East African Breweries Limited (EABL) recently introduced the Bulleit Bourbon Whisky at an event at the Caramel Lounge in Nairobi. Apart from the retail price recommended at 2,990 shillings, here are 6 things you should know about Bulleit Bourbon Whisky.
Family Tradition
Bulleit’s high rye mash bill has been passed down through five generations. The recipe originated with Tom Bulleit’s great, great grandfather Augustus, who distilled in the mid 1800’s. Through the generations, the Bulleit family has lived on both sides of the Kentucky River that once defined the Mason Dixon Line. The family proudly continues that tradition by distilling their bourbons in Kentucky and their ryes from Indiana.
Ingredients
Like all Kentucky Straight Bourbons, Bulleit is made with pure limestone filtered water. The brand’s proprietary yeast strains coax extra flavor from the distiller’s grade grain that helps give Bulleit its incredible taste.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Rich, oaky aroma
Taste: Distinctive, with hints of vanilla, spice and pepper
Body: Full and smooth
Finish: Generous with a long, lingering finish
Chemistry
The bourbon is 90 proof, 45% ABV. Bulleit Bourbon is formulated by combining superior yeasts and mash bills, to achieve consistency in nose and taste.
Aging
In accordance with bourbon regulations, Bulleit is aged in new American White Oak barrels. The barrels are flame charred to a #4 char, the lids are flame charred to a #2 char. All of the color and some of the flavor come from time in the barrels. Since temperature change is the primary factor in aging whiskey, Kentucky’s four distinct seasons provide ideal climate conditions for maturation.
Awards
Bulleit Bourbon™ has received numerous Gold Medals from both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and The Beverage Testing Institute. The spirit is also listed as one of the Top 50 U.S. Spirits brands by Wine Enthusiast and has been “Highly Commended” by the World Whiskey Awards.
Bulleit has also won awards for packaging excellence. The bottle, which draws its design from glass containers produced in Pennsylvania and Ohio in the mid 1800’s, reflects the Frontier Whiskey heritage of Augustus Bulleit. Its authenticity has been acknowledged by HBO’s “Deadwood” series where Bulleit Bourbon appeared regularly, as well as appearing on screen and by name in “They Die By Dawn”.
In addition, the bottle received a Double-Gold medal in 2006 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Beverage Testing Institute Gold Medal for Package Design.