Bulleit 10 Year Bourbon

I acquired a bottle of Bulleit (orange label) some time ago, around the beginning of my bourbon exploration. Alongside Michter's, Four Roses SB, and a few others, it was among the first I ever tried. Consequently, I lacked the experience to form a solid opinion or make comparisons. About a year later, I ordered a glass while out with friends and disliked it immensely, leading me to avoid Bulleit since. However, I recently encountered positive reviews for this 10 Year expression, suggesting I shouldn't judge Bulleit solely on its lower-proof offering. I'm pleased I took a chance, as this 10 Year is entirely different. I enjoy it greatly... Color: Medium Amber. Nose: Alcohol, oak. Palate: Initially spicy (as expected given the rye content in the mash bill). Buttery texture. A hint of sweetness. Oak. Minimal burn upon swallowing. As the ice melted and opened it up, I detected a pleasant black licorice note. Delightful! One factor influencing my decision to buy this bottle was the "smoky" profile mentioned in expert and user reviews. Unfortunately, I didn't detect smokiness. Perhaps on future tastings? Finish: Very buttery with a "pound cake" characteristic. More oak. I'm concluding my initial pour and am ready for more! Excellent.

The aroma is bright with upfront spicy notes. Honey, vanilla, and mint are present, along with green apple and citrus. The taste is sweeter than the aroma, with strong notes of brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla. The nose suggests a burn would follow due to the spicy aroma, but it was quite mild and quickly faded. There was some bitterness, but overall, this is a decent offering from Bulleit, though not superior to their rye. Those who enjoy a spicy aroma might like this, but for the price, better options exist for less. Overall: Aroma - 3.5/5 Taste - 3/5 Overall: 3.25/5 Repurchase: No Type: Daily Sipper

I appreciate this bourbon. While not intricate, it is well-rounded and serves as a good example of a high-rye bourbon. It's remarkably vibrant and lively for a 10-year-old bourbon. If you enjoy Four Roses Small Batch but find Four Roses Single Barrel a bit too floral, consider Bulleit 10 Year. Personally, I believe Four Roses Single Barrel is a superior bourbon overall (in taste and price). However, Bulleit 10 is close. It's just slightly lower in proof than I prefer. If it were 100+ proof, or even better, cask strength at the same price, I would consistently keep several bottles on hand.

Bourbon selections in Europe are mediocre at best, so this is as good as it gets. Predictable notes of honey, caramel and cinnamon emerge on the nose, accompanied by overripe banana, varnish and a touch of glue. Bold spices overwhelm the sweet arrival with virgin oak, ginger and white pepper at the forefront. Intense sweetness returns with a vengeance, throwing maple syrup, maraschino cherries and vanilla into the mix. Bulleit 10 tastes overaged and yet a bit rough. Rock candy, cocoa and tannins push into the simple finish. Where is my Scotch? RATING: 3.2/5.0 stars ≙ 81 pts → AVERAGE [+]

This could only sound more American if it were named Gun Bourbon. Strong notes of oak, caramel, and a bit of smoky rye spice on the nose. Very sweet and fruity on the palate. Notes of apples, cherries, and peaches. Lengthy, warm finish where the oak and tannins re-emerge to varying degrees. If you prefer your bourbon on the sweeter side, this is a good choice. It hits all the classic notes, and the touch of extra rye adds some excitement. The bottle is cool; it looks like something cowboys would drink, then toss over their shoulder and shoot before it hit the ground.

The nose is well-rounded yet intense and persistent, not particularly woody, but rather dry and reminiscent of grain and cereal with hints of pepper and vanilla after some aeration. The neat flavor largely mirrors the nose but feels quite rough and waxy, with hints of dry red wine in the aftertaste. Mixed with coke, it presents an interesting contrast between the bourbon's dryness and cereal notes against the coke's richness and sweetness.