Review: Bulleit Rye 12 Years Old (2024)

Bulleit will forever be remembered for the role it played in popularizing rye whiskey, particularly in the craft cocktail space. With more than a little help from MGP, it introduced the world to the infamous 95/5 recipe, a style that today has many imitators in addition to the dozens (maybe hundreds?) of labels offering their own twist on this venerable and trailblazing whiskey. Perhaps it’s because of all those other whiskeys that Bulleit has only once changed the script on what is arguably its most iconic product.

In 2019, rye fans were briefly treated to an age-stated version of Bulleit rye for the first time. But only briefly. It was a doozy at 12 years old, complex, and exceedingly approachable. It almost seemed like a mirage though, here and gone before many rye lovers had the chance to notice. Five years later, Bulleit’s 12 year rye has returned once again in limited quantities and with similarly muted fanfare. And once again, it’s deserving of attention that it probably won’t get.

Containing rye whiskey up to 17 years old (per the press release), this latest offering is an even more mature expression of Bulleit’s classic rye while still accentuating the unique qualities that fans have come to appreciate about the recipe. The aroma is bracing with a bold, minty spice that manages to stay cool and fresh even with significant time in the glass. Undertones of eucalyptus and dill – that hallmark of the 95/5 style – are subdued more than the standard offering but still omnipresent. A lacing of baking spice and cocoa hints at the added age, but things remain fresh and vibrant with all that white pepper and rye spice shining through. The palate is similarly alive with chocolate mints and dried herbs arriving in waves. It’s round and soothing with a throughline of brisk wintergreen that dulls a bit on the midpalate to allow toffee and ginger snaps into the mix before returning on a generous finish with minted syrup, pink peppercorn, and fennel. An impressive rye whiskey at a more than impressive price point. Hopefully, this one sticks around long enough to get its due.

92 proof.

A / $55 / bulleit.com [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

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