Bulleit Bourbon 375ML

Bulleit Bourbon 375ML is a high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof) in a convenient 375ml format. Its distinctive mashbill — 28% rye, unusually high for a bourbon — earned a Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 91 points from Wine Enthusiast.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon  |  Distillery: Bulleit Distilling Co. (Shelbyville & Lebanon, KY)  |  Size: 375ml

Production & Heritage

Bulleit Bourbon traces its origins to a family recipe dating back to the 1830s, revived by Tom Bulleit in 1987. Today the brand is owned by Diageo and distilled at two dedicated facilities in Shelbyville and Lebanon, Kentucky. The bourbon is produced using column still distillation with a mashbill of 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley — a rye percentage roughly double that of many traditional bourbons. This grain composition is the single most defining element of the liquid, pushing the flavor profile toward spice and dry complexity rather than the sweeter, softer character common in corn-forward expressions.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Medium amber in the glass, the nose opens with gentle spiciness layered over sweet oak. Beneath that initial impression, equal measures of vanilla, caramel, and orange zest emerge, with quieter threads of smoke, cherry, and toasted wood.

Taste: The entry is corny-sweet, almost honey-like, built on a core of sweet corn mash. The mid-palate broadens with maple, oak, and nutmeg, joined by flavors of buttered popcorn, brown sugar, and nougat. The rye asserts itself as a dry, peppery spine that keeps the sweetness honest throughout.

Finish: Long, dry, and satiny, with a lingering light toffee flavor. The rye spice persists gently, leaving a clean, warming close that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Bulleit Bourbon

Bulleit performs well neat or over a single large ice cube, where the high rye content delivers enough structure to hold up as the ice dilutes. Its bold, spice-forward character also makes it one of the more versatile mixing bourbons in its class. In an Old Fashioned, the rye spice balances the sugar and bitters without becoming cloying. A Whiskey Sour benefits from the dry backbone that cuts through citrus and sweetener cleanly. And in a Manhattan, Bulleit's peppery edge stands up to sweet vermouth where softer bourbons can get lost.

Best For

• Trying a high-rye bourbon before committing to a full 750ml bottle
• Packing in a carry-on for travel or bringing to a tasting with friends
• Stocking a home bar with a reliable cocktail bourbon at a manageable size
• Gifting a bourbon drinker who appreciates spice-forward whiskey

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bulleit Bourbon taste like? Bulleit Bourbon leads with honey-like corn sweetness, brown sugar, and maple, balanced by a pronounced rye spice that gives it a dry, peppery character and a long toffee finish.

How does Bulleit Bourbon compare to Woodford Reserve? Woodford Reserve uses a lower rye percentage in its mashbill and is distilled in copper pot stills, resulting in a richer, fruitier, and more rounded profile. Bulleit leans drier and spicier due to its 28% rye content and column still production, making it a bolder option at a similar price tier.

Is Bulleit Bourbon good for cocktails? Bulleit is widely regarded as one of the best mixing bourbons in its price range, largely because its high rye content provides enough backbone and spice to cut through sweeteners, citrus, and vermouth without disappearing.

Where is Bulleit Bourbon made? Bulleit Bourbon is distilled by Diageo at two Kentucky facilities: the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville and a second distillery in Lebanon, both located in the heart of bourbon country.

What foods pair well with Bulleit Bourbon? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the bourbon's oak and spice notes. Dark chocolate works against the toffee and vanilla. Aged cheddar mirrors its dry nuttiness. Pecan pie echoes the brown sugar and maple mid-palate. Grilled stone fruit like peaches highlights the subtle sweetness.

What sizes does Bulleit Bourbon come in? Bulleit Bourbon is widely available in 375ml, 750ml, 1L, and 1.75L formats, making it easy to choose a size suited to the occasion.

Is Bulleit Bourbon worth the price? Bulleit positions as a solidly mid-range bourbon that consistently punches above its price tier in both sipping quality and cocktail versatility, supported by multiple Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a 91-point rating from Wine Enthusiast.

Why Bulleit Bourbon?

The 28% rye mashbill is the story here — it sets Bulleit apart from the majority of bourbons that hover around 10-15% rye, delivering a drier, spicier, more assertive whiskey without sacrificing the approachability that corn-based spirits are known for. Multiple Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition across nearly two decades (2004, 2007, 2012, 2015, 2021) confirm the consistency of the liquid from batch to batch. At 90 proof, it carries enough weight to stand up in cocktails while remaining smooth enough for neat sipping. The 375ml format makes it a smart entry point for anyone curious about high-rye bourbons or looking for a reliable bottle to keep within arm's reach.