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Meet The Maker: Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace
Master distiller Harlen Wheatley reflects on his 30-year journey at Buffalo Trace with Douglas Blyde, exploring the evolution of American whiskey, and his collaboration with a famous country singer-songwriter.
Describe the atmosphere of Buffalo Trace?
As you step inside, the rich tradition dating to 1775 is palpable – America’s oldest continually operating distillery. Every corner reflects generations of craftsmanship. In the fermentation and distillation areas, earthy grain aromas and fruity yeasts greet you, while the ageing warehouses are filled with deep, woody notes. The atmosphere shifts with the seasons, visible in the stained walls from the “angel’s share” during hot Kentucky summers. Despite the busy environment, our team maintains a calm focus, continuing the legacy.
What does it mean to be the sixth master distiller at Buffalo Trace since the Civil War?
It is an absolute honour. Buffalo Trace’s history includes legends like E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee, and celebrating that legacy daily is humbling and rewarding. I feel a deep responsibility to carry the baton for Buffalo Trace. My goal is to leave the distillery – and the industry – better than I found it, through constant learning, experimentation, and training, both for myself and my team.
How has American whiskey’s quality and perception evolved during your 30 year tenure at Buffalo Trace?
Today’s consumers are more knowledgeable. There are also more distilleries, innovations, and new offerings, which is great for everyone. Increased interest brings open-mindedness and a willingness to try new things, allowing us to experiment with American whiskey – a passion at Buffalo Trace.
What investments are being made to secure the distillery’s legacy for the next generation?
With over 200 years of whiskey-making expertise, Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to draw on centuries of knowledge while embracing innovation. Our commitment to experimentation is evident in the Experimental Programme and the custom-built warehouses X and P. Warehouse X, with four chambers, allows us to explore the effects of natural light, temperature, humidity, and airflow on ageing. Meanwhile, Warehouse P was designed to test extending the aging process of American whiskey and bourbon. Recent experimental releases, including Daniel Weller Emmer Wheat and Eagle Rare 25, highlight our dedication to pushing distilling boundaries while honouring tradition.
How have your chemistry and chemical engineering degrees influenced your role?
The position requires scientific knowledge, which my education prepared me for, along with applying classroom knowledge to real-world work. The bourbon industry is constantly evolving, with changes in technology and environmental factors impacting everything. It’s an exciting role where you never stop learning.
What excites you most about the intersection of science, art, and craft in distilling?
We see whiskey-making as both an art and a science – both are needed to create outstanding products. Chemistry helps control variables like alcohol levels, flavour compounds, and aging conditions. The artistic side lets us experiment with mash bills, barrel finishes, and blends to create unique, one-of-a-kind whiskeys that evoke emotion and personalised experiences.
How did you collaborate with Grammy-winning country icon Chris Stapleton on Traveller?
Our collaboration with Chris Stapleton on Traveller blended his love for whiskey with our technical expertise. A longtime fan of Buffalo Trace, Chris first discovered our bourbons through E.H. Taylor, and we’ve supported his charity, Outlaw State of Kind, through barrel donations. This partnership is a natural extension of our decade-long relationship. It’s been an honour to work with Chris, whose artistry shines in both his music and the whiskey he helps craft.
How was it created?
Traveller Whiskey, named after Stapleton’s 2015 breakout album Traveller, is blended and bottled at Buffalo Trace Distillery. After testing over 50 blends, we chose Blend No. 40 for its unique combination of whiskeys from Sazerac’s award-winning distilleries. While not age-stated, it’s aged longer than many in its category, focusing on exceptional flavour. Bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), it offers notes of oak, sweet maple, tart currant, leather, vanilla, aged fruit, and shortbread, with a robust finish of spice and toasted nuts.
Where can we find it in the UK, and will it be featured at the O2 during Stapleton’s UK tour on 23 October?
You can find Traveller Whiskey at Buffalo Trace Distillery London in Covent Garden and on Amazon.co.uk (RRP £29). Look out for exclusive sampling opportunities during Chris’s UK tour this month.
Did you consult on the Buffalo Trace London distillery?
Yes, I was involved in our first brand home outside the USA which brings an authentic, immersive tasting journey from Kentucky to London. After its success, we opened a Paris pop-up during the Olympics, featuring our Weller lineup, including the ultra-luxe Weller Millennium. While I can’t confirm future expansions, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, so stay tuned for more Buffalo Trace news.
What other Buffalo Trace products are available in the UK?
Buffalo Trace Distillery produces almost 25 brands of whiskey and spirits on-site of which, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare and Weller are our most popular.
Is there a signature Buffalo Trace profile?
We aim to offer variety across our products, with a common focus on delivering uncompromising quality. Our goal is to keep consumers happy!
Who would you share a pour of Buffalo Trace with?
I’d enjoy getting to know any Buffalo Trace fan over a glass.
buffalotracedistillery.com
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