According to the Bulleit website, Bulleit 10 Years Old is aged in charred American white oak and select Bulleit Bourbon barrels were set aside to age for 10 years. The result is a special expression of Bulleit that provides a rich, deep, incredibly smooth sipping experience.
Bulleit was made for the first time in 1830 by Augustus Bulleit and was discontinued after his death in 1860. In 1987, his great-great grandson Tom Bulleit oversaw the rebirth of Bulleit. While the original batch in 1830 was two-thirds rye, one-third corn the new Bulleit would pay tribute with a higher rye content then most bourbons. In 1997, the Bulleit brand name was brought by Seagram.
In 2017, Bulleit celebrated its 30th anniversary with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art distillery located in Shelbyville, KY.
Bourbon Review: Bulleit 10 Years Old
ABV: 45.6 (91.2 Proof)
Age: 10 Years
Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 28% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Distillery: Bulleit Distilling Co.
Location: Louisville, KY
The Nose: With the high rye content I had expected a spicier nose. What I did get was an abundance of sweetness that reminded me of bubblegum inside a Topps baseball card pack from my youth with that subtle powder over it. Additionally, there was a touch of floral notes reminiscent of the small hand soaps in grandmas bathroom. Secondary pulls from my glass showcase some toasted caramel and a hint of vanilla.
The Taste: On the initial sip the rye I expected to find on the aroma is in full effect on the palate. The spice is joined by leather and an abundance of damp oak. Letting the glass sit for a bit to reset my palate a secondary sip reveals toffee, cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar all of which take a backseat to hearty notes of rye and damp oak.
Conclusion: I’ve always avoided Bulleit on the shelf, but this past weekend I was at a training conference for my career where I serve as a dispatcher for police and fire. At the social hour, the bar (or what cosplayed as a bar) had almost zero bourbon options. They had 2 bottles of Woodford which was gone on the first night (heaven forbid if they got more) or Bulleit. On the last night of the event I drank Bulleit and it wasn’t bad. I always associated the brand as a mixer for an old fashioned versus that of an artisan pour meant to be enjoyed neat.
But anyway, I ramble at times. I went to my local liquor store which is controlled by the state mafia; but surprisingly they had a decent selection on the shelf so I picked up the Bulleit 10 as an afterthought. In researching the brand I was surprised that it hadn’t been canceled by both the left and the right. On the left, the daughter of Tom Bulleit has leveled allegations of child and sexual abuse. On the right, the daughter Holly has championed LGBTQ causes and has made the brand more inclusive of that segment of the market. All you need to do is look at Bud Light to see how risky that is.
Anyway, long story short. Bulleit 10 Years is an avg bourbon with an above average price. If you like high rye content you can save some money with Four Roses without giving up quality.
Score: 82
Price: $46.99 (750 ml)
