Name: Bulleit Bourbon Barrel Strength
Color: Brown
Nose: Orange, spice, light vanilla
Taste: Maple, oak, spices, booze
Review:
Bulleit Bourbon Barrel Strength is a recent expression from Bulleit that adds a little “kick”to their Bourbon. Barrel Strength Bourbon is an uncut (no water added), single batch, non-chilled filtered bourbon that is bottle between 120-125 proof. The bourbon is aged at their base of operations which is Stitzel Weller in Louisville, KY. I have been there for a tour and a tasting. It is a good tour and tasting but Woodford’s setup is a bit nicer.
The Bulleit 10-Year-Old is comparable in flavor and cost and probably is the same bourbon with some aging and water added. The Barrel Strength has almost the same flavor profile as the regular Bulleit Bourbon but more powerful due the higher proof. It can be hard to detect the flavors due the higher proof but I do not think flavor is what they are going for with this expression. Although it is not stated clearly, it appears Bulleit has created this bourbon for more powerful cocktails per requests of bartenders as the whisky and cocktail craze continues. Cocktails get water down during the mixologist (what a stupid fucking name btw) process to make them so strong booze will allow the flavors to stand out.
Price around $65 and good for Bulleit expressions but needs water to cut/soften it. Great for a stronger cocktail.
If you like it, drink it! – Christopher
If you like it, drink it!
