While bourbon is referred to as America’s “native spirit”, rye whiskey actually has a longer historical footprint in the US. While bourbon didn’t get its start until the late 1700s, rye whiskey was popular decades prior. So, it only makes sense that in celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday, Bulleit would release its oldest rye whiskey ever: Bulleit 20-Year-Old Rye.
Bulleit 20-Year-Old Rye
Limited to just 1,776 bottles, Bulleit 20-Year-Old Rye begins with Bulleit’s signature mash bill of 95% rye. It was distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and aged in Kentucky for a minimum of twenty years in charred oak barrels. This blend of whiskeys was crafted by Nicole Austin, Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities at Diageo. She led the barrel-selection team and the blending process, along with the team at Bulleit.
According to Bulleit, the result is a multi-layered, classic rye whiskey. Bottled at a cask strength 137-proof, it begins with a nose of seasoned oak, baking spices, and dried fruit. The palate is centered on notes of caramelized sugar, dark fruits, and wintry spices. The finish is long, warm, and pleasantly spicy. Drink it neat, on the rocks, or (because of its high proof) with a splash or two of water to elevate the aromas and flavors.
“With a rye this mature, the challenge is finding barrels where age adds depth without overwhelming the grain,” Nicole Austin says.
“We wanted the spice and structure that define Bulleit Rye to stay front and center, while allowing twenty years of maturation to reveal new layers of complexity. The final whiskey has the spice people expect from Bulleit, with a depth that could only come from time.”
Brian Blackiston, Brand Manager for Bulleit Frontier Whiskey at Diageo adds, “Rye has always had a certain edge to it, which is exactly why it made sense for Bulleit from the brand’s inception. In the earliest days of American whiskey, rye brought structure, spice, and resilience to the glass in a way that helped distinguish it from other grains. When the category was still working its way back into the spotlight, Bulleit leaned in with a style that gave bartenders and whiskey drinkers more bite and more dimension. Bulleit 20-Year-Old Rye pays homage to that history while building on our own, showing what our signature rye character can become after two decades in barrel.”
Where can I buy it?
Bulleit 20-Year-Old Rye Whiskey will be available beginning next month in limited quantities at the Bulleit Distillery and select alcohol retailers nationwide for the suggested retail price of $299 for a 750ml bottle.
