Bulleit Bourbon vs Bulleit Rye: Whiskey Comparison

Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:57 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.

Explore the differences between Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye in this comprehensive comparison and make an informed choice about which one suits your preferences!

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 vs Bulleit Rye: Which to Buy?

Bulleit Bourbon: A mix of sweet and spicy, this bourbon brings together flavors like cinnamon and caramel. It’s strong but not harsh, making it a good choice for both drinking straight and mixing into cocktails. Its warmth sticks around, making each sip a little adventure.

Bulleit Rye: This one’s all about the spice, with a kick of mint and vanilla to smooth things out. It’s got a bold taste that’s perfect for mixing into drinks, adding a lively spice that really wakes up your taste buds. The finish is warm and sticks with you, giving it a bit of an edge.

Verdict: Both Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye have their own perks. The bourbon is great for those who like a bit of sweetness with their spice, while the rye is a hit for anyone looking to add some punch to their drinks. They’re both solid choices, each bringing something special to the table, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Difference between Bulleit Bourbon vs Bulleit Rye

Bulleit Bourbon is 28% rye, while Bulleit Rye is 95% rye

Whiskey	Rye	Corn	Malted Barley
Bulleit Bourbon	28%	68%	4%
Bulleit Rye	95%	0%	5%

Rye provides a distinctive spicy note along with a grassy and minty flavor to the whiskey.

Bulleit Bourbon: Bold Spice and Sweet Harmony

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

Distinct Aroma: Bulleit Bourbon opens with a wave of rye spice on the nose, followed by hints of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, offering an inviting and complex aroma.

Spicy & Satisfying: The palate initially greets you with a satisfying wave of rye spice. As you savor it, notes of dried fruit and subtle nutty undertones emerge, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

Warming Finish: The finish delivers a pleasant warmth, showcasing a robust combination of spice and oak, with a subtle sweetness emerging towards the end, leaving a lasting impression.

A Well-Rounded Bourbon: Bulleit Bourbon is a balanced bourbon, offering a sweet palate with a bold and spicy finish that lingers pleasantly. This lingering character may appeal to those who enjoy bold flavors without feeling overwhelming.

Versatile Choice: Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or used in classic cocktails like Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour. Some even find a dash of Coke enhances the sweetness, with just a few drops offering a customized experience.

Bulleit Bourbon Facts:

Aged for 6 years in charred American white oak casks.
Made with a unique mash bill of 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley, resulting in a high rye content for a bolder spice profile.
Awarded the Double Gold medal at the 2016 SF World Spirits Competition.

Learn more: Bulleit Bourbon Website

Bulleit Rye: A Bold and Spicy Rye Experience

Nose: Mint, cedar, vanilla, rye spice
Palate: Caramel, spearmint, vanilla, rye spice
Finish: Rye spice, oak spice, old leather
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Cocktails

Spicy & Inviting: Bulleit Rye offers a unique aroma profile with notes of mint, cedarwood, vanilla, and the signature rye spice, enticing the senses.

Bold Rye Flavor: The first sip delivers a bold hit of rye spice, balanced by subtle hints of spearmint, caramel, and a touch of vanilla sweetness.

Lingering Warmth: The finish is long and warm, leaving a lasting impression of refreshing mint and a subtle charred oak character.

A Classic Rye: Bulleit Rye is a solid and approachable rye whiskey, capturing the essence of the spirit’s distinctive spice. Its smoothness makes it enjoyable to sip neat.

Tame the Spice: Adding large ice cubes can help mellow the intensity while preserving the flavors for those who find the rye spice a bit strong.

Cocktail King: Bulleit Rye truly shines in cocktails, where its robust spice profile adds a delightful kick to your favorite mixed drinks.

High-Rye Distinction: With its 95% rye mash bill, Bulleit Rye offers a more pronounced and satisfying spicy experience compared to many other rye whiskeys on the market.

Bulleit Rye Facts:

Aged for 5-6 years in heavily charred, new American oak casks (no age statement).
Awarded Double Gold and Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Sourced from MGP of Indiana, a renowned distillery known for crafting other popular Rye Whiskeys.