Bulleit Bourbon vs Bulleit 10: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 09:06 pm

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 the differences between Bulleit Bourbon vs Bulleit 10 in this in-depth comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Bulleit Bourbon or Bulleit 10 Year: Comparison

Bulleit Bourbon: Balanced blend of rye spice and sweetness, perfect for sipping or mixing. Aged six years, offering depth and complexity. Priced at $25.

Bulleit 10 Year Bourbon: Bold rye spice meets hints of fruit and caramel, with a smoother finish. Aged ten years, boasting richness and sophistication. Priced at $50.

Verdict: Bulleit Bourbon offers a solid entry with its balanced profile and affordability, while Bulleit 10 Year Bourbon adds complexity with its added aging suitable for those seeking a refined sip, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Bulleit Bourbon: Balanced Spice & Smooth Sipping

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: Evan Williams

Rye Delight: Uncork a bottle of Bulleit Bourbon and inhale the warm embrace of classic rye spices – think cinnamon, clove, and a touch of nutmeg. Take a sip, and the smooth texture glides across your palate.

Spicy & Sweet Duet: Don’t let the initial rye kick fool you. This bourbon soon reveals a sweet side, with hints of dried fruit and nutty notes playing alongside the spice. The finish warms pleasantly, leaving you with lingering oak and spice, and a final whisper of sweetness.

Versatility is Key: Bulleit strikes a perfect balance between sweet and spicy, making it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks for a satisfying sip, or let it shine in classic cocktails like Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour, adding a distinct rye punch.

More Than Meets the Eye: This award-winning bourbon boasts a unique recipe:

Spicy Backbone: 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley create a bold character.
Local Love: Crafted with Kentucky limestone-filtered water and locally sourced ingredients.
Aged to Perfection: Rests for 6 years in charred American oak barrels for rich depth.
Award-Winning Taste: Double Gold medal winner at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
A Legacy Continues: Created in 1987 by Tom Bulleit, inspired by his grandfather’s recipe.

Ready to discover a bourbon that’s both spicy and smooth? Bulleit awaits!

Bulleit 10 Year Bourbon: Spicy, Sweet, and Smooth (with a Hint of Oak)

Nose: Rye spice, green apple, charred oak
Palate: Charred oak, baking spice, pepper
Finish: Medium length, spice, green apple, charred oak
Alcohol content: 91.2 proof (45.6% ABV)
How to drink: Add water, Rocks
Similar to: Bulleit Barrel Strength

Spice & Fruit: Crack open a bottle of Bulleit 10 and you’re greeted by a bold rye spice aroma, like freshly cracked pepper and a whisper of mint. Take a sip, and the spice is joined by toasted oak and warming black pepper. But fear not, sweetness emerges too, with hints of apple, vanilla, and caramel peeking through.

More Than Meets the Rye: Compared to its younger sibling, Bulleit 10 boasts a richer flavor profile. The spiciness is still there, but balanced by subtle fruit notes and a smoother finish. Think of it as the more mature, sophisticated cousin of the original Bulleit.

Enjoyment Unlocked: This bourbon shines neat, letting its full flavor spectrum sing. For a tamer experience, add a drop of water and watch the spice soften, revealing even more sweetness.

Award-Winning Choice: No hype here, Bulleit 10 has legit cred. It’s snagged double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and scored high points from industry experts. But the real test is your taste buds, so give it a try and see if it wins you over!

Quick Facts:

Aged 10 years in new, charred oak barrels (fancy!)
Same mash bill as the regular Bulleit (but more mature)
Double gold medal winner, 90+ point scorer (impressive!)
Made by Diageo, a big name in the spirits world

Ready to explore the bolder side of Bulleit? This 10-year expression might just surprise you.

How do Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit 10 differ?

The main distinction between these bourbons is the aging process, with the regular Bulleit aged for 6 years and the 10 Year aged for a decade in charred oak casks.

Additionally, there is a slight difference in proof, with the regular Bulleit offered at 90 proof and the 10 Year at 91 proof.