Bulleit 12 Year Rye (2024 Release)

Perfect amount of spice with hints of vanilla and caramel.

Nose brings fresh, minty wintergreen, baked muffin, caraway seed, rye spice, white pepper, cinnamon, and lemongrass. Nice mix of sweet and spicy here. Not exceptionally herbal. Ethanol welcomely subdued. Palate continues the sweet and spicy with vanilla, the white pepper from the nose, mint, oregano, brown sugar, dill weed, and a surprising hint of peach and cantaloupe. Flavors are well integrated, albeit not the most robust. Medium length finish features rye bread, cinnamon, toasted oak, leather, and musty funk. Mouthfeel is full bodied and slick, which is a real plus. A nice offering with no major flaws and at $54, it’s a crazy value for 12 year MGP in today’s market. The elephant in the room for me is the proof; I just like my ryes bigger and bolder. A 115 proof version of this might be the best rye on the planet, but alas we have this one. That said it’s still very good and much better than the 2019 version which was significantly more dry and bitter. Barely squeaks into rebuy rating with a 4.0.

Mint on nose. Caramel on palate.

Second release of this 92 proof, 12 year rye - nice value at $55 for aged MGP juice. This batch contains rye aged up to 17 years. Nose is fresh cut grass, caramel, and some whiffs of brown sugar. Palate has some upfront nexpected heat for the low proof. Cinnamon, orange, and oak. Lingering sweet finish shows the age of the rye. Great whiskey for under $60!