Why don't I like Bulleit?

[Robmo]

I hope this post leads to a good discussion and helps me learn something. I'm sort of new to Bourbon drinkin' and brand new to this forum.

I recently bought pints of Woodford Reserve and Bulleit. I liked the Woodford but was pretty uninspired by the Bulleit. Here are my amateur tasting recollections of both:

Woodford: Cinnamon, apple cider, raisins, pralines, orange zest, dark chocolate and the usual vanilla, brown sugar, maple syrup etc. Not too harsh, not too smooth. Can't wait to try more.

Bulleit: Turpentine, a hint of rye. Won't be doing this again soon. (And a little disappointed 'cause the bottle is so cool!)

I'm not alone in my dislike for Bulleit. But why is this? And what does it say about me/us who don't like it? Care to shed some light?

Also, given my clear preference for Woodford, what else would I like?

[squire]

Past threads on the taste of Bulleit generally divide into the like group and the dislike group. It's a one of a kind that I happen to like but routinely leave on the store shelf.

[TNbourbon]

I believe that the origin of the Bulleit whiskey has changed during the label's lifetime. When originally released, it contained Four Roses distillate -- and, I assume, not the best they had, because they used that for other things.

I didn't like it then, either. Way too rye-y! And, frankly, I haven't tried it since.

But, I believe it is no longer contains Four Roses bourbon -- at least, not entirely.

I have no way of knowing (and, probably, you don't either) which distillate you've tasted. But, it's probably different today than 'once upon a time'.

[wormil]

I've found it to be inconsistent and not particularly interesting at any point.

[Josh]

I believe that the origin of the Bulleit whiskey has changed during the label's lifetime. When originally released, it contained Four Roses distillate -- and, I assume, not the best they had, because they used that for other things.

I didn't like it then, either. Way too rye-y! And, frankly, I haven't tried it since.

But, I believe it is no longer contains Four Roses bourbon -- at least, not entirely.

I have no way of knowing (and, probably, you don't either) which distillate you've tasted. But, it's probably different today than 'once upon a time'.

In all likelihood it still contains 4R distillate, although maybe not exclusively. The best info suggests that Diageo is mostly buying unaged whiskey from 4R, although when we were at Cox's Creek last spring, our tour guide told us that the contents of the barrel we were sampling were headed for Diageo. That doesn't mean it was going to become Bulleit, but given the history it seems reasonable.

I think Bulleit is OK, but it's underaged and a little rough aroud the edges.

[White Dog]

In all likelihood it still contains 4R distillate, although maybe not exclusively. The best info suggests that Diageo is mostly buying unaged whiskey from 4R, although when we were at Cox's Creek last spring, our tour guide told us that the contents of the barrel we were sampling were headed for Diageo. That doesn't mean it was going to become Bulleit, but given the history it seems reasonable.

I think Bulleit is OK, but it's underaged and a little rough aroud the edges.

[StraightNoChaser]

In on this crew. Never had a Bulleit I liked :skep:

[StraightNoChaser]

Josh's flavor description hits it on the head, IMHO. (Every year Diageo releases hundreds of uninspired offerings, especially on the wine side.) And while I do love high-rye recipes, especially OGD114 and various FR releases, Bulleit never tastes "complete" to me.

[unclebunk]

Josh's flavor description hits it on the head, IMHO. (Every year Diageo releases hundreds of uninspired offerings, especially on the wine side.) And while I do love high-rye recipes, especially OGD114 and various FR releases, Bulleit never tastes "complete" to me.

[The Boozer]

In the vein of trying to be "fair & balanced" I have stated elsewhere that I enjoy Bulleit. I like the high rye, spicey flavor and not found it to be too harsh. I understand it to be aged about 6-7-8 years.

Of course, I'm an old guy so my taste buds are shot.

[squire]

I've had several bottles of Bulleit, mostly after it first came out, and liked each one. I like Rye so that might explain it, but I don't think any I tried were 8 yrs old, and they cost a lot less than now.

[jburlowski]

In the vein of trying to be "fair & balanced" I have stated elsewhere that I enjoy Bulleit. I like the high rye, spicey flavor and not found it to be too harsh. I understand it to be aged about 6-7-8 years.

Of course, I'm an old guy so my taste buds are shot.

What he said.

I'm also an old guy but my taste buds aren't shot (although other parts of me are.)

[OscarV]

Every now and then Builleit has a nice slap in the face sicey ryed bourbon taste that I like.

[cowdery]

I've never been sorry that I put it in my mouth.

[Josh]

I've never been sorry that I put it in my mouth.

as opposed to?

:fish2: :fish2: :fish2:

[ebo]

I'm not a big Bulleit fan, either. I find it "disinteresting" and just plain unappealing to my palate.

I bought one bottle and had another given to me. I drank one and decided it was a waste of time to open the other. I gave it a fair chance, but I just don't care for it. I gave the other bottle to a buddy, and he loves it. Just goes to show that taste is a very subjective thing.

[cowdery]

as opposed to?

:fish2: :fish2: :fish2:

I've never regretted anyplace I put it.

[squire]

I hadn't considered the alternatives.

[kickert]

I've never regretted anyplace I put it.

[G.H.Adams]

I like Bulleit. I get a sort of red hots aftertaste like I do with Four Roses.

[sailor22]

I get a sort of red hots aftertaste like I do with Four Roses.

[Robmo]

I finally tried OGD114 and I am not sure what to think. It's hot and spicy, which I typically like, but it's also sharp and burn-y in a way I'm not sure yet if I appreciate.

[Robmo]

And while I do love high-rye recipes, especially OGD114 and various FR releases, Bulleit never tastes "complete" to me.

[White Dog]

I agree about Bulleit not tasting "complete". I had the feeling something was missing, that it was a little thin.

I am enjoying the OGD 114 right now. It is definitely a little sharp, the first sip had a burn I could feel all the way down the gullet into my guts. But overall not bad. Might be good on the rocks.

It does seem to have a bit a of peanut butter taste which I've noticed with a few bourbons. Can anyone explain what this is?

Before you add ice, try cutting it slightly with a small amount of water. While I love OGD114 neat, on certain days my pallet prefers OGDBiB.

[Brisko]

Before you add ice, try cutting it slightly with a small amount of water. While I love OGD114 neat, on certain days my pallet prefers OGDBiB.

I agree. A splash of water brings out big notes of oats and honey and tempers the cinnamon/char at the finish.

For the record though, I drink OGD 114 neat, with water, or on ice, depending on mood... it is really versatile and I can't say that I really prefer it one way over the others. I can't say that for every whiskey in my cabinet.