Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 08:03 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 Rye vs George Dickel Rye in this in-depth comparison and decide which Rye Whiskey 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 Rye vs George Dickel Rye: Comparison
Bulleit Rye: Offers a spicy yet refreshing mint and vanilla aroma, with a palate rich in caramel and spearmint, balanced by rye spice. Ideal for those who enjoy a classic rye with a minty twist.
George Dickel Rye: A sweet and approachable rye featuring vanilla and mint on the nose, with a palate of maple, vanilla, and rye spice, leading to a short, sweet, and spicy finish. Perfect for those preferring a gentle rye or exploring rye whiskies.
Verdict: Bulleit Rye and George Dickel Rye both offer distinct takes on rye whiskey, catering to different preferences. Bulleit brings a classic spicy profile ideal for cocktails, while George Dickel offers a smooth, sweeter experience, both providing excellent value in their price range, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Note: These whiskeys are crafted at the same distillery using the same recipe with the difference being the George Dickel is filtered through charcoal before bottling.
Related: Best-Tasting Cheap Rye Whiskeys
Bulleit Rye: A Spicy Sip with Minty Charm

- 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: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Michter’s Rye
Craving a classic rye with a touch of cool? Bulleit Rye might be your match! Dive into a gentle aroma of mint, followed by earthy cedar wood, sweet vanilla, and a hint of rye spice.
First sip, a bold welcome: Expect a punch of rye spice upfront, mellowed by subtle spearmint, sweet caramel, and a touch of vanilla. It’s smooth and warm, but not overwhelmingly so.
The finish lingers pleasantly: Think minty freshness and hints of charred oak, lasting medium to long on your palate.
Is it a good choice? Absolutely!
- Reliable and smooth: You won’t find any weird surprises here. It’s pure classic rye character, well-crafted and easy to enjoy.
- Spicy kick with sweetness: If you love the rye bite, you’ll be happy. But the caramel and vanilla balance it out, making it great for casual sipping.
- Too spicy? No problem! Large ice cubes tame the intensity without losing flavor.
Bulleit Rye facts:
- 95% rye, 5% malted barley: That’s rye you can taste!
- Aged 5-6 years: Perfect balance of youth and maturity.
- Award-winning: Double Gold and Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, so you know it’s good!
Ready for a minty-fresh rye adventure? Give Bulleit a try and see if it hits the spot!
George Dickel Rye: Sweet Rye Charm with a Subtle Bite

- Nose: Vanilla, mint, rye spice
- Palate: Rye spice, maple, vanilla, spearmint
- Finish: Short, rye spice, maple
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Jim Beam Rye
Craving a rye whiskey that’s easy on the spice but big on flavor? Look no further than George Dickel Rye! This approachable expression offers a delightful journey, starting with gentle maple sweetness on the nose.
First sip, pure pleasure: Think caramel, vanilla, and a touch of mint, followed by a bold wave of rye spice. Don’t worry, it’s more peppery zing than fire-breathing dragon! The maple magic returns in the finish, leaving a lingering sweetness with a subtle spicy kick.
Is it a rye powerhouse? Not quite. This one leans towards sweetness with a rye twist, making it perfect for rye-curious adventurers. And for the price? Hard to beat!
Here’s the lowdown:
- 95% rye, 5% malted barley for that rye character you love.
- Aged 5 years in new charred oak for smooth complexity.
- Unique sugar-maple charcoal filtration adds a touch of sweetness.
What do Bulleit Rye and George Dickel Rye have in common?
Both are crafted by MGP and owned by Diageo
Both whiskeys, George Dickel Rye and Bulleit Rye, are crafted at the MGP Distillery in Indiana, which is the source of most rye whiskeys.
While they share this origin, it’s important to note that they are distinct expressions due to variations in aging and production methods.
George Dickel Rye undergoes a filtration process before bottling, which results in the removal of any harsh edges while infusing subtle maple hints.
It’s worth mentioning that both brands, George Dickel and Bulleit, are part of Diageo, the British spirits powerhouse headquartered in London.
Diageo boasts an impressive portfolio of over 200 brands, including renowned names like Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, and Casamigos, among many others.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Bulleit Rye | $23 |
| George Dickel Rye | $18 |
