Embracing Tradition: Why Bulleit’s 12 Year Old Rye Is a Step Backwards

As the whisky world buzzes with excitement over the return of Bulleit’s 12 Year Old American Straight Rye Whiskey, I find myself taking a different stance. While many celebrate this re-release as a triumph of tradition, I argue that it represents a missed opportunity for innovation and growth in the industry.

A Taste of the Past

Bulleit Rye 12 Year Old boasts a mash bill mirroring its popular predecessor, with 95% rye and 5% malted barley. Aged in charred American white oak barrels for over a decade, this limited edition blend incorporates whiskey from barrels aged up to 17 years, promising a complex flavor profile.

bulleit rye 12 year old

Stuck in the Shadows of History

While the 2024 release is described as ’light, fruity, woody-oaky, floral, and vanilla-spice’ on the nose, and ‘semi-sweet, clean, and crisp’ on the palate, I can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu. The finish, enjoyable with a slight-woody vanilla spice taste, fails to break new ground.

Pricing and Availability

Bulleit Rye 12 Year Old is priced at $54.99 for a 750 mL bottle, available across the U.S. (excluding Maine). While the cost may seem reasonable for a premium spirit, the question remains: Are we paying for innovation or nostalgia?

Looking Ahead

As I sip on a dram of Bulleit Rye 12 Year Old, I ponder the future of whisky. Will we continue to repackage the past, or will we dare to push boundaries and redefine the art of distillation?

Join me in raising a glass not just to tradition, but to the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

This article was originally published on One More Dram. For more whisky insights, visit their website.