoon smiles and laughter. I believe some low budget B roll and Trenton would be awesome!

[@johnm8489]

I have a bottle of Benchmark SB and love it. At $27 it's hard to beat.

[@lui__v]

I’m a Stapleton fan, so I went into it wanting it for its name/branding. That to say, I 110% agree with your assessment on it. I actually looked this video up after tasting it because I thought I was crazy or lacked the proper palette for it. I wanted a second opinion. To me, on my first tasting, it smelled decent, but the taste was just in and out. It was like a quick splash of oak or maybe caramel and then boom gone. I never thought of it being the lacroix of whiskey, but I couldn’t agree more.

[@MortonKhan_KRM]

Saddest thing ever being discontinued is the Carmel apple empanada from Taco Bell😢😢😢 12:40

[@FakingANerve]

My gf and I recently had a blind between Benchmark Single Barrel, Bonded, Eagle Rare, and BT. Our top two were flupped, but both of us agreed they were close. I picked ER; she picked Benchmark Single Barrel. That Single is a damn fine deal!

[@FlintStryker]

I agree. In the Benchmark line up, the Single Barrel is pretty darn good.

[@ocd_bourbon_bar]

According to The Mash and Drum the Traveller is a blend of Canadian whisky and Barton, so the Kirkland may have been a good choice for the blind. I am excited to see the outcome. 🥃

[@RJR2222]

The only reason I believe BT put this product out was to help pay for their expansion. The fact that BT is willing to put Traveler out there at $40 when several other their Benchmark series can wipe the floor with it tells me it was a money grab. Sorry for the negativity but it just rubs me the wrong way. Have a great weekend

[@chornsey]

That expansion is 100% off the books (paid in full). Comically enough it was entirely financed by the overwhelming sales and profitability of Fireball. Yeah you heard that right Fireball is Sazerac who in turn owns BT. So thank a college bing drinker for all this new BT on the shelf 😂

[@stuartrollings602]

Hilarious

[@markcalhoun8219]

Every celebrity endorsed or owned product is over hyped over priced and extremely mid.... Except Offerman Lagavulin.

[@christopherxl]

The mass market has different tastes from those of us watching this video. There’s a huge market out there for a well-packaged, easy drinking whiskey with the Buffalo trace profile. There are no losers here

[@Idlehandzx2]

I have not had it yet and don’t fallow BT like that but everything always comes down to the money so you might be onto something

[@TheKeinan96]

Love your guys content. Can’t wait to see the nugget challenge

[@ivanzandt]

I wasn’t looking for this bottle, but when I ran across one I thought, eh, what the hell, I’ll try it. Bad idea. It’s not just not good. It’s bad. Literally like striking a match to $40 because it will likely find the kitchen sink drain. Never thought I’d say that about a BT whiskey. Any BT whiskey. Gotta quit impulse buys.

[@johnf.kennedy5454]

The Benchmark series is great for the budget $.

[@spitefulbumm]

The Hot Mustard is still around, at least at our local McDonald’s in WV.

[@mccoma11]

Where in WV? I'm in Barboursville.

[@spitefulbumm]

@@mccoma11 shepherdstown

[@bobbartnick]

I pre-ordered a Traveller before it dropped in IL for 35. Initial tasting was horrible where I was getting a bad chemically finish. I recently opened it back up and it wasn't as horrible, but still not something I would reach for often. Decided to do some experimenting and added in an amburana spiral for a few days, and now I'm much happier with it. Still not great, but definitely improved from before.

[@marydesalvo3470]

The local newspaper did an article about this a couple of days ago. I will probably get a bottle next time I hit the store. Appreciate your honest review. And for the record - this Seasoned Citizen loves Chris Stapleton.

[@heatherharrison264]

I'm not surprised that the Traveller would taste bland next to straight bourbon since it is a Canadian blend with bourbon added. Another interesting blind would be to put it against others that are light and inoffensive. A Canadian blend in the same price range, such as Crown Royal Reserve, would be an obvious choice. Others that might be good for a comparison would be grain whiskies such as an inexpensive single grain Scotch or a non-malt Japanese whisky such as Nikka Coffey Grain. It might also be fun to put it against one of those dirt cheap bottom shelf American blends that come in large plastic bottles and strike fear into the heart of any self-respecting whisky snob. Hopefully, it will at least outshine the plastic bottle rotgut. I haven't tried the Traveller and likely won't buy it since it has been infected by Buffalo Trace hype and is therefore overpriced and can't be found. If I happen to see it at a bar, maybe I'll give it a try, but I don't have high expectations for it relative to its price.

[@jeremiehoug2837]

Here's a video series idea for you both. Have a challenge series. Where one of you picks a bottle and have the other person pick 2-3 other bottles to try and beat the other. The winner of that blind keeps that bottle and the other person picks 2-3 bottles they think could beat that bottle or until it runs out. You could put them in proof categories staying in that proof range.

