Bulleit 12 Year Straight Rye Whiskey Review.
Bulleit 12 Year Straight Rye Whiskey Review.
Bulleit’s 95 Rye 12 Year feels like a quiet surprise in a market that rarely leaves anything this good under the radar for long. Originally released years ago and then seemingly gone for good, it resurfaced in 2024 with little fanfare, almost as if Bulleit simply decided to remind people what well-aged MGP rye can be. With a 12-year age statement, a classic 95/5 mash bill, and a very approachable price point, expectations were already high before the cork was pulled.
As someone who has grown increasingly fond of rye over the past year, this bottle immediately caught my attention. The standard Bulleit Rye is okay overall, but this felt like a chance to see that familiar profile elevated by real age and careful barrel selection. According to Bulleit they selected specific barrels for this release.
Bulleit’s 95 Rye 12 Year feels like a quiet surprise in a market that rarely leaves anything this good under the radar for long. Originally released years ago and then seemingly gone for good, it resurfaced in 2024 with little fanfare, almost as if Bulleit simply decided to remind people what well-aged MGP rye can be. With a 12-year age statement, a classic 95/5 mash bill, and a very approachable price point, expectations were already high before the cork was pulled.
As someone who has grown increasingly fond of rye over the past year, this bottle immediately caught my attention. The standard Bulleit Rye is okay overall, but this felt like a chance to see that familiar profile elevated by real age and careful barrel selection. According to Bulleit they selected specific barrels for this release.
Age Statement: 12 years.
ABV: 46%.
Mash bill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley.
Area of Distillation: Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Appearance: Dark amber.
On the nose:
On the nose:
The nose is expressive and inviting, packed with herbal, medicinal, and floral rye notes. There is a layered spice presence with green, grassy elements and a strong rye bread character that feels both nostalgic and punchy. Oak is well-integrated, with hints of caramel and light sweetness underneath. There is no alcohol harshness and no off notes, just a focused and mature rye aroma.
Taste:
The palate mirrors the nose beautifully. Herbal and medicinal rye notes lead the way, followed by green spice, cracked black pepper, and a firm oak backbone. Floral elements carry through, with touches of vanilla and caramel adding balance. The mouthfeel is coating and confident without ever becoming brash. As you continue sipping, the rye character intensifies, showing just how well this mash bill responds to extended aging.
Finish:
The finish is medium-long with lingering spice, oak, and herbal bitterness. There is a subtle milk chocolate-like sweetness that appears toward the end, especially noticeable after a few sips. A slight bitter edge emerges mid-to-late finish, but it works in the whiskey’s favor, pulling you right back for another sip.
Final Thoughts:
Bulleit 95 Rye 12 Year does exactly what a well-aged 95/5 rye should do. It stays true to the mash bill while letting time deepen the spice, oak, and herbal complexity. At around $55 to $65, it delivers remarkable value in today’s market. This is not a whiskey trying to reinvent rye, it is simply executing the style at a very high level.
Rating: A (Excellent).
Cost: $54.99 for 750ml.
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