Bulleit Barrel Strength Bourbon

A little background

In 1987, Thomas E. Bulleit, Jr., left a successful career as a lawyer to fulfill a lifelong dream of reviving an old family bourbon recipe by starting the Bulleit Distilling Company. To this day that dream lives on and Bulleit™ Bourbon is distilled and aged with the same Bulleit family tradition. The 68% Corn, 28% Rye, and 4% Malted Barley mash bill yields a bold and spicy character with a distinctively smooth, clean finish.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Amber

Nose

Baking spices and brown sugar with hints of berry and a tinge of vanilla with some ethanol from the high proof.

Palate

Light thin mouthfeel with heavy brown sugar and oak with hints of dark berry hit the front of the palate. The mid and back palate becomes lighter with citrus and vanilla cutting the brown sugar.

Finish

Light burnt brown sugar hints of char and dryness start the finish off. The heat from the high proof bourbon begins to build with aromas of vanilla and sweet berry rounding off the finish.

In closing

Bulleit Barrel Strength Bourbon is an enjoyable bourbon that’s better suited for a seasoned enthusiast. I would not recommend this bottle to anyone that enjoys lower proof whiskeys as the ethanol on the nose mixed with the potent flavors on the palate and heat on the finish will most likely overwhelm their palate and turn them away.

If you find the ethanol and heat overwhelming your ability to enjoy this whiskey, try adding 4 drops of water in a 2 ounce pour to help mellow the whiskey and bring out the wonderful dark berry and vanilla on the palate. Overall, I believe there are better bottles available at a lesser price that offer more flavor and complexity.