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Bullet is the best-selling brand of bourbon in American bars. The high content of rye gives the drink an original taste and makes it a popular ingredient in classic cocktails. The brand belongs to the British corporation Diageo, which sells its products in its homeland, as well as in Europe, Australia, Brazil and Russia.
Historical information
The creator of Bulleit whiskey is considered to be a distant ancestor of modern owners, the innkeeper August Bulleit. In 1830 he owned a small tavern in Louisville, Kentucky. In those days, the industrial production of alcoholic beverages was in its infancy, and different batches of alcohol were very different from each other. Bullate set out to create a new type of whiskey that would meet the high requirements for quality and taste.
After much experimentation, he managed to get a bourbon, the character of which completely satisfied Bullet. But during the transportation of another batch of alcohol outside the state, Bullate went missing. The secret of making whiskey was considered lost. In 1987, a descendant of an innkeeper, Thomas Bullate, managed to recreate the family recipe for bourbon. The businessman founded the Bulleit Distilling Company, which managed to bring the brand to the world level. Subsequently, the rights to the brand were transferred to Diageo Corporation.
Production features
Bourbon is produced at a new plant in Kentucky, which opened in 2017. Feature whiskey Bulleit – high content of rye and long exposure, reaching 6-8 years. An important component is water from sources flowing through limestone. For the American market, the company produces a drink with a strength of 45%; for the European market, the figure is reduced to 40%.
The content of rye in bourbon reaches 28%, the remaining parts are corn and barley. Carefully selected proportions of cereals give the drink an original taste with honey and caramel hues. Exposure takes place in charred American oak barrels. Ready whiskey is poured into bottles of vintage design, reminiscent of pharmacy glassware. The owners keep all the subtleties of production in strict confidence.
Awards
San Francisco World Spirits Competition, San Francisco:
- 2004, 2007, 2012, 2016 – gold;
- 2005, 2006, 2014 – silver;
- 2018 – double gold medal, victory in the competition for the best bourbon.
Interesting Facts
Tom Bulleit began his career as a successful lawyer, having given the profession nearly three decades. In 1987, he radically changed his life, deciding to go into the alcohol business. To open the first enterprise, he had to take a large loan from the bank. Whiskey was a resounding success, and Bulleit was able to quickly pay off his debts. Ten years later, large investors became interested in the company, who helped the brand to reach the international level.
According to the owner, the recipe for the drink was given to him by his father. Bulleit himself does not consider this fact to be something outstanding. Kentucky is the center of whiskey production in the USA, and many firms have their own family secret of making bourbon.
Types of Bourbon Bullet
Bulleit Bourbon, 45%
Amber-colored bourbon with wood and spice aromas. Made with corn, rye and malt. A special type of yeast is used for fermentation. The complex flavor range combines notes of maple syrup, wood and nutmeg. The drink leaves a long sweet aftertaste. This is the most awarded whiskey in the line, having received a high 95 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2012, where it was among the finalists.
Bulleit Rye, 45%
Rye whiskey released by the company in 2011 and is considered one of the best in its class. A mahogany-colored drink with a thick oaky aroma and a mild taste with hints of spices and honey. Bulleit Rye has received three excellent marks from experts in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Bullet Barrel Strength Whisky, 59,5%
Created as a result of a study of the opinions of US bartenders and was first introduced to customers in 2015. The drink is based on a distillate obtained from must with a high content of rye. Separate batches of barrels are formed for aging. The taste is spicy, with pronounced maple tones and nutmeg on the finish. The aroma is woody with hints of spices. The tasters of the Ultimate Spirits Challenge – 2017 gave the whiskey a high score of 92 points.
