Bourbon

Bourbon Review: Bulleit Bourbon Bottled-in-Bond

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Bourbon Review: Bulleit Bourbon Bottled-in-Bond

Bulleit’s first Bottled-in-Bond bourbon marks a significant step for the brand, reinforcing its commitment to classic American whiskey-making.
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Tasting Notes:

About:
The first ever Bottled-in-Bond expression from Bulleit. This bourbon whiskey was distilled in 2017 in Shelbyville, Kentucky and aged for seven years before bottling at 100 proof, according to Bottled-in-Bond legislation.
Appearance:
Dark amber
Nose:
Pineapple candies, dark chocolate and cherry ripe. Super fresh and decadent vanilla bean.
Palate:
Medium texture with only moderate oak tannin detectable. Dried fruits, heavy sultanas and medjool dates. Initially a spicy character close to cinnamon but sweetens up, avoiding the dry cinnamon you might find on something like Amburana.
Finish:
Medium length with a heavy focus on sweet spices, fully finishing with a handful of crushed almonds.
Comments:
A solid first outing for their BiB release that does everything a 7 year old Kentucky bourbon should be doing at 50% ABV. After a few revisits the spirit mellowed and expressed more of your classic sweet bourbon caramels. A promising look into Bulleit’s own spirit and a brand that will likely do well at higher proofs.
Credit: Bulleit Frontier Whiskey

Bulleit’s first Bottled-in-Bond bourbon marks a significant step for the brand, reinforcing its commitment to classic American whiskey-making. While Bulleit has long been known for its high-rye mash bill and bold spice, this expression takes things a step further, embracing the strict standards of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.

Distilled in spring 2017 at the Bulleit Distilling Company in Shelbyville, Kentucky, this release is notable as the first Bottled-in-Bond whiskey produced entirely at the brand’s own facility. The seven-year aging period in federally bonded warehouses allows the whiskey to develop a deep, layered profile while maintaining the signature Bulleit character.

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Delicia James, Lead Whiskey Blender at Diageo, describes it as a defining moment for the distillery: Introducing our first Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, made entirely at the Bulleit Distilling Company is a proud achievement for our team. With our signature high-rye mash bill and seven years of aging under Bottled-in-Bond standards, this bourbon delivers a richness and complexity we’re excited to share. It’s a whiskey that truly showcases the best of what we do here in Shelbyville—bold, balanced, and crafted with care.”

Bottled at 100 proof, this expression balances structure and intensity, making it a natural fit for both neat sipping and classic bourbon cocktails. It also highlights Bulleit’s ongoing evolution. In recent years, the brand has expanded its portfolio with releases like an American Single Malt and age-stated rye whiskeys, and this Bottled-in-Bond bourbon is another example of its focus on craftsmanship and tradition.

Jesse Damashek, Senior Vice President of North American Whiskeys at Diageo, sums it up: “The past year has been a defining one for Bulleit, and the release of our first Bottled-in-Bond bourbon adds a meaningful new chapter to our story. Bulleit Bottled-in-Bond is more than a celebration of craftsmanship, it’s a testament to our commitment to innovation and to showcasing the exceptional quality of whiskey crafted at our distillery in Shelbyville.”

Owain Phillips

Owain Phillips was introduced to whisky as a teenager by his father, who encouraged him to develop his palate through blind tastings. During the Covid pandemic, he worked at an old and rare whisky shop, sparking a deep appreciation for vintage spirits.

Afterwards, he spent three years as a spirits specialist at Australia’s largest whisky auction house. In late 2024, BAXUS approached him for his expertise in vintage spirits. His passion lies in 20th-century bottles, with a strong focus on blended Scotch, American whiskeys, and rum.

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