Bulleit Whiskey
Bulleit is a Kentucky-based bourbon and rye whiskey brand known for its distinctive high-rye recipe and vintage-style apothecary bottle. The brand was founded by Tom Bulleit in 1987 and has become one of the most recognizable modern American whiskey labels, now part of the Diageo spirits portfolio.
The lineup centers on Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye, both bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), with additional expressions such as barrel strength and aged variants. Known for a spicy, bold character driven by its elevated rye content, Bulleit is a popular choice for both sipping and cocktails.
Bulleit is a Kentucky-based bourbon and rye whiskey brand known for its distinctive high-rye recipe and vintage-style apothecary bottle.
Read more about Bulleit Whiskey
Bulleit is a Kentucky-based bourbon and rye whiskey brand known for its distinctive high-rye recipe and vintage-style apothecary bottle. The brand was founded by Tom Bulleit in 1987 and has become one of the most recognizable modern American whiskey labels, now part of the Diageo spirits portfolio.
The lineup centers on Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye, both bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), with additional expressions such as barrel strength and aged variants. Known for a spicy, bold character driven by its elevated rye content, Bulleit is a popular choice for both sipping and cocktails.
History and Background
Bulleit Bourbon traces its story to Tom Bulleit, who launched the brand in 1987 after leaving a legal career to pursue whiskey-making. The brand's marketing references a family recipe said to date to the 19th century, though the modern label is a contemporary creation that grew rapidly in popularity during the craft cocktail revival.
Bulleit is owned by Diageo, the global drinks company, which has expanded the brand's reach and production over the years. In 2017, Diageo opened the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, Kentucky, giving the brand a dedicated home distillery in the heart of bourbon country.
House Style and Production
Bulleit is defined by its high-rye mash bill, which gives the bourbon a spicier, bolder profile than many wheated or lower-rye bourbons. As a Kentucky straight bourbon, it is made from a mash of at least 51% corn, aged in new charred American oak barrels, with rye and malted barley rounding out the grain bill.
Bulleit Bourbon typically shows notes of oak, vanilla, dried fruit, and a peppery spice on the finish, bottled at 90 proof. Bulleit Rye, made from a 95% rye mash bill, delivers a crisp, spice-forward character with hints of vanilla, honey, and green apple, and is prized by bartenders for cocktails like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned.
The Range and What to Expect
The core range includes Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye, both accessible everyday whiskeys that balance quality and value. For those seeking more intensity, Bulleit Bourbon Barrel Strength is bottled at higher, non-chill-filtered proof for a fuller flavor experience.
Bulleit also offers aged and special expressions such as Bulleit 10 Year Old Bourbon, which spends additional time in oak for deeper, richer character. When buying, consider the standard bourbon for versatile everyday use, the rye for spice-forward cocktails, and the barrel strength or aged releases for sipping neat or with a splash of water.