Bulleit Rye is a new offering from the fine folks behind Bulleit Bourbon. The bourbon already boasts a relatively high rye content, but the new Bullet Rye Whiskey is composed of 95% rye grains, a much higher concentration than the mandated 51%. The actual juice is sourced from LDI, the big distiller in Lawrenceville, IN.
The golden amber spirit has aromas of oak, dark fruits and mellow vanilla. Take a sip for an instant hit of cherry on your tongue. The taste moves toward nuts, toffee and spice, plus some more fruit. It finishes dry and chewy with lasting notes of maple and oak.
At 90 proof, Bulleit Rye is still very smooth on the palate with no discernable burn outside the peppery spice. It’s great for sipping neat. Pouring over ice mutes some of the spice, allowing more of the sweetness to come through. Cocktail wise, it was very nice in an Old Fashioned, both with the traditional Angostura bitters and also with Urban Moonshine’s Maple Bitters.
Overall, Bulleit Rye is pretty impressive, especially at its modest price point. And best of all, its significant rye content adds enough bite to distance it from its bourbon brother.
Stats:
– 45% Alcohol by Volume
– $28
CE Rating: ★★★★
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Bulliet was my first bourbon and the rye sounds fantastic good writeup.
Personally, I find the Whistle Pig to be way overrated. I’d take the Templeton or the Hudson any day of Whistle Pig.
Kennedy, if you like lots of rye in your ryes, I also recommend Whistle Pig, which is a 100% rye whiskey.
http://cocktailenthusiast.com/2010/12/15/whistlepig-straight-rye-whiskey-review/
Sounds like a winner. I’m excited for a rye with that high a composition of rye grains. Being from Canada, I often need to remind friends and acquaintances that many of our “ryes” have very little rye in them. I hope this product becomes available in Canada soon. Thanks for the review.