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Bourbon Review: Bulleit Bourbon

Bulleit bourbon distinguishes itself by its high rye content. We review the results of this unique composition.

OVERALL RATING

8.8
$22
  • Derek Sun is a a whiskey enthusiast exploring new drinks around the world.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Bulleit Bourbon is known for its high rye content, which gives it a spicy kick. It also aged in oak barrels for a minimum of six years. This expression is bottled at 45% ABV.
Appearance:
In the bottle, Bulleit whiskey is dark amber, but has a much lighter color when poured into a glass that’s more of a pale amber hue that is clear and transparent.
Nose:
A smooth and strong scent of oak. Breathe deeply, and one will notice a rich and full-bodied aroma that includes bold rye flavor, which is unsurprising considering the major inclusion of rye in the mash. There is very little smokiness in the smell, and neither does the taste deliver any smoky flavor.
Palate:
True to its name, Bulleit packs quite a punch to the palate. Tingling sensations ripple through the mouth and the whiskey centers and burns down as it flows through the throat and down the esophagus. Compared to other bourbon whiskies, the impact is very sharp and tangy, and might turn off some drinkers unfamiliar with such a taste. To enjoy it, this whiskey should be sipped slowly. Thanks to the relatively high rye content, the taste left on the palate is darkly sweet, with layers of woodiness and acidity.

A hint of bitterness emerges after several sips. This is not a whiskey that can be easily consumed in large mouthfuls. It can at first seem unpleasant and hard to swallow due to the spiky texture, but the palate is impressively complex. The especially high rye content makes this bourbon spicier and bolder in flavor than the typical whiskey, and it stands to reason that Bulleit Rye, which uses 95% rye and 5% malted barley, would have an even more pronounced spicy texture and taste.
Finish:
The lingering finish is quite soft, and the sweet rye taste is delightful to savor. The spiky sensation gradually becomes something one gets acclimated to, and turns into a much more pleasant feeling as one consumes more and the first sips insulate against the spikiness.
Comments:
Bulleit Frontier is a good bourbon to try, as it gives a unique drinking experience most other whiskies do not provide. At 90 proof, it is comparatively light for a whiskey and has a diverse flavor profile. The overall taste is deep, full, and is a terrific example of what whiskey ought to taste like. Increasing the rye to make this whiskey was a great choice, and it is the factor most responsible for making Bulleit such a memorable bourbon.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Derek Sun

Derek Sun, originally from hot and dry Los Angeles, now relishes life in cold and rainy Portland. His appreciation for whiskey was cultivated through countless glasses and a few memorable hangovers. Always eager to explore new flavors, Derek continues to seek out and sample novel drinks wherever his travels take him.

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