[@the_bourbon_mill]

Benchmark Single Barrel for the WIN. I'm with you on the Traveller having no real flavor and seeming weak. Kudos to you both! HNY!

[@CollinNitcher]

You guys are awesome. I love all the videos and enjoy the two of you a whole lot! Keep it up.

[@mattd5762]

Trenton and Kurton doing the lord’s work 🙏🏼

[@paulcharboneau6959]

The hot mustard was the best! A couple years ago you could buy it online but not sure if it’s still available

[@josephsannicolas2462]

Interesting blind and results, as always thanks and enjoyed your takes!!

[@joshuagentry801]

Kurt no! It’s usually Trenton with comments about Reece’s not being good… Chick-fil-A though? That’s blasphemy Kurt!

[@LeatherDaddy97]

Reeses are great. Chick fil a on the other hand is terrible

[@PeteQuad]

Chik fil A is just plain chicken. I used to get the grilled sandwich and it is literally a chicken breast on bread. If you don't like it you probably just don't like chicken without fancy batters.

[@DBTdad]

​@@PeteQuad chicken dipped in dill pickle juice

[@LeatherDaddy97]

@@PeteQuad no what i like is flavor. Chick fil a needs to figure out what seasoning is.

[@PeteQuad]

@@LeatherDaddy97 yes. There is little flavor added to chick fil a. Almost none. But tasting like bland chicken isn't terrible in my opinion, just not very good. That's what I meant by saying you probably don't like chicken much if you think it is.

[@gregschauer]

I was at a liquor store yesterday and they had several cases of the traveller for $37.99/bottle... Based on your assessment, I'm really glad I didn't buy it, although I'm sure some people will enjoy it. Instead, I made away with a Green River bourbon and wheated and a Larceny A124.

[@keg9850]

Greg, I think we were at the same store..... Florida??

[@TLS2005]

I've been slowly but surely opening some of my bottles and knob creek 9 yr is really good wild turkey rare breed is really good and jack daniels bottled in bond and triple mash i will definitely get these again.

[@davidmorefield880]

I agree with the Trenton on the apple on the buffalo trace profile I always get that as well.

[@paulring4267]

This is the best blind you’ve ever done! Love it! 👍👍👍

[@danhelmut2826]

Love the channel fellows - watch you frequently. Dont know how you missed Chris Stapleton though - his version of "Tennesee Whiskey" sure did dominate the airwaves. You might also like to listen to these Stapleton selections - "Whiskey and You", "Drunkards Prayer" and for a change up "Might As Well Get Stoned" and "Them Stems". Great albums and songs worth a listen for sure.

[@RipReturns]

All this time listening & watching, and only now realizing you're near Mishawaka? GO IRISH! Always enjoy your shows and enjoy matching | challenging my tastes up with your recommendations and impressions. Keep up the good work!

[@bryanbond7804]

They are from Valparaiso.

[@stevezimmerman3948]

Benchmark SB is my daily sipper. Can’t go wrong with it.

[@safromnc8616]

I think if you do the aroma thing you'll find that they don't always match up (like AA in this episode). Wine is much the same way, there are always outliers. Be interesting to see & I'd alter the types of whiskey and throw some peat in there maybe.

[@kevinconnolly8784]

The Benchmark stuff is solid, but Early Times BIB would top all of these. IMO the whole Chris Stapleton/BT collaboration is weird: he’s a recovering alcoholic who has “selected” this whiskey?? I don’t get it.

[@paleggett1897]

Accumulation of capital, and other forms of wealth rules all

[@steveno7058]

He selects it with his nose😂😂

[@BrianS_IN]

Honey Mustard was awesome!

[@cjherriman7226]

So with your Segway to SLB try’s I have one for you that I did with a bunch of friends. I think this need to be orchestrated with a good sized crew for freshness but what we did was went to every “fast food” place and purchased a cheeseburger meal. Had to set stipulations on just a basic cheeseburger as it comes off the menu, smallest fry available, and a small “coke”. The Pepsi and the coke regular drink was the only thing that separated the burgers. It was very interesting tasting everything blind. The hardest part was getting home before things were cold.

[@anthonylocklayer1278]

I AGREE! I MISS THE HOT MUSTARD TOO.

[@JuicyMilkweed]

They still have it near me!

[@Howard-uf3yo]

Hot Mustard (still available) and Mardi Gras at Popeyes! Now you’re talking! Lol

[@milescivis1018]

I personally think celebrity endorsed bourbon/whiskey has been a plague on the hobby. This being no exception.

