Bulleit Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye: Head to Head!

Discover the differences between Bulleit Rye vs Rittenhouse 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	George Dickel, Templeton Rye

Bulleit Bourbon is renowned 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 liquors 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 classic 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 as mixer as the rich spice presence will add a nice kick to your favorite cocktail.

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 use as a whiskey to make cocktails.

There are few facts worth knowing about the Bulleit Rye:

• Mash is comprised of 95% rye and 5% malted barley.

• 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.

• Crafted at MGP of Indiana.

• Bulleit is owned by London-based Diageo, who also holds household names such as Johnnie Walker.

Rittenhouse Straight Rye

Nose	Rye spice, vanilla, oak
Palate	Ripe fruit, nutty, citrus
Finish	Long, Citrus, pecan
Alcohol content	100 proof (50% ABV)
How to drink	Rocks, cocktails
Similar to	Pikesville Rye, High West Double Rye

As opposed to the Bulleit that has a high portion of rye in the mash, the Rittenhouse only carries over the minimum to be considered a Rye Whiskey.

Aroma is light with vanilla, oak, spice, a citrus note coming behind and just a whiff of ethanol.

Palate is fruity up-front, low in rye spice, with a nice nutty hint and citrus notes along a good hit of baking spice.

Finish is surprisingly long and buttery, providing good warmth throughout.

This is not the smoothest 100 proof whiskey as it burns a bit, but the overall flavor profile makes up for it. Adding a dash of water tunes down the Rittenhouse Rye making it easier to sip.

Overall, the Rittenhouse is not too complex and a bit burny, low in rye spice, great quality and flavorful making an easy drinker and an even better mixer as the high proof will add a nice kick to your Old Fashioned.

This whiskey is a no-brainer due to its well tasting flavor profile and it affordable price making it the best affordable rye whiskey to buy!

There are a few facts worth knowing about the Rittenhouse Rye:

• Aged for 4 years in charred oak barrels.

• “North American Whiskey of the Year” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

• Earned a score of 94 points from Wine Enthusiast.

• “Best North American Whisky” by Whisky Magazine.

• “Best Buy Whisky of the Year” by Whisky Advocate.

• Crafted at the Heaven Hill Distillery, along Evan Williams and Elijah Craig.

Bulleit vs Rittenhouse: Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
Bulleit Rye	$23
Rittenhouse Rye 100	$23

Bulleit Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye: Which is better?

Rittenhouse Whiskey is more satisfying than the Bulleit

Whiskey	Bulleit Rye	Rittenhouse Rye
Nose	✅	✅
Body		✅
Palate		✅
Finish		✅
Value	✅	✅

• The Rittenhouse makes a better sipper as it has some very nice tasting notes making it quite flavorful and enjoyable.
• It’s fairly warm as you would expect from a pour bottled at high proof but it drinks nicely.
• It has a nice buttery finish that keeps you coming for more.
• If looking for a mixer to make spicy cocktails the Bulleit’s high rye content makes a better choice.