Bulleit Launches First-Ever Bourbon and Rye Blend: Bulleit '87
The Brand's First-Ever Perfect Bourbon and Rye Blend Debuts
Renowned whiskey brand Bulleit Frontier Whiskey has announced the launch of its brand-new core expression, Bulleit ’87, marking the first time in the brand's history that bourbon and rye whiskies have been perfectly blended together. The arrival of this new spirit represents a major expansion of the brand's core lineup following the 2011 release of Bulleit 95 Rye, joining the classic Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit 95 Rye to form a complete trio of core products.
Rigorous Production Craftsmanship and Unique Flavor Metaphor
In terms of production, every ingredient for Bulleit ’87 was custom-crafted for its blending role. The bourbon was distilled and aged in Shelbyville, Kentucky, while the rye was distilled and aged in Indiana before being transferred to Shelbyville, with both aged for at least four years. Subsequently, the two spirits were finished separately in their original casks with toasted American and French oak strips for four to six weeks, before finally being blended and bottled in Shelbyville at 45% ABV (90 proof).
Phil Gelineau, the brand's whiskey developer manager, compared the whiskey to a cake: the bourbon acts as a delicious sponge cake, the rye as the chocolate sprinkles on top, and the oak strips as the buttercream that binds the two together perfectly. The name commemorates the founding of the Bulleit brand in 1987, while the bottle design continues the brand's signature avant-garde style, featuring an eye-catching blue diagonal label for the very first time.
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Official Tasting Notes and Layered Expression
Regarding its flavor profile, Jenika Newsum, senior brand manager for Diageo's Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, noted that Bulleit ’87 perfectly combines the brand's classic bourbon sweetness with rye spice. Official tasting notes reveal aromas of caramel and brown sugar on the nose, followed by warm baking spices and structured oak notes, leading to a rich and smooth finish. It is exceptionally well-suited for sipping neat or enjoying on the rocks.
📅 Publish Date: 2026-07-24
🔗 Source: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/bulleit-launches-bulleit-87-its-first-ever-bourbon-and-rye-blend/