[@waynefialo9492]

I'm willing to accept the criticism on bourbon since pallettes vary, BUT saying Chick-fil-A is no good is too much! 😂

[@paulcarder8032]

I have enjoyed your posts and updates on the market. But my Bourbon tastes and selections are pretty well set. Higher proofs for sure. Price range? $17.95 to $39.95. All from distillers who put out bottlings that go for hundreds of dollars or more, so you know that ultimately they are the SAME whiskies off the still!!!

[@DirtyHairy01]

Great show, love budget blinds!

[@honker1307]

I agree on the price, drop it down to 24.99 and its a great price point. Also a great introductory whiskey.

[@stevenbrown5613]

Kurt, I lost some respect for you that you didn't know who Chris Stapleton is, but you earned it back (and then some) when you mentioned Karen Carpenter. Cheers!

[@reevinriggin3570]

Yes, yes, yes....Kurt hit it on the head! The hot mustard on the McNuggets were the BOMB! Have not eaten that crap non food for years but it tasted good at the time! Love the fact that the Benchmark took the podium!

[@SigmaNuHE481]

Is OF 1924 worth picking up?

[@steveno7058]

Depends if shes your type

[@MikeNay]

My McDonalds still has the hot mustard. That's the one I always get, whenever I order through the app I add like 10 of them to my order.

[@scottdemaree5852]

We aren't the customer for the Traveler. I love the lacroix comparison.

[@Steamie0625]

Hot Mustard is back in Ohio, that's the only sauce I get. Love it!

[@Usonian7]

The fact a guy that doesn't drink "came out with a whiskey" is ridiculous. Also what a sell out.

[@jacksontd7757]

Love all the Benchmark Single Barrels I've gone through! They're awesome for the price

[@tomgensel4134]

Wish Benchmark was available. Only have "8" here. Always like it when the lower price point whens out cause of my being a newbie. Go Lions 👍

[@AnAbortiveRomance]

Try Very Old Barton 100, if you can find it for around 15ish

[@alanmoniz9712]

Here for the whiskey reviews. I stay for the flavors and smells that Trenton come up with lol

[@milehighktm7872]

Well that sucks. I let the liquor store owner talk me into it. He told me it was one of his new favorites under $40($38). I don't usually buy whiskey other than Barrel, Penelope along those lines. Maybe it will be good mixer.

[@kyleriley9786]

I would probably agree with those ratings. Kirkland small batch is an excellent bottle. I dont care for ancient age or benchmark though, and traveler is almost a Canadian whiskey with its light flavor.

[@codyforsythe2138]

Crazy when you see that the AA 90 and Benchmark bottles are almost identical but are not. Crazy that a company pays to retool a bottle just to be slightly different in shape at the neck.

[@MrGibsn1960]

I would like to personally welcome Kurt’s hair back to the party.

[@JamesClouds-r7d]

Old forester 100 looming in the background🤘

[@johngirlando]

Hey, Kurt, I was a teen in the sixties and agree with your taste in music!

[@carlosc9127]

The consent on the Traveler whiskey is "ok", but for the price, so many better options for 1/2 the price.

[@TheWhiskeyRambler]

Also we still have hot mustard for McDonalds Chicken nuggets in Michigan. What is it going for on secondary lol

[@Chuckclc]

They got plenty of Travelers in my local shop and push it hard. Ive bought an early times and a wild creek 101 both times and haven't regret it lol. Travelers is 40 bucks, Early times 24, WT101 29

[@sc50lv]

The Kirkland small batch is a great mixer.

[@bdatwood76]

a phone going off during a filming should be a fine of 5.00!!! LOL That's what we do in our lodge meetings.

[@neilpowell1641]

lots of other topics covered today, maybe the whiskey wasn't holding anyone's attention! Not surprised the Traveler didn't fair well. Seems like another "celebrity" hyped drink.

[@umami0247]

And why I’m not interested in getting any BT. Yes it can be good but it isn’t worth the hype or price. This traveler is Tater bait and so many fell for it. I’ll go with WT 101 two bottles and I’ll be happy.

[@StoneColdSteve-Stocks]

Mishawaka and Ratatouille in the same video. Winning!!!

[@kingkrow420]

Trenton. My guy. Have you really never chewed a red grape and (preferably white) cheese at the same time?? One of the best food combos there is

[@Mr.KobeZoom]

Video idea! Best toasted bourbons!

[@ronaldedwards7818]

Yall should do your own barrel and on the back of each bottle should be a story about Trenton's life. Lol

[@generaines6369]

Hot Mustard at Mickey D's was the only dipping sauce :)

[@beneller7791]

McD's Hot Mustard is the best!

[@kevinator101]

Love the McD’s hot mustard!!!

