Bulleit bourbon is built on a high-rye mash bill, and that one decision explains most of what people like about it. Around 28% of the grain is rye, which is roughly double what a standard bourbon uses, and it's why Bulleit tastes peppery and dry where a lot of bourbon in this price range tastes sweet. The core bottles sit between $30 and $60, which is the other half of the appeal. We carry the bourbon, the rye, the higher-proof expressions, our own single barrel store picks, and the bottled cocktails. We ship to most states, with an adult 21 or older required to sign at delivery.
What the High-Rye Mash Bill Actually Does
Rye brings pepper, cinnamon and a dry finish. Corn brings sweetness. Shifting the ratio toward rye is why Bulleit holds up in an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan instead of getting buried under sugar and bitters, and it's why bartenders reach for it. If you already know you prefer spice to sweetness, this is a shortcut to the rest of the category: browse high-rye bourbon or rye whiskey once you've decided.
The brand traces its story to the 1830s, but the bottle you're buying dates to 1987, when Tom Bulleit put the modern version on shelves. Take the frontier branding for what it is. The whiskey underneath is a well-made, consistently available bourbon at a fair price, which is a better reason to buy it.
The Bulleit Range
Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey. The standard bottle at 90 proof, and the one most people mean. Reliable in cocktails, drinkable neat, and priced so you don't have to think about it.
Bulleit 95 Rye. The 95 is the rye percentage in the mash bill. Drier and more herbal than the bourbon, and the better choice for a Sazerac or a Manhattan.
Bottled in Bond. 100 proof, aged at least four years, from a single distilling season at one distillery. The extra proof carries the rye spice further without much extra cost.
Barrel Strength. Uncut and unfiltered, so the proof moves batch to batch. Intense, and worth a few drops of water rather than ice.
Single Barrel. One barrel per bottling, so the profile shifts from barrel to barrel rather than being blended toward a house style.
Single Malt. An American single malt rather than a bourbon, made from malted barley. A different drink entirely, and the odd one out here.
Store Picks and Bottled Cocktails
Our Bulleit single barrel store pick is a barrel we chose and bought ourselves, which means the liquid in it doesn't exist anywhere else. If you like the standard bourbon, a store pick is the cheapest interesting step up from it. More in barrel picks.
The bottled cocktails are the practical end of the range. The Old Fashioned and Rye Manhattan come mixed and ready to pour over ice. They won't beat a drink you build yourself, but for a crowd they hold up better than most of the category.
Bulleit FAQ
Is Bulleit a good bourbon?
For the money, yes. It's consistent, widely available, and the high-rye mash bill gives it more character than most bourbons at this price. It's a better cocktail bourbon than a sipping bourbon.
What is the mash bill for Bulleit Bourbon?
Roughly 68% corn, 28% rye and 4% malted barley. That rye share is about double a standard bourbon mash bill and is the reason Bulleit tastes drier and spicier than its shelf neighbors.
What's the difference between Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye?
The bourbon is corn-led with a high rye share. Bulleit 95 Rye is 95% rye, so it's drier, more herbal and less sweet. The rye is the better Manhattan; the bourbon is the better Old Fashioned.
Is Bulleit Bourbon high rye?
Yes. At around 28% rye it's one of the more rye-forward bourbons in wide distribution, though it isn't the highest. Anything above roughly 20% is generally considered high rye.
What proof is Bulleit Bourbon?
The standard bottle is 90 proof. Bottled in Bond is 100 proof. Barrel Strength is bottled uncut, so the proof changes with each batch and is printed on the label.
Can bourbon be shipped to my state?
We ship to most U.S. states, typically within a few business days. Someone 21 or older has to sign at delivery. Availability is confirmed at checkout, since a handful of states restrict direct spirits shipments.