Bulleit Rye vs Jim Beam Rye: Head to Head!

Discover the differences between Bulleit Rye vs Jim Beam Rye in this in-depth comparison and decide which Rye Whiskey is better for You!

Bulleit Rye

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	Knob Creek Rye, Wild Turkey Rye

Bulleit Bourbon is famous for its spicy character and its Rye sibling takes the spice to the next level by carrying 95% rye grain in the mash; Rye grain gives liquor a strong spicy note.

Nose has a soft minty note, followed by cedar wood, vanilla and rye spice.

Palate offers a blast of rye spiciness at first, followed by spearmint hints, caramel and a touch of vanilla.

The finish has a medium to long length, pleasantly warm, with more mint and a tad of charred oak.

Solid dram as there is nothing off-putting about it, just a good affordable rye whiskey.

Bulleit hits you with the rich spicy notes you expect to find in this type of whiskey, but overall this is a sweet and smooth whiskey and quite easy to sip.

If you feel it too spicy add large ice cubes avoiding dilution; that will make it easier to sip.

Where this whiskey shines is in cocktails as the rich spice presence will add a nice kick to your favorite mix.

Overall, Bulleit Rye is a solid option, it won’t blow you away with any memorable tasting note but makes a good alternative for those looking for a “rye whiskey high in rye“ to make whiskey cocktails.

The Bulleit works well with a dash of Coke and even when mixed with weird things like Red Bull making it quite versatile.

Most rye whiskeys in the market are “barely legal”; as they only carry around 51% in the mash while the Bulleit carries 95% so you get a full spicy experience.

There are a few facts worth knowing about Bulleit Rye:

• It does not carry an age statement but it is aged between five to six years in heavily charred, new American oak casks.

• Earned the Double Gold and Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

• This whiskey is not crafted by Bulleit as it’s sourced at MGP of Indiana where several other Rye Whiskeys are crafted (Templeton Rye, Whistlepig, Angel’s Envy).

Jim Beam Pre-Prohibition Rye

Nose	Rye spice, black pepper, cherry
Palate	Rye spice, licorice, mint, caramel
Finish	Warm, spice, vanilla
Alcohol content	90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink	Rocks, cocktails
Similar to	Jack Daniel’s Rye, Knob Creek Rye

The nose is a blast of rye spice and black pepper, as you let it develop a faint cherry note appears.

On the palate, the Jim Beam Rye offers a thin body and kicks-off with more rye spice, followed by hints of mint and licorice, along a bit of caramel sweetness.

The finish is short-lived, warm with hints of cinnamon, oak spice and black pepper making it quite spicy.

If I had to summarize the Jim Beam Rye in a few words I would say: “It tastes like a spicy Jim Beam White Label“, which in turn is not the best sip.

Definitely not a sipping whiskey and would rather choose other options before this when looking for an affordable mixer.

Too peppery and somewhat harsh with better options at this price point.

There are a few facts worth knowing about the Jim Beam Rye:

• Jim Beam claims that this whiskey is crafted using an old Pre-Prohibition recipe, although they don’t disclose much information about it or about how the mash bill is comprised.

• Does not have an statement but it was aged for around 4 years in American oak barrels.

• Jim Beam is part of the Beam Suntory company headquartered in Japan.

Bulleit Rye vs Jim Beam Rye: Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
Bulleit Rye	$24
Jim Beam Rye	$19

Bulleit Rye vs Jim Beam Rye: Which is better?

Bulleit Rye is a better tasting whiskey

Whiskey	Bulleit Rye	Jim Beam Rye
Nose	✅
Body	✅
Palate	✅
Finish	✅
Value	✅

• Bulleit Rye is quite competent, it has the right flavors you expect in a classic Rye Whiskey, with no harsh or bad notes making a reliable pour.

• Drinks nicely rocks and its rich spicy nature makes good Old Fashioneds and Manhattans.

• Jim Beam Rye is harsh, spicy and simply not good; it’s even worse than the regular Jim Beam.