Bulleit American Single Malt Whiskey 750ML

Bulleit American Single Malt Whiskey 750ML is a 90-proof (45% ABV) Kentucky whiskey distilled from 100% malted barley and aged in charred American white oak barrels. It stands out as one of the first American single malts from a major bourbon-focused brand, earning a B+ from Drinkhacker for its approachable, fruit-forward character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 proof)  |  Origin: Louisville, Kentucky, USA  |  American Single Malt  |  Distillery: Bulleit Distilling Co.

Production & Heritage

Bulleit Distilling Co., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, built its reputation on high-rye bourbon before expanding into the emerging American single malt category. This expression is distilled on a copper column still with a secondary distillation through a copper doubler — the same double-distillation approach used in bourbon production — but taken to a slightly higher distillation proof. The 100% malted barley mashbill uses a specially curated barley strain, and the liquid matures in charred American white oak barrels, lending it a bridge-like quality between classic Scotch-style maltiness and unmistakable Kentucky oak influence. The bottle itself is made from post-consumer recycled glass with a distinctive green tint, reflecting a deliberate move toward environmental sustainability.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with sweet vanilla and toasted oak before shifting toward lighter, more herbaceous territory — golden hay, barley husks, and a flicker of lemon peel. Behind those top notes sit honeycomb, dried herbs, and a subtle smoky quality that recalls campfire embers rather than heavy peat.

Taste: On entry, the palate is lighter than many Kentucky whiskeys, leaning into fruit with apricot, red fruit, and ripe pear. The mid-palate brings brown sugar, honey, and warm baking spice — cinnamon and nutmeg — layered over a foundation of vanilla bean and anise. A thread of pine resin and baked bread adds textural interest and keeps the sweetness in check.

Finish: The finish is smooth and moderately long, settling into oaky caramel and subtle cocoa with a gentle drying quality. A final zing of lemon peel and a whisper of cedar linger as the warmth fades.

How to Drink Bulleit Single Malt

Neat or with a few drops of water is the best way to appreciate the barley-driven character and layered fruit notes; the 90-proof strength holds up well without becoming hot. A single large ice cube also works, tempering the oak and drawing out the honeycomb sweetness. In a Highball, the malt backbone and lemon-peel brightness play well against sparkling water for a refreshing long drink. A Penicillin cocktail benefits from the whiskey's grassy, lightly smoky notes, substituting seamlessly for blended Scotch. In a Gold Rush, the honey and apricot character aligns naturally with the cocktail's honey syrup and fresh lemon.

Best For

• Bourbon drinkers exploring their first American single malt
• Scotch enthusiasts curious about Kentucky's take on malted barley whiskey
• Gifting to a whiskey collector interested in the growing American single malt category
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cheese board

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bulleit Single Malt taste like? It delivers a fruit-forward profile with honey, apricot, and red fruit on a bed of vanilla and warm baking spice. Oak caramel and a touch of cocoa round out the finish, making it lighter and more malt-driven than a typical Kentucky bourbon.

How does Bulleit Single Malt compare to Clermont Steep? Both are American single malts from major bourbon producers and use 100% malted barley, but Clermont Steep — Jim Beam's entry — is frequently described as more balanced overall, while Bulleit leans more toward fruity, herbaceous notes with a drier oak finish. At 90 proof versus Clermont Steep's 94 proof, the Bulleit is slightly gentler in intensity.

Is Bulleit Single Malt good for sipping neat? Yes, the 45% ABV provides enough structure without excessive heat, and the layered fruit and spice notes reward slow, attentive sipping. A splash of water opens up additional honeycomb and dried herb aromas.

Where is Bulleit Single Malt made? It is produced in Kentucky under the Bulleit Distilling Co. label, based in Louisville. The whiskey is distilled on copper column stills with a copper doubler, following traditional Kentucky distilling practices applied to a 100% malted barley grain bill.

What foods pair well with Bulleit Single Malt? Aged cheddar or Gruyère accentuate the honey and oak notes. Smoked salmon complements the whiskey's subtle smokiness and lemon peel character. Dark chocolate truffles mirror the cocoa in the finish. Roasted pork with stone-fruit chutney bridges the apricot and baking spice, while almond biscotti echoes the malty, toasted grain backbone.

What sizes does Bulleit Single Malt come in? The standard bottle is 750ml. Availability in other sizes has not been widely confirmed at the time of this writing.

Is Bulleit Single Malt worth the price? It positions as a mid-range entry in the still-developing American single malt category, priced competitively against comparable releases from major distillers. For bourbon fans looking to branch out without a steep investment, it represents solid value.

Why Bulleit Single Malt?

American single malt whiskey is one of the fastest-growing segments in the spirits world, and Bulleit's version brings Kentucky distilling muscle to a category historically dominated by craft producers. The use of a specially curated barley strain and double distillation through copper column and doubler gives the liquid a distinct character — fruitier and more herbaceous than bourbon, yet fuller-bodied than many Scotch single malts at a similar proof point. Its recycled-glass packaging signals a production ethos that extends beyond what is in the bottle. For drinkers already loyal to Bulleit's bourbon or rye, the single malt offers a genuinely different flavor experience under a familiar brand, making it a worthwhile addition to any whiskey shelf.