Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Bulleit bourbons are known for their spicy notes.
If you are branching out to other whiskies and enjoying the sweetness and spice of Bulleit, we compiled Bulleit alternatives, their flavor profiles, and their price point.
Read on for our expert picks on the best bourbon similar to Bulleit.
Top 9 Bourbons Comparable To Bulleit Bourbon
9. Bulleit Barrel Strength
| Palate | Gentle spiciness, tones of oak, caramel, nutmeg |
| Nose | Sweet oak, vanilla, and maple |
| Color | Medium amber |
| Finish | Long, dry, with light toffee and deep oak notes |
| How It’s Served | Neat and on the rocks |
| Comparable To | Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Four Roses Private Select |
Average Price: Roughly $59.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 59.5%
Why We Like It:
Bulleit Barrel Strength uses a similar high-rye grain bill of Bulleit bourbon and has been widely acknowledged by different spirits competition for its bold and rich taste. Also, it is bottled at high proof.
8. Bulleit 10
| Palate | Consistent dried fruit, spicy vanilla, rye, and caramel |
| Nose | Rich toasted oak, black pepper, butterscotch |
| Color | Deep Russet |
| Finish | Long and smoky |
| How It’s Served | Neat, on the rocks, and in a cocktail drink |
| Comparable To | Eagle Rare, Bulleit, and Four Roses Single Barrel |
Average Price: Roughly $49.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45.6%
Why We Like It:
Bulleit 10 is a bourbon whiskey aged in a newly charred oak barrel for ten years. The result is a deep, rich, and smooth sipping experience.
Bulleit 10 uses a similar recipe (68 percent corn, 28 percent rye, and 4 percent malted barley) as the Bulleit bourbon.
7. Angel’s Envy Port Wine Bourbon
| Palate | Sweet rum, soft oak, brown sugar, rye spice, and sherry wood |
| Nose | Citrus, caramel, maple sugar, hazelnut, and rye spice |
| Color | Reddish amber |
| Finish | Medium, sweet, dry, and spicy |
| How It’s Served | On the rocks |
| Comparable To | Bulleit Rye whiskey and Evan Williams single barrel |
Average Price: Roughly $54.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 43.3%
Why We Like It:
It has a mingling spiciness, sweetness, and earthiness like Bulleit bourbon.
The whiskey is a not-so-typical-bourbon because it is finished in port wine casks, providing a sweet flavor profile.
6. Broken Barrel Small Batch
| Palate | Rye spice, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and cherry |
| Nose | Rye spice, cornflakes, oak, honey, and vanilla |
| Color | Yellow Gold |
| Finish | Medium with sweetness and a hint of sherry cask |
| How It’s Served | Neat and in a cocktail drink |
| Comparable To | Maker’s Mark 46 and Four Roses Yellow Label |
Average Price: Roughly $40 (Official Website)
Alcohol Content: 47.5%
Why We Like It:
Broken Barrel leads the charge in adding staves in their whiskeys [1], and with this, their whiskeys have amazing tasting notes and remarkable finish.
It features a satisfying flavor and heat on the way down with a touch of rye spice, oak, and vanilla.
5. Yellowstone Select Bourbon
| Palate | Smokey, vanilla, rye, and cinnamon |
| Nose | Rye spice, cherries, leather, and maple syrup |
| Color | Deep golden chestnut |
| Finish | Smoky with oak and brown sugar |
| How It’s Served | Splash of water and on the rocks |
| Comparable To | Buffalo Trace and 1792 Single Barrel |
Average Price: Roughly $41.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 46.5%
Why We Like It:
Yellowstone straight bourbon is a blend of 4-7-year-old bourbons featuring a delicate fusion of flavors.
It drinks nicely on the rocks, and its strong rye spice notes suit Whiskey Sour and Old Fashioned well.
4. Old Grand Dad Bonded
| Palate | Rye spice, cinnamon, peaches, spicy caramel |
| Nose | Peaches, oak, corn, pepper, vanilla |
| Color | Dark honey |
| Finish | Medium, soft, rye spice, and wood |
| How It’s Served | Neat and on the rocks |
| Comparable To | Basil Hayden, Bulleit bourbon, and Evan Williams |
Average Price: Roughly $24.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 50%
Why We Like It:
Old Grand Dad carries 68 percent corn, 27 percent rye, and 10 percent barley, giving cocktails a nice spicy touch.
