Last Updated on March 15, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Although Bulleit might be a new face in the liquor market, it’s got a long history that dates back over one hundred years ago. Still, this brand has already made a solid mark in the industry and even won a gold medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about Bulleit Bourbon.
Bulleit Bourbon’s History & Origin
Bulleit Bourbon has quite an interesting backstory. For one, the spirit’s original mash bill would be more in line with a rye whiskey than bourbon.
Secondly, its founder, Augustus Bulleit, disappeared without a trace while transporting Bulleit Rye barrels from Kentucky to New Orleans. His creation nearly disappeared with him until his great-great-grandson Tom Bulleit decided to pick it up in 1987.
In 1997, Seagram bought the Bulleit brand and introduced it to Australia, Germany, and the UK markets.
When Diageo acquired the Seagram assets, it also included Bulleit. In 2019, Bulleit opened a visitor center in Kentucky. It included a cocktail bar, special tours, and the chance to customize a Bulleit label.
Check out the infamous Kentucky Bourbon Festival right here.
Did You Know?
How It’s Made
Bulleit is produced at the Bulleit Distillery in Shelbyville and aged for at least six years in charred barrels made from new American oak.
It uses special strains of yeast and Kentucky limestone-filtered water.
Read: Bulleit vs Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Key Ingredients
Founder Augustus Bulleit wanted to create a bourbon with a unique blend and aroma.
As a vintage tavern keeper in the 1800s, he was familiar with the other bourbon brands available, but their taste was never quite right.
After experimenting with countless varieties of mash bills, Augustus finally came up with a bourbon with the complexity he sought.
His favorite mash bill was made with 66 percent rye and 33 percent corn and was great whether as a stand-alone or mixed into drinks.
However, by today’s standards, that would mean that Bulleit is a rye whiskey.
When Tom picked his grandfather’s recipe up in 1987, he tweaked the mash bill to fit the standard and distilled and aged the spirit in small batches.
Bulleit is now 68 percent corn, 28 percent rye, and 4 percent barley malt. Its high rye content — a nod to his grandfather’s recipe — gives it spicy flavors.
Read: Blue Run Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review
How It Gained Popularity
Bulleit is one of the most popular whiskeys in California.
This brand dominated whiskey cocktails so much that when clients asked to get rye whiskey in their cocktail, bartenders lamented the fact that they didn’t carry rye whiskey until the request reached Tom himself!
In 2011, he released Bulleit Rye Whiskey… just like his grandpa’s creation.
The rye product has also been featured in HBO’s Deadwood. With its russet color, the bourbon bottle has made regular appearances in various episodes.
In 2017, an intense family feud ensued between Tom and his daughter, Hollis Worth, resulting in Tom stepping back from the limelight as Bulleit’s brand ambassador.
Fun History
When you look at the whiskey bottle, the first thing you’ll notice is how the label seems to be a little… askew.
When asked, Tom Bulleit revealed that he wanted to pay homage to how his great-grandfather used to do it.
Speaking of bottles, they’re designed to look like 18th-century medicinal bottles. It is easy to distinguish a bottle of Bulleit Rye just by its appearance alone — and they plan to keep it that way.
In fact, they sued another whiskey company for copyright infringement when the latter attempted to replicate their bottles. [1]
How To Perfectly Drink Bulleit
With its rye, honey, and cinnamon flavor notes, there’s no better way to enjoy this brand than sipping it neat.
Sip slowly and wait for the spirit to coat your tongue before you swallow. Thanks to its high rye content, you’ll likely notice that it has a spice note.
Some people find its rye taste slightly too strong. Try adding in a bit of water or serving it on the rocks in order to cut the strength back.
Of course, you also have to use the right glassware.
A Glencairn glass allows the aromas of the whiskey and rye to open up for full appreciation. A rocks glass will also work.
