Bulleit Frontier Whiskey has unveiled Bulleit Bourbon Mesquite Smoked Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a limited-time expression featuring an experimental mashbill that marks the first time rye has been removed from a Bulleit Bourbon recipe. The release, priced at $49.99 (750mL), became available nationwide with limited distribution on March 2, 2026.
The whiskey is composed of 65% corn, 30% mesquite smoked malt, and 5% malted barley. It is bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV).
During the malting process, a portion of the barley is smoked over mesquite wood before being incorporated into the mashbill ahead of fermentation and distillation. No artificial flavors are added.
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READ THE STORY“It’s important to note that while this release is a first-of-its-kind spirit for the brand, it is not a flavored whiskey,” said Phil Gelineau, Whiskey R&D Manager at Bulleit. “The subtle smokiness comes from the mesquite wood-smoked malt used in the mashbill. As it has aged, those notes have rounded into something richer and more complex, with layers of brown sugar, caramel, and real depth of body. The mesquite character lingers on top, giving it a smooth yet distinctive smoky finish.”
The whiskey was first distilled in November 2018 and aged for a minimum of six years at Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, Kentucky. It was pulled from the barrel and bottled in fall 2025.
Official tasting notes from the brand describe an opening of caramelized sugar and warm mesquite smoke on the nose. The palate delivers sweet vanilla and oak balanced by subtle smokiness, while the finish is described as light yet lingering with barbecue-inspired warmth.
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“Bulleit Bourbon Mesquite Smoked Malt is a clear example of how we keep pushing the frontiers of bourbon while staying grounded in craftsmanship,” said Brian Blackiston, Brand Manager at Diageo for Bulleit Frontier Whiskey. “We set out to make a high-quality whiskey that can be enjoyed in casual environments, especially alongside well-prepared BBQ, and then we got to work. It’s built for people who appreciate new ways to experience flavor, real technique, and whiskey that shows up with purpose.”
The release represents Bulleit’s first experimental new-make project and is part of a broader focus on exploring unique grains and aging techniques. While some Bulleit expressions have previously omitted rye, including the brand’s American Single Malt, this marks a rare departure from the flagship bourbon’s traditional high-rye style.
Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, founded in 1987 and owned by Diageo, has built its reputation on a high-rye mashbill that distinguishes it from traditional corn-forward bourbons. The brand’s distillery in Shelbyville, Kentucky, opened in 2017 and operates as a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Availability details can be found at bulleit.com.
