How to Drink Bulleit Bourbon

Last Updated on: 25th April 2024, 05:42 pm

Discover the best way of drinking Bulleit Bourbon: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this whiskey.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Ideal for Cocktails: Bulleit Bourbon, with its rich, spicy profile from high rye content, is perfect for cocktails, especially classics like the Old Fashioned, suggests bourbon expert Neil Coleman.
• Neat or On the Rocks: It can also be enjoyed neat or over a large ice ball to minimize dilution while cooling.
• Adding Water: A small amount of water can reduce the spice and bring out caramel notes. Be cautious with the amount to avoid diluting the core flavors.
• Glassware: A whiskey rocks glass is recommended for its spaciousness and comfort.
• 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.

Best Way to Drink Bulleit Bourbon

“Bulleit Bourbon is a flexible choice, ideal for sipping on the rocks or mixing in cocktails, where its rich, spicy character enhances the drink.”, comments whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

It offers a balanced taste, combining sweetness and a robust, spicy kick from its high rye content.

This makes it perfect for adding a moderate rye spice to classic cocktails like the old-fashioned.

Whether drunk neat, on ice, or in mixed drinks, Bulleit enhances the taste of various whiskey cocktails.

It’s a dependable bourbon that offers a pleasing experience with straightforward flavors, all at a fair price.

Learn more: Bulleit Bourbon Website

Adding water

Adding water to the drink slightly reduces the spice, bringing out a hint of caramel.

Alternatively, a small amount of Coke can be added.

Just a dash is enough to introduce a subtle sweetness, allowing you to enjoy the other flavors without them being overwhelmed by the Coke.

On the Rocks

Enjoying Bulleit Bourbon over a large ice ball is advisable, as it cools the whiskey without too much dilution, preserving its flavors.

Alternatively, steel whiskey stones are a great option to chill the bourbon.

They effectively cool the drink and add a stylish element to the experience.

Recommended Glassware

A whiskey rocks glass is the ideal choice for drinking Bulleit, as it accommodates ice comfortably.

This type of glass is both affordable and readily available, making it a top pick.

Tasting Notes

The nose of Bulleit Bourbon is filled with rye spice, along with subtle notes of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.

Upon tasting, it provides a gratifying mouthfeel.

The first taste introduces a pleasing spiciness stemming from its substantial rye content, transitioning into a fusion of dried fruit and nutty notes.

The conclusion imparts a delightful warmth, featuring a good balance of rye spice and oak, along with a late touch of sweetness.

Bulleit Bourbon in Cocktails

Here are three bourbon-based cocktail recipes where a touch of rye whiskey would add an extra layer of spice and complexity:

Bulleit Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 0.5 oz Rye Whiskey
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 Sugar Cube
• Orange Peel
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube and bitters with one bar spoon of water.
2. Add the bourbon and rye whiskey.
3. Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir well.
4. Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange peel.

Rye Spiced Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 0.5 oz Rye Whiskey
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes Bitters
• Maraschino Cherry
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice.
2. Stir well until the outside of the glass feels cold.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Kentucky Rye Julep

Ingredients:

• 2.5 oz Bourbon
• 0.5 oz Rye Whiskey
• Fresh Mint Leaves
• 1 Sugar Cube
• Crushed Ice
• Mint Sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle the mint leaves and sugar cube in a julep cup or rocks glass.
2. Add the bourbon and rye whiskey.
3. Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir well until the glass is frosty.
4. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Adding a touch of rye whiskey to these bourbon-based cocktails enhances their flavor profile with a spicy, slightly dry character that complements the smoothness of the bourbon.

Pairing with Food

Spicy bourbons like Bulleit have a distinct flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of foods.

Their rich, bold spice complements both sweet and savory dishes. Here are five food pairings that would go great with a spicy bourbon:

Barbecue Ribs

• The sweet and smoky flavors of barbecue ribs are a perfect match for the robust, spicy notes of the bourbon. The meat’s tenderness and the sauce’s sweetness contrast nicely with the bourbon’s heat.

Dark Chocolate

• Dark chocolate and spicy bourbon create a luxurious pairing. The bitterness of the chocolate balances the bourbon’s spiciness, and the combination highlights the subtle vanilla and oak notes in the bourbon.

Blue Cheese

• The sharp, tangy profile of blue cheese can stand up to the strong character of a spicy bourbon. The contrast between the creamy cheese and the warm spice of the bourbon makes for an interesting and delightful combination.

Smoked Salmon

• The oily richness of smoked salmon pairs well with the bold flavors of spicy bourbon. The smokiness of both the salmon and the bourbon complement each other, creating a harmonious balance.

Spiced Nuts

• A mix of nuts (like almonds, pecans, or walnuts) roasted with spices such as cinnamon, cayenne, and brown sugar can enhance the spicy and sweet notes of the bourbon. The crunchy texture of the nuts also adds a pleasant contrast to the smoothness of the bourbon.

These pairings not only complement the flavors in the bourbon but also create an enjoyable tasting experience, elevating both the drink and the food.

Remember, the key to a great pairing is balance and contrast, allowing both the bourbon and the food to shine.

Storage Tips

• Store in a cool, low-light area.
• Ensure the seal is tight to avoid oxidation.
• Drink quickly once the volume falls below 25% to avoid changes in taste.

About Bulleit Bourbon

• At 90 proof (45% ABV), Bulleit Bourbon offers a strong yet balanced taste profile.
• Bulleit Bourbon distinguishes itself from most bourbons with a 28% rye content in its mash, compared to the typical 10%-15% in others.
• Its higher rye content imparts a rich, spicy, robust flavor yet not as overpowering as traditional rye whiskeys, which may have 51%-100% rye.
• The bourbon is made using Kentucky limestone-filtered water and local ingredients.
• The mash undergoes fermentation, distillation, and aging in new American white oak casks.
• Bulleit Bourbon received acclaim as “Excellent, Highly Recommended” at the 2017 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
• It was awarded 95 points by Wine Enthusiast.
• Forbes Magazine recognized it as one of the best bourbons in 2022.
• The bourbon won a Double Gold medal at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Owned by Diageo, a London-based company, Bulleit is part of an extensive portfolio that includes renowned brands like Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, Casamigos, and Talisker, among over 200 others.