Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond

The Bulleit Bottled-in-Bond marks a historic moment for the brand—it’s the first bourbon fully distilled and aged in Bulleit’s Shelbyville distillery under the classic Bottled-in-Bond act standards. It is a 7-year aged expression, distilled in Spring 2017, and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). 

This release signals Bulleit’s increasing in-house production capability and reinforces transparency and quality in its whiskey program.

Breaking Bourbon has awarded the Bulleit Bottled in Bond to be the Best Bourbon of the Year for 2025: "Bulleit Bottled in Bond Bourbon stands out for how well all of its parts come together and the broad net it casts, appealing to a wide range of bourbon drinkers at its accessible price point."

Bottled-in-Bond Standards

As a Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, it must adhere to the requirements established by the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act:

1. Distilled by a single distiller in one season

2. Aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse

3. Bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% ABV)

4. No blending from multiple distillation seasons

Bulleit’s new bourbon meets all of these criteria, with the added premium of 7 years age under those constraints.

Tasting Profile & Character

Aroma / Nose

Spicy and fruity aromas open the experience—expect warm notes of toasted oak, maple, nutmeg, and underlying character from the rye content.

Palate / Flavor

On the palate, flavors of brown sugar, caramel, butterscotch, and a touch of dark fruit play alongside baking spices. The signature high-rye backbone adds black pepper and brightness. The mouthfeel is rich and full, with body that carries complexity without harshness.

Finish

The finish is smooth yet persistent, with butterscotch, oak char, rye spice, and lingering warmth. The balance between sweetness, spice, and wood creates a gratifying conclusion.

Positioning & Serving Suggestions

• Positioning: It slots between the standard 90-proof Bulleit Bourbon and the Barrel Strength versions—delivering more depth, proof, and character while staying true to brand style.

• Serve neat or with micro-dilution of water to open aromatics and soften edges.

• In cocktails: It can elevate classic bourbon cocktails (Old Fashioned, Manhattan) when you want more intensity but don’t want to overpower the mix.

Significance & Outlook

This release is meaningful for several reasons:

• It’s the first Bulleit expression that is fully distilled in-house and carries the Bottled-in-Bond certification.

• It demonstrates Bulleit’s move toward greater authenticity and control in production.

• It likely opens the door for further limited or aged expressions under the Bottled-in-Bond banner in coming years.