Bulleit 10 Year Bourbon Review: Aged Perfection at 91.2 Proof

BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Produced by Bulleit Distilling Company. The actual distiller was not disclosed.
• MASH BILL: 68% Corn | 28% Rye | 4% Malted Barley 
• AGE: 10 years
• YEAR: 2024
• PROOF: 91.2 (45.6% AVB)
• MSRP: $49.99
• BUY ONLINE: Bulleit Reserve Bar Shop

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any bourbon fan, especially those who spend far too much on younger whiskies whose maturity and character can't compare to this.

WORTH THE PRICE: Absolutely. This is a 10-year-old whiskey that, while I wish the proof were higher, still has rich flavor, texture and that, well, you know, "older" profile that tastes of aging's "dark arts." Though not quite the $32.99 bargain of Russell's Reserve 10-year, with so many 5- and 6-year releases on the market priced double that number, this remains more than a fair deal.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle for sure. Get two if you can afford it.

OVERALL: I'd have an incredibly hard time understanding why any bourbon fan wouldn't like this amazingly reliable, well-made and well-aged bourbon. It embodies everything that's right and unique about America's native spirit, and if I had a short list of whiskies for introducing people to bourbon, this would be on it.

That this 10-year whiskey continues to be sourced makes sense given the fact that Bulleit's first distillery, located in Shelbyville, Ky., didn't come online until 2017. That its label states its a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at least narrows down its origin. For years it's been mentioned that Barton 1792 Distillery and Bardstown Bourbon Co. were its contract providers. But given that BBC didn't begin making whiskey until 2014, it's more likely this is a Barton product. Or not. It's just fun to muse about such things.

It's more fun to drink such things, and this is a good one, so let's get into that. The nose leads with depth and complexity; deep oak barrel aromas mingled with simmering dark fruits. The parade of aromas continue with dried roses, rum cake, grilled peach, dried cocoa and cherry hard candy. Collectively, its aromas are pleasantly reminiscent of Michter's 10-year-old bourbon–perhaps because of the identical ages?

Those similarities end, however, at the palate. For the sake of "science," I went to the shelf, took a sip of Michter's 10 and immediately noticed the difference, especially in the Bulleit bourbon's lack of depth and overall maturity. But make no mistake, this is a fine sipping whiskey that delivers heaps of richness for almost a quarter of the cost of the Michter's 10.

Mouthfeel is silken and laced with dark caramel, cinnamon, cooked cherries and chocolate sponge cake. Baking spice and burnt orange peel carry every sip from front to back in warm, tingly waves. The finish is lovely: fruity and Coca-Cola-esque. I rarely get cheesecake for dessert, but this one's begging for that pairing.

BRAND NOTES

Bulleit Bourbon 10-Year-Old offers a high-rye recipe that delivers a smooth, complex drinking experience. Toasty oak aromas with vanilla and sweet dried fruit lead to a palate of spice, caramel, and a refined finish that highlights the whiskey’s depth.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.