Bulleit Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (40%)

Product of: United States

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Marketed as being the ‘frontier whiskey’, this Kentucky straight bourbon was launched in 1987 by Tom Bulleit, the great-great grandson of Augustus Bulleit, who according to legend, first created Bulleit Bourbon in Louisville, Kentucky around 1830.

The brand story recounts that Augustus Bulleit came from a family of brandy makers who had emigrated from France to New Orleans in the 1700s and when Augustus moved from New Orleans to Louisville to open a tavern, he used his knowledge of French brandy making to make his own Kentucky bourbon.

Bulleit’s popularity grew and the bourbon was sold throughout Kentucky and Indiana but in 1860 Augustus disappeared whilst transporting liquor to New Orleans. He may have been murdered by his business partner or simply took up residence the city’s French Quarter. Bulleit Bourbon disappeared with him. That was until 1987 when Augustus’ great-great grandson Tom Bulleit, a lawyer in Kentucky, resurrected Bulleit Bourbon. Bulleit was purchased by Seagram in 1996 and then moved to the control of GuinnessUDV (now Diageo) when Seagram was carved up in 2001.

Bulleit was distilled at Seagram’s Four Roses distillery but that is now owned by the Kirin Brewery Company and the contract for Four Roses to supply to supply Diageo with spirit has ended and Bulleit is now distilled elsewhere. There is no 'Bulleit Distillery' as such (although there is a small 'craft' Bulleit Distillery). However, the spirit is aged at Diageo's Stitzel-Weller Distillery.

Bulleit is made with a mashbill comprising: 68% corn, 28% rye and 4% malted barley.

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 10/04/2013

Appearance:

Clear, golden amber.

Aroma:

Nubuck leather, corn-on-the-cob, spicy sandalwood and vanilla.

Taste:

Sweet buttery ripe corn and dried fruit (apricot) with pronounced toasty spice with dark chocolate, coffee and soy sauce.

Aftertaste:

Long, lingering spicy finish.