Overview: Bulleit Frontier Whiskey has announced the launch of a new core range release known as Bulleit ’87, marking the distillery’s first-ever blend of Bourbon and Rye. The spirit features a 45% ABV and combines Kentucky-aged Bourbon with Indiana-aged Rye components.
The Full Story
Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, based in Shelbyville, Kentucky, has introduced a new core range release representing the distillery’s inaugural blend of Bourbon and Rye. This spirit, identified as Bulleit ’87 with a 45% ABV, is characterized as a combination where bold Bourbon meets Rye spice in an unforgettable whiskey that is “built to sip.” The components were developed specifically for their designated roles within the mixture.
Distillation and aging occurred in Kentucky for the Bourbon component, while the Rye component was distilled and aged in Indiana prior to transport to the Kentucky distillery. Both spirits underwent a minimum of four years maturation before being finished separately in original barrels containing toasted American oak and French oak staves for a duration between four and six weeks.
The designation ’87 honors 1987, the year Bulleit was founded, rather than serving as an age statement. This name marks the moment Bulleit Frontier Whiskey first set out to do things differently, a commitment reflected in every bottle. The release joins Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit 95 Rye in Bulleit’s three-bottle core range, combining distinctive qualities of both spirits in one expression.
Production & Profile
Tasting notes indicate the spirit opens with aromas of caramel and brown sugar, revealing notes of warm baking spices and structured oak. The finish presents layered sweetness and gentle spice. Phil Gelineau, Whiskey R&D Manager at Bulleit, described the composition visually like a cake, noting the bourbon acts as a delicious sponge while the rye resembles chocolate shavings on top. He added that the staves function as buttercream bringing it all together. Jenika Newsum, Senior Brand Manager for Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, noted that Bourbon and rye whiskey have been central to the brand since its founding, guiding the philosophy of doing things differently. The new release brings these elements together in one distinctive bottle, balancing signature bourbon sweetness with characteristic rye spice.
Brand & Industry History
The moniker ’87 refers to the brand’s founding year (1987) and is not an age statement. It signifies the moment Bulleit Frontier Whiskey first set out to do things differently, a commitment the brand continues to uphold and one that is reflected in every bottle.
What This Means
By joining Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit 95 Rye in Bulleit’s three-bottle core range, Bulleit ’87 combines the distinctive qualities of both spirits in a single new expression. The release balances signature bourbon sweetness with characteristic rye spice within the brand’s existing lineup.
Consumer Takeaway
Bulleit ’87 will begin rolling out across selected retailers in the US from September, for a RRP of $29.99.
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