Read: Recommended Bulleit Bourbons
Common Bulleit Bourbon Prices
| Type | Size | Alcohol Proof | Average Price |
| Bulleit ’95 Rye Whiskey | 750ml | 90 | Around $31.99 |
| Bulleit Barrel Strength Bourbon | 750ml | 90 | Around $59.99 |
| Bulleit Bourbon | 750ml | 90 | Around $31.99 |
| Bulleit 10 Year | 750ml | 92 | Around $47.99 |
| Bulleit Blenders’ Select No. 001 | 750ml | 92 | Around $59.99 |
| Bulleit Rye | 750ml | 90 | Around $31.49 |
| Bulleit Rye 12 Years Whiskey | 750ml | 92 | Around $53.99 |
Compared to Other Bourbon Brands
Knob Creek
Knob Creek is regarded as the gold standard for robust bourbons. Strong wood and vanilla flavors will hit you upon the first sip. You’ll also likely notice its complex flavor of sweet oakiness and delicious fruity undertones, paired with roasted almonds, and cinnamon. This brand also has small-batch versions if you’re into that.
You can buy a 750ml bottle of Knob Creek for around $34.99, just at par with Bulleit’s prices.
Read: Knob Creek vs Bulleit Bourbon
Jim Beam
Probably the best-selling bourbon in the world is Jim Beam. This brand has different varieties of American bourbons (including rye), but you’ll notice that each one share cornbread, caramel, and vanilla flavors. The best bet is that this is a great whiskey for beginners!
A 750ml bottle of Jim Beam is quite cheap; you can buy one for a mere $20 at your local liquor store.
Read: Jim Beam & Bulleit Bourbon Compared
Evan Williams
Evan Williams whiskey is good for sipping. You’ll get the sweetness of vanilla and apples, contrasted by spicy ginger and black pepper.
Evan Williams sells slightly cheaper than Bulleit, around $22 per 750ml bottle.
Also Read:
- Brother’s Bond Bourbon Guide
- Angel’s Envy Bourbon Guide
- Warbringer Warmaster Guide
- Howler Head Bourbon Guide
- Rabbit Hole Bourbon Guide
Popular Bulleit Cocktail Recipes
Kentucky Sunset
This cocktail is a glorious combination of sweet and tangy.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Bulleit Barrel Strength
- ½ oz strawberry liquor
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ginger beer
- Ice
Instructions:
Pour everything into a cocktail shaker filled with ice until well-combined. Pour and strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. Top off the remaining with ginger beer.
Serving: 1
Whiskey Sour
Whiskey Sour is probably the world’s most popular whiskey recipe. Try using bourbons in this bar staple!
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz Bulleit
- ⅓ oz lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Orange slice
- Maraschino cherry
- Ice
Instructions:
Combine the liquor, juice, and sugar in a shaker filled with ice. Pour and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.
Serving: 1
Bulleit Old Fashioned
This is one of the oldest and simplest cocktail drinks.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ oz Bulleit
- 2 teaspoon simple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
- Ice
Instructions:
Pour the liquor, syrup, and bitters into a rocks glass and fill it with ice. Stir gently. Zest an orange peel over the drink and drop the peel in for garnish.
Serving: 1
Bourbon Orange Crush
The orange crush is Maryland’s favorite summer drink. Here’s how you can add a boozy Bulleit twist to it.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bulleit Bourbon
- 4 oz orange juice
- 1 oz triple sec
- Orange wedge
- Crushed ice
Instructions:
Fill a highball halfway with crushed ice and pour the liquor and triple sec in. Top everything off with orange juice and stir to combine. Garnish with an orange wedge.
Serving:1
Bourbon Bitters & Soda
Although soda is most commonly paired with vodka or gin, bourbon will also make for a pleasant surprise!
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz Bulleit Bourbon
- 5 oz Hella Bitters & Soda Aromatic Dry or Spritz
- Lemon wedge
- Ice
Instructions:
Mix the liquor and bitters and soda in a highball glass. Add ice. Squeeze the lemon wedge on top and drop the wedge in.
Serving: 1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a Bulleit bourbon cocktail usually cost?
A Bulleit bourbon cocktail can cost anywhere from to if you’re making bourbon at home.
However, if you are ordering them from bars, expect to shell out anywhere from $10 to $15.
Is Bulleit bourbon worth its price?
Yes, Bulleit Bourbon is worth its price! It is a highly versatile spirit that tastes just as great when sipped neat or mixed into cocktails.
We would even consider it a quality bourbon at an affordable price point. Check out the difference between Bulleit bourbon and Bulleit rye here.
Is Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey good?
Many people enjoy the taste of Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey and consider it to be a quality brand. It has gained popularity for its smooth and flavorful profile, characterized by its high rye content. Bulleit Bourbon is known for its rich and spicy flavor, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of smokiness. However, taste preferences can vary, so it’s always a good idea to try it for yourself and see if it aligns with your personal taste.
