Bulleit Barrel Strength Bourbon

This is a brand new whiskey from Bulleit Distillery which is limited and currently only sold in Kentucky. My brother in law picked this up at the distillery gift shop earlier this year during his second stent on the bourbon trail.

 Details:
-No Age Statement
-119 proof 
-Price: $50

Nose: Immediately you smell a brown sugar and cinnamon note. The typical caramel and vanilla sweetness follows. There is a subtle spice lurking in the background as well. Nothing too complex; at cask strength you are predominantly getting those heavy barrel components.

Taste: Extremely smooth- this doesn't drink like a barrel proof bourbon. On the tip of the tongue is a nice marshmallow sweetness. It's fairly nutty, with graham cracker and pepper spice to balance it all out.

Finish: Medium in length with slight spice and oak.

Conclusion: This is a very smooth and drinkable bourbon. I'm just surprised this is barrel proof; the flavors aren't extremely bold or exciting. I do enjoy this more than the flagship, 90 proof Bulleit bourbon. It's a solid whiskey but the price tag makes me think twice about buying another bottle.

My Rating:  B (Good)

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Bourbon Brothers Review:

Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year

Tom Bulleit, the founder of Bulleit Bourbon is one of the most successful non-distiller producers (NDP).  They have three major products, which include their famous small batch Bulleit Bourbon, their Bulleit Rye (which is 95% rye), and most recently, a yearly release of a limited edition 10 year "Premium" Bourbon. The bourbon is made at Four Roses, which is in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Bulliet whiskeys stand out from many other products as they are known for having more rye in the mash bill. 

This release is bottled at 91.2 proof and was purchased for $49. 

Color: Foggy Orange

Nose: This has a rich nose full of caramel chews, vanilla, cherries and citrus. Maple, spearmint corn and raisins are also present. A bit of varnish here and for being 10 years old, the was oak influence is surprisingly strong. 

Taste: Thick mouthfeel (plus points in my book) with a mellow flavor profile. Vanilla, apple and orange peel are at the center of this bourbon. A nice marshmallow note coats the tip of my tongue along with a subtle spearmint and coffee bean note. Similar to the nose, the oak forces it's way into the mix along with rye and pepper spice.  

Finish: Medium in length. Spearmint lingers until the baking spices and oak dry out my palate.  

Conclusion: The oak influence is big and if you are a fan of woody/drier bourbons than this is for you. At 91.2 proof it is very easy to drink neat. The extra age really seems to cut out the sharp edges when compared to its younger brother.  Now, is it worth the extra $20 dollars over the no age statement Bulleit bourbon..yes, yes it is.
 
My Rating: B+ (Very Good)

My Review: 

 

Bulleit Rye Whiskey

Tom Bulleit, Master Distiller for @BulleitUSA has created a great product in Bulleit Rye. It is said to be a 19th century family recipe. It is a small batch, 95% rye whiskey bottled at 90 proof with no age statement. The juice is sourced from Midwestern Grain Products (MGP) and is made in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. 

Color: Damp Copper

Nose: Lots of herbal notes. Evergreen, mint, cut grass. Neat nostalgia factor here- it reminds me of playing in the grass as a kid. Sweet caramel is hidden under the leaves somewhere. 

Taste: Heavy rye spice with a smooth and delicate mouthfeel. Evergreen, green tea. 

Finish: Herbal notes wisp away for an extremely short finish. 

Conclusion:  Be it hard pressed to find a better rye whiskey at a $20 price tag. That being said, the blade cuts both ways, and Bulleit Rye has a fairly one-dimensional presence on the palate. It is very drinkable and was fine when drinking neat, however, I recommend it be mixed in cocktails (Manhattan for instance). I would love to try this at a higher proof and older age statement. 

My Rating: B (Good)

Video Review: