High rye bourbon is a very popular topic right now. Brands like Wild Turkey, Basil Hayden, and Four Roses compete for space both as sipping whiskies and as base spirits in cocktails. But when it comes to Bulleit and Russell’s Reserve, who takes the crown? Let’s break them down.
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Bulleit Bourbon History
Bulleit is a newer brand than many people think. The original label dates back to around 1830, but its founder, Augustus Bulleit, passed away in 1860.
Fast forward to the late 1980s, and Tom Bulleit, Augustus’ great-great-grandson, revived the style of his ancestor, which used a mashbill of two-thirds corn and one-third rye. The current mashbill of Bulleit Bourbon is listed below.
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The brand was bought by Seagram in 1997, introduced to Europe in 1999, and later acquired by Diageo in 2000. As of 2017, Bulleit has its own distillery in Shelbyville. The brand has had some controversy in recent years, and production is currently paused due to a wider slowdown in efficiency.
Tasting Notes
Bulleit Bourbon Mashbill: 68% corn, 28% rye, 4% malted barley. Around 6 years old.
Colour: Dark gold
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Nose: Caramel, vanilla, oaky spice, and a fragrant minty rye note
Palate: Maple syrup, nutmeg, dried fruits, lightly roasted coffee beans, caramel
Finish: Long, dry, with lingering rye spice
Overall, it’s a tasty and affordable bourbon with an almost folklore-style origin story. There are older and higher-strength variants available, and the brand’s rye whiskey remains divisive.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old History
Eddie Russell began his career in the bourbon world in 1981, following in the footsteps of his father, Jimmy Russell. To celebrate Jimmy’s 45 years at Wild Turkey, Eddie crafted the first release of Russell’s Reserve in 1998 as a small batch tribute to his father.
In 2001, a 10 year old expression at 101 proof was launched. In 2005, the version we know today arrived, bottled at 90 proof.
Tasting Notes
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Mashbill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley. 10 years old.
Colour: Orange
Nose: Maple and oak syrup, baked vanilla, lemon, black pepper, Demerara sugar
Palate: Sticky maple, Stroopwafels, espresso, spicy oak, black pepper
Finish: Lemon pepper, spicy American oak, sweet syrups, a touch of mint
Side by Side
If you want the rye character to push through clearly, Bulleit is the one to choose. It offers a rye-heavy bourbon profile without the divisiveness that straight rye whiskey can have for some drinkers. It’s powerful, oaky, minty, and full of Christmas spice with that refreshing rye-driven lift.
Russell’s, meanwhile, has less prominent rye, but the finish feels longer and more layered. It is the more balanced of the two, with greater depth and nuance. Yes, it costs more, but it’s the bottle many enthusiasts naturally reach for, myself included.
Conclusion
Both brands appeal to everyday drinkers and enthusiasts alike, and both dominate their corners of the market. But if you’re after a bold rye kick to ground you after a very bad or very good day, Bulleit is the affordable, flavour-forward choice.
If you want something more balanced, with a longer finish and more going on in the glass, Russell’s Reserve is the way to go.
