Overview: In a move that is sure to spark debate among whiskey enthusiasts, Bulleit has released its latest creation: Mesquite Smoked Malt Bourbon. This bold experiment combines the traditional bourbon recipe with mesquite-smoked malted barley, resulting in a complex and intriguing flavor profile.
The Full Story
Bulleit’s decision to incorporate mesquite-smoked malt into their bourbon is not without precedent. Other brands have experimented with similar techniques, but none as extensively as Bulleit. The company has been working on this project for several years, exploring unique grains and aging techniques to create a truly distinctive whiskey.
The result of this experimentation is a bourbon that defies traditional expectations. While still classified as a Kentucky straight bourbon, Mesquite Smoked Malt Bourbon boasts an unusual mashbill: 65% corn, 30% mesquite-smoked malted barley, and 5% malted barley. This unique combination gives the whiskey its distinctive smoky flavor profile.
But how does it taste? According to Bulleit’s Whiskey R&D Manager Phil Gelineau, “The subtle smokiness comes from the mesquite wood-smoked malt used in the mashbill. As it has aged, those notes have rounded into something richer and more complex, with layers of brown sugar, caramel, and real depth of body.”
Production & Profile
Mesquite Smoked Malt Bourbon is distilled at Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, Kentucky. The whiskey was aged for a minimum of six years in new charred oak barrels before being bottled last fall at 93 proof.
The use of mesquite-smoked malted barley adds an unmistakable smokiness to the bourbon’s flavor profile. However, this is not a flavored whiskey; rather, it is a true innovation in traditional bourbon-making techniques.
Brand & Industry History
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