Bulleit Bourbon has become a big name in American whiskey. From back bars to home shelves, its distinctive bottle is easily recognizable. Even here in the UK, you can find Bulleit in most bars. But what exactly is behind the orange label?
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Bulleit Bourbon. How it’s made, where it comes from, and why it’s earned a loyal following.
How do you pronounce “Bulleit”?
It looks French, but it’s not.
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Bulleit is pronounced just like “bullet.”
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Tom Bulleit, the brand’s founder, has confirmed it himself, according to Mel Magazine. They said: “When asked at the San Francisco Whiskey Expo in the early aughts how to pronounce the name of his distillery, Tom Bulleit, the founder of Bulleit Bourbon, is reported to have replied, ‘Just like the ammunition.’”
Is Bulleit Bourbon good?
That depends on what you like.
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READ THE STORYBulleit is known for its high rye content, which gives it a bold, spicy edge. Some drinkers love that extra kick. Others prefer something smoother or sweeter.
What’s not up for debate is its popularity. Bulleit has picked up several major awards, including gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Whisky Advocate gave it 88 points. It’s widely stocked in bars, often recommended in cocktails, and has a loyal following.
Here are some tasting notes from the brand: “Medium amber in color, with gentle spiciness and sweet oak aromas. Mid-palate is smooth with tones of maple, oak, and nutmeg. Finish is long, dry, and satiny with a light toffee flavor.”
Who owns Bulleit?
Bulleit is owned by Diageo, one of the biggest spirits companies in the world.
Tom Bulleit launched the brand in 1987, inspired by a family recipe from the 1800s. But in 2000, Diageo took full control. Since then, they’ve scaled it up into a global brand.
It’s still marketed with a frontier-style story and a family name on the bottle. But it is part of a massive drinks portfolio.
How Is Bulleit Bourbon Made?
Bulleit is made in Kentucky, using a high-rye mash bill of 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley. That high rye content is what gives Bulleit its signature spice.
The whiskey is distilled at the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, a modern facility opened in 2017. Before that, production was handled by other Kentucky distilleries, including Four Roses. The barrels are aged at Diageo’s warehouses in Louisville, including some at the historic Stitzel-Weller site.
The standard Bulleit Bourbon doesn’t carry an age statement, but the bourbon is typically aged around six years. The brand also offers a 10 Year version for those looking for a more mature profile.
From grain to barrel to bottle, it’s all done in Kentucky.
Is Bulleit Bourbon gluten-free?
Bulleit is made from grains that contain gluten, like corn, rye, and malted barley. But the distillation process removes gluten proteins from the final spirit.
That means Bulleit, like most straight bourbons, is considered gluten-free by U.S. standards. There are no added flavors or ingredients after distillation, so nothing gets reintroduced.
If you have celiac disease or a serious sensitivity, it’s always best to check with a doctor. But for most people avoiding gluten, Bulleit is safe to drink.
How many calories are in Bulleit Bourbon?
Roughly 110 calories per 1.5 oz pour.
That’s typical for a 90-proof (45% ABV) bourbon. It contains no carbs, no sugar, and no fat. Just alcohol.
If you’re mixing it into a cocktail, the calorie count will go up depending on what you add. But if you’re drinking it neat or with ice, it’s fairly low on calories.
Where can I buy Bulleit Whiskey?
Just about anywhere.
Bulleit is widely available across the U.S., UK, and many other countries. You’ll find it in major liquor stores, supermarkets that sell spirits, and most well-stocked bars.
Online, it’s easy to order from retailers like Drizly, ReserveBar, Master of Malt, and The Whisky Exchange, depending on where you live. Prices are usually in the mid-range, so the whiskey is accessible without feeling cheap.
Thanks to Diageo’s global distribution, Bulleit is one of the most visible bourbons on the market.
Bulleit Bourbon vs. Bulleit Rye
Bulleit offers a variety of expressions, but amongst its most popular whiskeys are Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye.
Bulleit Bourbon is a high-rye bourbon, with 28% rye in the mash. It’s spicy, but still grounded in corn sweetness.
Bulleit Rye takes things further. It’s made with 95% rye grain, which gives it a sharper, drier, more herbal edge.
The bourbon is great for sipping or mixing. The rye shines in cocktails like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned. If you like spice, try both and see which suits your style.
Other Bulleit Whiskeys to Know
Bulleit has expanded well beyond its flagship bourbon and rye.
- Bulleit 10 Year Bourbon – Aged a full decade, this brings extra oak, depth, and smoothness.
- Bulleit 10 Year Rye – Launched more recently, this is bold, dry, and complex, with plenty of spice.
- Bulleit American Single Malt – Made from 100% malted barley and aged in new oak, it’s a new direction for the brand.
- Bulleit Bottled in Bond – A 100-proof bourbon made in one season, aged at least four years, and bottled under strict U.S. regulations.
- Bulleit Barrel Strength – Uncut and non-chill filtered, this is Bulleit in its rawest, most intense form.
- Bulleit Benders’ Select – A U.S.-only bottling at 100 proof, made from three distillates aged for a minimum of 9 years.
Is Bulleit good for cocktails?
Yes. In fact, that’s one of its strengths.
Bulleit’s high rye content gives it a bold, spicy profile that holds up well in mixed drinks. It’s a go-to bourbon for bartenders making Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, or Whiskey Sours.
The brand even sells pre-bottled cocktails (Manhattan and Old Fashioned), made with Bulleit whiskey and ready to pour.
The Bulleit Distillery Experience
If you’re ever in Kentucky, Bulleit is worth a visit.
The Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville opened in 2017 and offers guided tours, tastings, and a look behind the scenes of a modern whiskey operation. It’s sleek, sustainable, and designed with visitors in mind.
Experience prices start at $20 and rise to around $50 per person.
Final Thoughts – A Bold Bourbon
Bulleit Bourbon earns its place as a bold, spicy, and reliable staple in any home bar. With its high-rye mash bill, manageable proof, and global availability, it suits whiskey beginners, seasoned sippers, and cocktail lovers alike.
And if you’re ready for something different, don’t miss Bulleit American Single Malt. Made from 100% malted barley and aged in charred oak, it’s light, approachable, and a smart entry point into American single malts. Reviewers praise its notes of apricot, honey, and gentle spice, with a clean, fruity finish.
Check out the full American Single Malt review here. It’s a great read if you’re curious how Bulleit is branching out.
So, are you a Bulleit fan? Which expression is your favorite? Or does something else beat the bullet (pardon the pun) every time? Let us know in the comments below.
