Bulleit is easy to overlook. It’s one of the easiest bourbons (or ryes) to obtain, as you can find it just about anywhere. It dresses the shelves of every whisk(e)y bar or bank. It’s a great addition to cocktails, and offers bite in all the right places. It has become so common place, it’s hard not to look past it and toward other, sexier bourbons. But that would be foolish. At $21.99 and $22.99 respectively for Bulleit Rye, there’s no doubt the price is right. This however, is a bit of a catch 22. That price point begs to be used in a shaker or highball iced coffee drink, not sipped neatly from a Glencairn. It seems like a throw away bourbon, one given to a significant other because you don’t want them to waste “my good stuff” in cocktails. And so it is, Bulleit, sitting on the shelf, living it’s half life, knowing it’s so much more, but unable to break the glass ceiling of its own doing. This is for you old friend. FIRST IMPRESSIONS - Upon nosing and first sip, one would be pressed to find something as good for the price. It’s alluring, sweet, and offers something straightforward with decadence in some intriguing ways. NOSE - In my initial nosing, I immediately found wet bark and oak, accompanied by some lovely floral and herbal tones. Imagine picking wild flowers next to an old shed after a fresh rain. This was quickly followed up with vanilla, cinnamon, and a sweet lemon cream. Though it’s relatively low proof at 90, I added a drop to see what might come out and discovered caramel, toasted oats and extremely subtle spearmint. PALATE - The palate is medium bodied and savory with a nice buttery entrance, then moving over to display a tart red cherry and lemon zest. This dram offers a bit more in the mouth and rounds out the experience. WASH - The finish is well balanced with a nice spicy kick due to the high rye ratio in the mash bill. This allows the wash to stay longer and gives the impression of an oiler, more expensive bourbon than what’s actually in your glass. CONCLUSION - Is Bulleit the best bourbon? No, you can find better. But finding better typically adds a much higher price point and in some cases, offers less complexity and fun. For its inexpensive price, versatility, and for being a well rounded dram under $23.00 per bottle, it’s insane not to make this bourbon a staple on your shelf. Add Bulleit Rye and you’ll have yourself a dynamic duo for under $50. That’s worth talking about.