How strong is Bulleit whiskey?
Bulleit Bourbon has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 45% or 90 proof. This makes it a relatively strong whiskey compared to others on the market. The higher ABV contributes to its robust flavor and adds to the overall experience when sipping or mixing it in cocktails. It’s important to drink responsibly and be aware of the alcohol content when consuming any alcoholic beverage.
Is Bulleit Bourbon 100 proof?
No, Bulleit Bourbon is not 100 proof. It has an ABV of 45% or 90 proof. However, Bulleit does offer a higher proof version called Bulleit Barrel Strength, which is bottled at a higher ABV and is 100 proof. This variation provides a more intense flavor experience for those who enjoy a stronger and bolder whiskey.
Is Maker’s or Bulleit better?
The preference between Maker’s Mark and Bulleit Bourbon ultimately comes down to personal taste. Both brands have their own distinct flavor profiles and characteristics. Maker’s Mark is known for its smooth and mellow taste, with a higher wheat content in its mash bill. On the other hand, Bulleit Bourbon has a higher rye content, resulting in a spicier and bolder flavor. Some may prefer the sweeter and softer profile of Maker’s Mark, while others may enjoy the robust and complex flavors of Bulleit Bourbon. It’s recommended to try both and decide which one suits your palate better.
Why is Bulleit Bourbon so expensive?
The price of Bulleit Bourbon can vary depending on various factors such as location, taxes, and production costs. While it may be considered more expensive than some other bourbons, it’s important to consider the quality and craftsmanship that goes into producing Bulleit Bourbon. The brand prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, a unique mash bill, and a meticulous aging process. Additionally, the popularity and demand for Bulleit Bourbon can also contribute to its price. Ultimately, the price of any spirit is determined by market factors and the perceived value of the product.
Is Bulleit Bourbon better than Jack Daniel’s?
The preference between Bulleit Bourbon and Jack Daniel’s ultimately comes down to personal taste. Both brands have their own distinct flavor profiles and characteristics. Bulleit Bourbon is known for its high rye content, which gives it a spicy and bold flavor. On the other hand, Jack Daniel’s is known for its smooth and mellow taste, with a higher wheat content in its mash bill. Some people may prefer the spiciness of Bulleit Bourbon, while others may enjoy the softer profile of Jack Daniel’s. It’s recommended to try both and decide which one suits your palate better.
Is Bulleit a bourbon or whiskey?
Bulleit is a brand of bourbon whiskey. Specifically, it is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is primarily made from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. Bulleit Bourbon is made from a unique blend of rye, corn, and barley malt, along with special strains of yeast and pure Kentucky limestone filtered water. It is known for its distinct flavor profile and high rye content.
Is Bulleit and Coke good?
Mixing Bulleit Bourbon with Coke can be a matter of personal preference. Some people enjoy the combination of the spicy and bold flavors of Bulleit Bourbon with the sweetness and carbonation of Coke. The flavors can complement each other, creating a well-balanced and enjoyable drink. However, taste preferences can vary, and some individuals may find the combination to be too sweet or overwhelming. It’s recommended to try it for yourself and see if you enjoy the flavor combination.
What is the difference between whiskey and bourbon?
Whiskey and bourbon are both types of distilled spirits, but there are some key differences between them. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is primarily made in the United States, with specific regulations and requirements. To be called bourbon, it must be made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. It must also meet certain criteria regarding its distillation proof and aging process. Whiskey, on the other hand, is a broader category that includes various styles and types of distilled spirits made from fermented grain mash. While bourbon is a type of whiskey, not all whiskeys are bourbons.
Is Bulleit a bourbon or whiskey?
Bulleit is a brand of bourbon whiskey. Specifically, it is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. It is made in accordance with the regulations and requirements for bourbon, including being made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. Bulleit Bourbon is known for its unique blend of rye, corn, and barley malt, which contributes to its distinct flavor profile.
In Summary
Bulleit Bourbon has a long and interesting story, and this is greatly reflected in the complex flavor notes found in this spirit. Whether enjoyed neat or in a cocktail, a bottle of Bulleit will always make for an enjoyable experience for all bourbon lovers.
Reference:
1. https://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/diageo-s-bulleit-bourbon-brand-copied-style/309343
