Last Updated on: 11th June 2024, 01:03 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover everything about Bulleit Bourbon in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Written by: J Highland
Bulleit Bourbon: A Reliable & Versatile Choice with Rye Spice (Great for Sipping & Cocktails)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Bulleit Bourbon seems to be a consistent crowd-pleaser for you. Here’s a breakdown of its key strengths:
Strengths:
- Well-Rounded Profile: This bourbon offers a balanced flavor profile with sweetness, rye spice, and a touch of smoothness, making it enjoyable to sip.
- Rye Spice for Old Fashioneds: The rye content contributes a pleasant kick, perfect for those who enjoy a moderately spicy Old Fashioned or other rye-forward cocktails.
- Versatile for Sipping & Cocktails: Bulleit Bourbon performs well neat, on the rocks, or in mixed drinks, making it a great all-around choice.
- Reasonable Price: The price point makes it a good value for the quality offered.
- No Major Downsides: You find it to be a reliable bourbon without any significant drawbacks.
Verdict:
Bulleit Bourbon is a dependable and versatile choice. It offers a well-rounded flavor profile with a touch of rye spice, making it enjoyable to sip neat or on the rocks. The rye content also makes it a great choice for crafting cocktails, particularly Old Fashioneds.
The reasonable price point adds to its appeal.
It delivers consistent quality and versatility, making it a solid addition to any home bar, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Similar tasting bourbons to Bulleit
- Learn more: Bulleit Bourbon website
What’s unique about the Bulleit Bourbon?
Unlike most bourbons, which typically carry between 10% to 15% rye in the mash, Bulleit stands out with a mash containing 28% rye.
This higher rye content gives it a rich and spicy note without overwhelming the palate like traditional rye whiskeys, which can range from 51% to 100% rye content.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, almond
- Palate: Rye spice, caramel, dried fruit, nuts
- Finish: Long, caramel, rye spice
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Four Roses Small Batch
The nose of Bulleit Bourbon bursts with rye spice, accompanied by subtle hints of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.
On the palate, it offers a satisfying texture.
The initial sip delivers a delightful spiciness derived from the high rye content, which evolves into a rich blend of dried fruit and nutty flavors.
The finish brings a pleasant warmth, with a robust combination of spice and oak, and a touch of late-arriving sweetness.
FAQ
A concise FAQ to address your doubts:
Alternatives:
- Four Roses Small Batch
- Yellowstone Bourbon
- Wolcott (exclusive to TotalWine.com)
- Broken Barrel Small Batch
- Bulleit Rye
How to drink it?
- Neat or with a dash of water
- On the rocks with a large ice ball
- With a dash of Coke for added sweetness
- In cocktails for enhanced flavors
Also read: How to Drink Bulleit Bourbon
Mash Bill
- Bulleit Bourbon has a mash bill of 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley.
How long is aged?
- Bulleit Bourbon is aged for around 6 years.
Is it chill-filtered?
- Yes, Bulleit Bourbon undergoes chill filtration to prevent hazing.
Is it recommended for beginners?
- Bulleit Bourbon may be too intense for new bourbon drinkers, I suggest starting with smoother and sweeter options like Maker’s Mark.
How is it made?
- Bulleit Bourbon is crafted from Kentucky limestone-filtered water and locally sourced ingredients. The mash of corn, rye, and malted barley is fermented, distilled, and matured in new American white oak casks.
What awards has it received?
- “Excellent, Highly Recommended” at the 2017 Ultimate Spirits Challenge
- 95 points from Wine Enthusiast
- Forbes Magazine named it one of the best bourbons in 2022
- Double Gold medal at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Pricing Guide
- United States: $33
- Canada: $45
- UK: £30
- Australia: $61
Alcohol content:
- Bulleit Bourbon is 90 proof (45% ABV).
Does it expire?
- No, alcoholic beverages do not expire, but it is best consumed within a reasonable time and stored properly (cool place and away from the sunlight)
Who owns it?
- Bulleit Bourbon is owned by Diageo, a London-based company known for its extensive portfolio of brands, including Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, Casamigos, Talisker, and 200+ brands.
How did I review Bulleit Bourbon?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
Bulleit Bourbon: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Bourbon |
| Age statement | 6 Years |
| Proof | 90 |
| ABV | 45% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | yes |
| Warm? | Just a bit |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | No |
| Good for cocktails? | Yes |
| Good with Coke? | Yes |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |
| Kosher | Yes |