🥃 Bulleit Bourbon
The core Bulleit expression: a bourbon with a high rye share (68 % corn, 28 % rye, 4 % malted barley), 45 % ABV (90 proof) in the US, with no age statement.
Bulleit Bourbon is the core expression of the Bulleit brand: a bourbon with a high rye share. The mash is 68 % corn, 28 % rye and 4 % malted barley. In the US it is bottled at 45 % ABV (90 proof) and carries no age statement.
Production. US law requires bourbon to be aged in new charred oak barrels. The high rye content gives a spicier, drier taste than bourbons with more corn. Difford's Guide mentions spice, dried apricot, bitter chocolate and a long rye finish. The whiskey was once sourced from Four Roses; it is now made elsewhere.
Why it matters to you. This is the reference point of the Bulleit range: compare it with Bulleit Rye at 95 % rye and with the 10-year version. Strength depends on the market, and some countries get a 40 % ABV version, so check the label. The WHO reminds us that no level of alcohol consumption is safe.
Facts
| Raw material | 68 % corn, 28 % rye, 4 % malted barley; water |
|---|---|
| Cask type | new charred oak barrels (a requirement for bourbon) |
| Minimum maturation | no age statement |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | 45 % ABV (90 proof, US); 40 % ABV in some markets |
| EU category | 2 — whisky/whiskey |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Bulleit Bourbon → kind of → 🥃 Whisky → kind of → 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Packed in
- 🐝 American white oak, 🍷 Oak barrel
- Made from
- 🥃 Rye and corn in whisky
- What it contains
- 🧪 Water, 🍷 Ethanol
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Part of
- 🥃 Bulleit, 🥃 Bourbon whiskey, 🥃 Whisky
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Bulleit 10 Year Old Bourbon, 🥃 Bulleit 10 Year Old Bourbon, 🥃 Bulleit Rye, 🥃 Bulleit Rye
Frequently asked questions
Does Bulleit Bourbon have an age statement?
No. It is the version without an age statement, while the separate Bulleit 10 Year Old line carries a stated 10 years.
What is the mash bill of Bulleit Bourbon?
68 % corn, 28 % rye and 4 % malted barley; Difford's Guide and Breaking Bourbon confirm this.
What is the proof and ABV of Bulleit Bourbon?
45 % ABV (90 proof) in the US. Difford's Guide also lists a 40 % ABV version for some markets.
Why does Bulleit Bourbon taste spicy?
Because of the high rye share (28 %), which gives a spicier, drier taste than bourbons with more corn.
Is Bulleit Bourbon aged in new barrels?
Yes. US law requires bourbon to be aged in new charred oak barrels.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🍷 Ethanol — The alcohol formed during fermentation that makes you drunk.
- 🧪 Water — ~87% of milk.
- 🐝 American white oak — A North American oak that gives wine strong vanilla and coconut notes.
- 🥃 Bulleit 10 Year Old Bourbon — Bulleit 10 Year Old Bourbon: Bulleit bourbon with a stated 10-year age in new charred American white oak barrels; 45.6% ABV (91.2 proof), mash of 68% corn, 28% rye, 4% malted barley.
Similar
🥃 Bulleit 10 Year Old Rye · 🥃 Bulleit 10 Year Old Bourbon · 🥃 Bulleit Rye · 🥃 George Dickel Barrel Select · 🥃 George Dickel No. 8 · 🥃 George Dickel Bottled in Bond
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Difford's Guide: Bulleit Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 45 % (68 % corn, 28 % rye, 4 % malted barley; no age statement; launched 1987; Diageo)
- Breaking Bourbon: Bulleit Bourbon review (68/28/4 mash bill, 90 proof, NAS, Diageo)
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)