Bulleit 12 Year Rye (2024 Release)

This is genuinely remarkable, and I'm trying to manage my expectations. Very few spirits compel me to purchase them immediately, even without knowing the cost, but this is one. I didn't fully enjoy the previous batch of the 12-year rye, so I was eager for this one upon hearing of its release. I don't recall the price I paid, but it's not crucial right now. The suggested retail price is incredibly reasonable, especially given the inclusion of barrels aged up to 17 years. I still believe that Bulleit/MGP produces the definitive rye whiskey, or at least understands that a proper rye should always be at least 95% rye. Distilleries that try to pass off 55% rye as anything other than a harsh spirit have been rightly criticized, but the fact that this is the classic 95/5 Bulleit/MGP rye, just aged longer, is very exciting, and I hope that enthusiasm carries through the tasting. The color is as anticipated, a chestnut brown with deep mahogany, but unfortunately, it remains quite clear with visible legs from a disappointing dilution. The prominent banana notes I typically detect in the standard Bulleit rye are still present, but less green, and are now accompanied by brown sugar, caramel, and a hint of lemon oil. Regardless of the proofing concerns, there's a respectable ethanol presence, along with some stewed blue/black fruits, and a more substantial body of cracked rye and cinnamon-forward baking spice. The body is excessively thin and watery, but flavors of brown sugar, well-integrated oak, lemon peel, and overripe banana emerge rapidly and are well-balanced. The rye tingles the gum line but doesn't assert itself as much as I would expect, or frankly, as much as it should. The finish features sweet oak and bananas foster, with familiar fresh rye grain, cinnamon, and even some used mint leaves. I could call this a letdown, but it's actually an excellent, heavily aged American rye whiskey for its cost. The unfortunate reality for American distilleries and whiskey in general is the drive for quick profits, leading them to overprice their 2-3 year aged products. The fortunate aspect of young whiskey, particularly rye, is that it better showcases the grain's flavor profile at an earlier age, unlike corn which requires age for sweetness or wheat which needs longer aging for mellowness. With that said, this can be produced affordably as an MGP product, but credit is still due to Bulleit for not exploiting consumers and maintaining a very accessible price. You'll rarely find options with this age statement, and when you do (like Whistlepig or Templeton), they come with a hefty price tag, making an honest, especially a less favorable, review much more challenging when forced to overpay.

Aroma presents candied lemon, graham cracker, vanilla, saltwater taffy, menthol, dill, cinnamon, and dark chocolate. The palate delivers ample intensity for 46% ABV and is quite flavorful. Initial sweetness of vanilla and brown sugar gives way to cherry licorice notes, then rye spices with mint, dill, cinnamon, and pepper. A touch of leather emerges before the finish. This is unmistakably MGP 95% rye, yet more balanced and refined than the common 3-6 year expressions commonly encountered. I appreciate the MGP rye character, making this a significant success for me. Around this age range, I have considered purchasing the Templeton 10 year rye but have been deterred by the cost. At under $50 for a 12 year age-stated rye, this represents excellent value. I had concerns it might feel too thin at 46% (my preferred range is typically 50-55%), but as I noted, it possesses considerable strength. I believe the peppery spice contributes to it drinking higher than its stated proof. I recently sampled a bottle of Sagamore Spirit Barrel Select at 55%, which I understand is a blend of their 95% and 51% rye mashbills, aged 7 years. I favor the Bulleit 12. The Sagamore seemed to oscillate between being a dill and cinnamon dominant spirit. This expression contains both, but in a more agreeable balance.

BULLEIT RYE 12 YR *GLASS: Neat Glass *COLOR: Mahogany 1.6 bordering on Burnt Umber 1.7. *AROMA: Herbal and woody. Oak, Cedar, Dill, Black Pepper, and Cilantro. I could swear I detect Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips? There's a bit of Sweetness at the end with some Mint, Licorice, and Vanilla. *NEAT: That savoriness really comes through. Heavy Dill, Mint, Oak Spice, Pepper, and Cedar on the front. Similar to the Aroma, a Little Sweetness at the end with Mint and Vanilla. The aging is evident in the Lingering Finish with Musty Oak and Leather coating and layering the palate. There's a pleasant building warmth in the chest. *SPLASH: Adding a little water doesn't alter the aroma much. It truly enhances the Vanilla and Mint on the palate, giving it a Juicy Fruit Gum sensation. The Mustiness and Leather notes on the Finish become more pronounced as well. •CONCLUSION: Impressive is an understatement. Especially considering the age and $55 price point. That's practically unheard of in today's market. Bulleit has created an affordable, flavorful range of whiskies. A review of their new American Single Malt will be available soon.

The aroma includes fresh, minty wintergreen, baked muffin, caraway seed, rye spice, white pepper, cinnamon, and lemongrass, presenting a pleasant balance of sweet and spicy notes without being overly herbal. The ethanol is welcome subdued. The taste continues the sweet and spicy theme with vanilla, white pepper, mint, oregano, brown sugar, dill weed, and an unexpected hint of peach and cantaloupe. The flavors are well-integrated, though not the most intense. The medium-length finish has rye bread, cinnamon, toasted oak, leather, and a musty funk. The mouthfeel is full and slick, which is a definite positive. This is a nice offering with no significant drawbacks, and at $54, it's an incredible value for a 12-year-old MGP product in the current market. My only reservation is the proof; I prefer my ryes stronger. A 115 proof version could be exceptional, but this one is still very good and superior to the 2019 release, which was much drier and more bitter. It just barely qualifies for a repurchase at a 4.0 rating.

Nose: Embodies all expectations of classic MGP 95/5, but with greater depth and richness. Notes of heavily toasted marshmallow, butterscotch, dark rye spice, toasty rye bread, spearmint, dill, orange peel, clove, and a trace of grapefruit. Palate: Has an oily, mouth-coating texture. Flavors include burnt marshmallow, rich oak, caramel, and intense dark rye spice with moderate heat. Hints of orange zest, spearmint, and black pepper are also present. Finish: Lingering, warm, and tingly. Features soft tannins and rich rye spice complemented by a hint of butterscotch sweetness. Summary: Few Ryes on the market reach this age, and none are as affordably priced. While it's easy to dismiss it as just another MGP Rye, you'd be remiss not to acquire it if found at or near MSRP.

Remarkably complex. The extended aging mellows what would otherwise be a fiery, spicy yet delightful rye whiskey into a profile that balances the sweet caramel dessert notes of an Angel’s Envy Rye with the intensity of a bottled-in-bond rye like Rittenhouse. It's a superb fusion of spice and sweetness that bursts with a variety of flavors. Perhaps its most defining characteristic is the complexity present from the initial taste through the mid-palate and into the finish. This is definitely one to savor slowly and deliberately. Avoid rushing it; keep everything but ice away, inhale, sip, swirl, swallow, and repeat. And again