Small Batch Kentucky Straight Whiskey
Bottled by The Bulleit Distilling Co
Louisville, KY
Bottled by The Bulleit Distilling Co
Louisville, KY
Score Card
Shelf: Middle
Price: $38
Proof: 91.2%
Age: 10 years
Mash Bill: 68% corn, 28% rye, 4% malted barley
Color: Deep red mahogany
Nose: floral, apricot, almond, hints of leather
Taste: Toasted oak, spicy black pepper
Value: Fair price to a 10 year
Score: 83
Cut to The Chase: Expected more
Price: $38
Proof: 91.2%
Age: 10 years
Mash Bill: 68% corn, 28% rye, 4% malted barley
Color: Deep red mahogany
Nose: floral, apricot, almond, hints of leather
Taste: Toasted oak, spicy black pepper
Value: Fair price to a 10 year
Score: 83
Cut to The Chase: Expected more
Bourbon Notes
Bulleit 10 year is strong and hot with an oak punch. At 28% rye, it's very rye heavy on the front of the mouth. The 91.2 proof and the rye combine for bright hot taste. Takes a moment for the storm to pass, and then notes of corn, maple syrup and toasted oak begins to emerge. Softens on the finish where the corn and maple syrup take over.
Bulleit 10 year calls itself a "Frontier Bourbon," and like a frontier bourbon, it's rough around the edges with a lot of strong oak flavors. Seems more like a shoot it down whiskey than a sipping whiskey. It's not as balanced and flavorful as I expected for a 10 year bourbon. 10 years is in that sweet spot of between 8 to 10 years of barrel aging that can bring out the best of balance in the wood, corn, and rye.
When compared to another 10 year bourbon in the same price range, Russel's Reserve 10 year, the Bulleit 10 year seems one dimensional and underwhelming. Just to be fair, I did several tasting to make sure it wasn't just an off day, but my first impressions were confirmed. I expected more out of a 10 year bourbon. Bulleit 10 Year a "B" whiskey while Russel's 10 year is an "A" whiskey.
If you are a Bulleit person, and you like high rye, you might find this to your liking. But for the money and quality, I would go with the Russel's 10 year. If you can find it, try Rebel Yell 10 year or McKenzie 10 year Bottled-In-Bond. Both great whiskeys. Rebel Yell and McKenzie also are twice the price as Bulleit 10 year, and harder to find, but you get what you pay for. Life is short – drink great bourbon.
PS. If you ever get a chance to taste Michter's 10 year – go for it. Amazing.
Reviewed by: Jack Epps, Jr.
Send comments to: BourbonNotes@gmail.com
Bulleit 10 year calls itself a "Frontier Bourbon," and like a frontier bourbon, it's rough around the edges with a lot of strong oak flavors. Seems more like a shoot it down whiskey than a sipping whiskey. It's not as balanced and flavorful as I expected for a 10 year bourbon. 10 years is in that sweet spot of between 8 to 10 years of barrel aging that can bring out the best of balance in the wood, corn, and rye.
When compared to another 10 year bourbon in the same price range, Russel's Reserve 10 year, the Bulleit 10 year seems one dimensional and underwhelming. Just to be fair, I did several tasting to make sure it wasn't just an off day, but my first impressions were confirmed. I expected more out of a 10 year bourbon. Bulleit 10 Year a "B" whiskey while Russel's 10 year is an "A" whiskey.
If you are a Bulleit person, and you like high rye, you might find this to your liking. But for the money and quality, I would go with the Russel's 10 year. If you can find it, try Rebel Yell 10 year or McKenzie 10 year Bottled-In-Bond. Both great whiskeys. Rebel Yell and McKenzie also are twice the price as Bulleit 10 year, and harder to find, but you get what you pay for. Life is short – drink great bourbon.
PS. If you ever get a chance to taste Michter's 10 year – go for it. Amazing.
Reviewed by: Jack Epps, Jr.
Send comments to: BourbonNotes@gmail.com