Daniel Davis
A New Addition to Bulleit’s Star Studded Lineup
It’s always a thrill when a beloved brand expands its portfolio, particularly when that brand is Bulleit, the iconic rye whiskey producer. This time, they’ve pulled out all the stops, unveiling a new 12-year-old rye to whiskey aficionados around the globe. Here’s a closer look at this exciting new bottle, its unique features and exactly why it’s causing such a stir.
Under the Hood: The Makeup of the 12-Year-Old Rye
Faithful to its roots, the new product is a straight rye whiskey. The difference? It’s been aging in charred American white oak barrels for a noticeably longer period than their younger expressions. The original Bulleit rye undergoes a tenure of four to seven years, but the team decided to up the ante. They kept this one aging away for twelve long years, allowing it to develop a nuanced complexity that is garnering wide acclaim.
A Closer Look at Bulleit’s Process
It all starts with the mash bill, the grain recipe that forms the backbone of every bourbon or rye. In this case, the mash bill is made up of an astonishing 95% rye and 5% malted barley. This is a significant departure from the 51% rye minimum that the law requires for a whiskey to qualify as a rye. A rye content of this magnitude gives the whiskey a bold, spicy flavor profile that is distinct and incredibly appealing to rye whiskey lovers.
Flavor Profile: What to Expect
So, what can you expect when you first uncork a bottle of this coveted 12-year-old rye? Prepare yourself for a delightful explosion of distinct aromas and flavors. On the nose, you’ll experience wafts of dried orchard fruits, roasted almond and oak. As you take your first sip, on the palate, the whiskey delivers a symphony of flavors, starting with hints of dried fruit followed by a punchy undercurrent of spice. The finish is long, warming and dry, thanks to the high rye mash bill and the oakiness from the extended aging process.
Can You Handle the Heat?
For some, the 46% Alcohol By Volume (ABV) might seem a tad daunting. But keep in mind, this serves to elevate the overall profile, bringing out the rye spiciness and fruitiness in all their glory. Diluted with a few drops of water or within your favorite cocktail, this whiskey shines through and through!
Stepping Up the Rye Game
Without a doubt, the twelve-year-edge gives this Bulleit expression an incredible depth of flavors that is hard to beat. It’s an authentic tribute to the beauty of aged rye whiskies and cements Bulleit’s status as a brand that is genuinely committed to exploring the heights of rye whiskey craftsmanship.
A Taste Worth the Wait
Year after year, the team at Bulleit has nurtured this beauty, tasting and casking at the opportune moments, all for the ultimate unveil. The result? A beautifully aged rye whiskey, making every sip of the 12-year-old a testament to Bulleit’s dedication to quality and innovation. The flavor complexity, the smoothness, the warmth – everything about this whiskey is a reminder of why we love rye whiskey in the first place. It’s an ode to the past and a toast to the future!
Final Thoughts
The 12-year-old joins the Bulleit family not just as another product in the lineup, but as a bold statement of what Bulleit is capable of. It pushes boundaries and reminds whisky lovers around the world why Bulleit continues to be a household name in the rye whiskey industry. So grab a glass, pour yourself some, and raise a toast to Bulleit — here’s to many more years of supreme whiskey craft!