[@gregsmith5132]

The purpose of Chris Stapleton (Traveller) AND Alan Jackson (Silverbelly) putting out whiskey isn't to get hard core whiskey lovers a hit. Most people (probably including Chris Stapleton and Alan Jackson if either drinks anymore) would spit out what hard core whiskey lovers pay $200 - $300 a bottle for if it was served neat. It is for their fans, most which are arguing if coke tastes better with Jim Beam or Jack Daniels if they drink rather than shoot whiskey. Regular bars have trouble if you order a "neat pour" rather than a "shot" and you are lucky if you get it in an old fashioned glass instead of the shot glass. Its just the mass market whiskey plays in and the vast majority of their sales comes from. BTW one of my local liquor store has Silverbelly for $9.99. Another bundles it with a bottle of E. H. Taylor with both at MSRP so basically $120 for a bottle of E.H. Taylor. I'm unsure which of his songs they are for if you are trying to collect them all.

[@philb6409]

Can’t fault BT for putting out a celebrity bourbon. It’s pretty basic, is what it is; fine for beginners, mixers & work gifts!

[@debbybrady1246]

Another fun video. How about doing a "pairing" video - like done with wines/food. Bourbons with food.

[@carltaylor5604]

I agree that Chick-fil-a is horrible. We never had them around here until 2 years ago and when they opened it was impossible to go there unless you wanted to wait for hours because the lines wrapped around the block. I was driving near a few weeks ago and decided to give it a try since everyone raves about it. Got to the drive thru and pulled up to a booth with a guy in it and he asks me what I wanted. I asked where the menu board was because I have never been there before. He said that it was around the corner but I have to order and pay with him at the booth. ???? I asked if he had a menu of some sorts because I have no idea what they even offer there. Nope. Complete waste of my time. Never again.

[@edwino.4773]

Whatever you do PLEASE don’t pour those in the infinity bottles! 😜😂😂

[@joenoe10]

I compared it with Hancock Reserve... tastes about the same

[@stuartrollings602]

For $40 I can get a lid of WT 101 or many other bourbons. Don’t really like the blended whiskeys and as for AAge just pour a neat glass and look how much it look like a urine sample at the Doc office..

[@Jordannotthecountry]

My question for you two is how much do you drink? Like do you drink daily and if so how much? How much a week? I’ve been watching your videos and I’m a subscriber of yours, but the more I watch and hear you guys hint about your frequency I am starting to get a complex 😂 For instance, I will polish off a 5th of whatever my poison is (usually old forester 100 or Knob Creek 9 as my “daily drinkers”) in about 3 days, sometimes 4, if I’m taking it easy. Then on occasion I’ll polish one off in 2 days. I am a 29 year old male and a bourbon and scotch connoisseur, self proclaimed. Id really like to hear, if not a video topic, at least mention in your video about how much you guys actually drink. Send me a shout out! Haha

[@JenkinsB]

I hope people continue to look down on or pass on Benchmark. Y'all can have your allocated and hype bottles.

[@AnAbortiveRomance]

Have you tried Very Old Barton 100. It's currently on sale at my LLS for $10. I actually like it a bit better than the BM line.

[@rpredl]

Lol, grapes and cheese! Come on Indiana get out a little. Just pulling your chain.

[@telosmonos_gustavo]

Thanks y’all for this review, it confirms my take on Traveller. Really just not much there. For the price, I’d rather buy two bottles of Benchmark instead. Sorry Buffalo Trace, y’all missed the mark here.

[@armandomartineziii6460]

My brother and I got caramel coke on the traveler we liked it, it’s a nice easy pour

[@rodttu]

I agree with this blind. It has no finish. My problem with Traveller compared to the others is the price.

[@gregorypettit5981]

I can get Hot Mustard sauce at any McDonalds in the Florida Panhandle, but can't get Buffalo Trace.

[@graeme13]

The Carpenters rule!!

[@richardharvey3154]

To me its a no brainer pour. Its sweet and pretty decent, thats about it. Its inoffensive.

[@ct5465]

Not worth $40? Wow. I guess they just took left over crap and slapped a big name on it to get money. Shameful

[@WadeinWhiskey]

The hot mustard was the best!

[@sirmay50]

Consider a 15 year old bourbon, Noah’s Mill, from Willet distillery, 114.3 proof, reasonably priced at $56, excellent sipper. My 2024 resolution is to stop spending ridiculous money for a bottle of bourbon .

[@barrelvinewhiskeyandwine]

The only reason to eat McNuggets was the mustard!!!!! Team MUSTARD!

[@RubyAskew-cp9vm]

Hot Mustard from McDonald's is the best

[@matthewcowan1001]

Always check all McDonald’s I know in Lansing, MI they had the hot mustard. I have to look when I travel for my wife too.

[@francisrizzo1529]

Hot Mustard is still around (with the bright yellow cover), it's the only way i'll eat a burger at mcd's...

[@bethelittiss]

Have you tried Fraser and Thompson Whiskey from the singer Michael Bublé ? Maybe you should have a celebrity whiskey showdown.