Tasting Note:
- Appearance: A warm amber hue with hints of golden honey, hinting at its years of barrel aging. The liquid is medium-bodied and clings slightly to the glass, suggesting a rich and viscous texture.
- Aroma: A bold and inviting nose greets you, led by a wave of warm, spiced fruit notes. Ripe peaches and apricots mingle with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, followed by a touch of vanilla and caramel sweetness. As the aroma opens up, deeper notes of toasted oak and honey emerge, adding depth and complexity.
- Palate: The first sip delivers a rich and spicy punch, coating the palate with a wave of flavorful warmth. The initial sweetness of honey and vanilla quickly gives way to a symphony of spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves dance on the tongue. Juicy stone fruit flavors, particularly peach and apricot, add a touch of brightness. The oak influence is present but subtle, providing a backbone of structure and a hint of smokiness.
- Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering memory of spice and oak. The warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg lingers on the tongue, joined by a whisper of honey and a touch of oak-tinged tannin. It fades slowly, leaving you wanting another sip.
Overall, Bulleit Straight Bourbon Frontier Whiskey is a bold and flavorful bourbon that embodies the adventurous spirit of the American frontier. It’s a complex and balanced whiskey, offering a delightful interplay of fruit, spice, and oak. Its richness and warmth make it perfect for sipping neat or enjoying in a classic bourbon cocktail like an Old Fashioned.
Food Pairing:
Here are some delicious pairings that celebrate its rich flavor profile while highlighting its versatility:
Savory:
- Smoked Meats: The smoky notes of grilled or barbecued meats like brisket or pulled pork pair beautifully with the bourbon’s oak-tinged smokiness. The sweetness of the meat complements the bourbon’s spicy warmth, while the tannins help cut through the richness.
- Spicy Dishes: The bourbon’s cinnamon and nutmeg notes stand up to spicy dishes like chili or Cajun-style cuisine. The sweetness balances the heat, while the oak adds depth and complexity.
- Cheeses: Aged cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère offer a salty counterpoint to the bourbon’s sweetness and spice. The oak notes complement the cheese’s nuttiness, while the tannins help cut through the richness. Try pairing with spicy cheeses like pepperjack or habanero cheddar for an adventurous twist.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like corn, eggplant, or bell peppers bring out the earthy notes of the bourbon. Choose vegetables with natural sweetness, like corn or sweet potatoes, for an added layer of flavor.
Sweet:
- Pecan Pie: The bourbon’s sweetness and cinnamon notes complement the pecan pie’s nutty flavor and caramel filling. The oak adds a touch of smokiness that enhances the pie’s complexity.
- Chocolate Cake: Dark chocolate cake offers a decadent match for the bourbon’s richness and spice. The bitterness of the chocolate balances the sweetness of the bourbon, while the tannins cut through the richness.
- Apple Crumble: The tart and tangy apple crumble pairs well with the bourbon’s sweetness and acidity. The oak notes complement the crumble’s buttery topping, while the fruitiness mirrors the bourbon’s stone fruit flavors.
- Avg Price (ex-tax)
- $ 32 / 750 ml / 45% abv
Bulleit Bourbon is inspired by the whiskey pioneered by an old family recipe over 150 years ago. Only ingredients of the very highest quality are used. The subtlety and complexity of Bulleit Bourbon come from its unique blend of rye, corn, and barley malt, along with special strains of yeast and pure Kentucky limestone filtered water. Due to its especially high rye content, Bulleit Bourbon has a bold, spicy character with a finish that’s distinctively clean and smooth.
https://www.bulleit.com/whiskeys/bulleit-bourbon/
BULLEIT BOURBON AWARDS
San Francisco World Spirits Competition
2012, 2007, 2004: Gold Medal
2014, 2006, 2005: Silver Medal
Beverage Testing Institute
2012, 2008: Gold Medal, Exceptional
Ultimate Spirits Challenge
2015: 94, Excellent, Highly Recommended
2013: 92, Excellent, Highly Recommended
2012: 95, Finalist, Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
Spirit Journal
2011: 4 Stars, Highly Recommended
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