3. Wolcott Kentucky Straight Bourbon
| Palate | Rich vanilla, cinnamon, rye, and wood |
| Nose | Wood, citrus, berries, and leather |
| Color | Rich amber |
| Finish | Long, lingering, dry, with a touch of apricot |
| How It’s Served | On the rocks and in a cocktail drink |
| Comparable To | Buffalo Trace, Bulleit bourbon, and Four Roses |
Average Price: Roughly $50.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Like It:
Wolcott Kentucky bourbon is from 1792 Barton Distillery and is known for its spicy character.
“The white oak gives a delicious toasty vanilla caramel in Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye”
– Sophie Kelly, Senior Vice President of the Whiskey Portfolio in North America for Diageo
It is matured in new charred oak barrels to develop color and taste profile [2].
2. Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon
| Palate | Fruity, sweet, rye, and caramel |
| Nose | Cinnamon, baking spice, and orange peel |
| Color | Light brown |
| Finish | Full-bodied finish with a candied fruit aftertaste |
| How It’s Served | Neat and in cocktails |
| Comparable To | Blanton’s Single Barrel Proof and Benchmark Full Proof |
Average Price: Roughly $29.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 57%
Why We Like It:
OGD 114 can be a great substitute for Bulleit bourbon because it contains high rye on its grain bill (63 percent corn, 27 percent rye, and 10 percent malted barley.
It is one of the best values in the bourbon world, plus it is easy to find in any liquor store. It is bottled at 114 proof so expect that
1. Four Roses Small Batch
| Palate | Mellow, dried spice, berries, and toasted sugar |
| Nose | Rich fruit, corn, mellow spice, and wood |
| Color | Golden amber |
| Finish | Smooth, sweet, soft, and pleasantly long |
| How It’s Served | Neat, on the rocks, and in a mixed drink |
| Comparable To | Jim Beam single barrel, Bulleit bourbon |
Average Price: Roughly $39.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Like It:
Four Roses is a great alternative for Bulleit because they share similarities in tasting notes.
It is tasty and smooth and gives one of the best values in the bourbon world for its price.
FAQs Related to Bourbon Similar to Bulleit
What bourbons are similar to Bulleit?
There are several bourbons that share similar characteristics to Bulleit, such as Four Roses Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, and Elijah Craig Small Batch.
What makes a bourbon similar to Bulleit?
Bourbons similar to Bulleit often feature a high rye content, giving them a spicy and robust flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Are there any budget-friendly alternatives to Bulleit?
Yes, bourbons like Evan Williams Black Label, Old Forester, and Wild Turkey 101 offer similar flavor profiles to Bulleit at a more affordable price point.
Can bourbons similar to Bulleit be used in cocktails?
Yes, bourbons similar to Bulleit are versatile and can be used in a variety of cocktails such as Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Whiskey Sours.
Are there any bourbons similar to Bulleit that are aged longer?
While Bulleit itself doesn’t offer an aged expression, bourbons like Woodford Reserve or Knob Creek Single Barrel may provide a longer aging process and additional complexity.
Do bourbons similar to Bulleit have any specific flavor profiles?
Bourbons similar to Bulleit often exhibit a balance of sweet and spicy flavors, with prominent notes of caramel, cinnamon, and pepper.
Can bourbons similar to Bulleit be enjoyed neat or on the rocks?
Yes, bourbons similar to Bulleit can be enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to fully appreciate their flavors and aromas.
Are there any limited edition bourbons similar to Bulleit?
Some distilleries may release limited edition or single barrel bourbons that share similar characteristics to Bulleit, offering whiskey enthusiasts the opportunity to explore unique expressions.
Final Thoughts
Bulleit is a well-rounded bourbon, and if you want to step up and try other whiskeys that are almost similar to its flavor profile, Old Grand Dad, Wolcott, and Michter’s are worth trying.
However, if you want the best bourbon, almost similar to Bulleit, you never go wrong with Four Roses.
References:
- https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/broken-barrel-whiskey-americana-wood-stave-finish-1234771478/
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/effect-of-aging-on-liquor-759921
