Bulleit '87: Bulleit's First Bourbon-Rye Blend

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Launches Bulleit ’87, Its First Bourbon-Rye Blend

Bulleit Frontier Bulleit ’87 75 cl represents a milestone for Bulleit Frontier Whiskey as the distillery's inaugural blend of Bourbon and Rye. Set for release in September 2026, this new expression is bottled at a robust 45% ABV (90 proof) and carries the spirit’s hallmark boldness, designed specifically to be enjoyed neat or over ice. Named after the founding year of Bulleit in 1987, the blend unites the signature sweetness of bourbon with distinctive rye spice in one balanced bottle.

Design & Presentation

Bulleit ’87 is presented in the brand’s iconic frontier-style bottle but distinguishes itself with a striking blue label—the first blue label in the Bulleit core range. The slanted label design aligns with Bulleit’s familiar aesthetic while signaling this new chapter in the lineup.

Maturation & Flavor Profile

This whiskey blends bourbon and rye components aged separately for a minimum of four years. The bourbon undergoes distillation and maturation in Shelbyville, Kentucky, while the rye is distilled and aged in Indiana before shipment to Shelbyville for finishing. Both components are finished with toasted American oak and French oak staves for four to six weeks in their original barrels. The final marriage occurs in Shelbyville, producing a bold, layered whiskey crafted to highlight the unique qualities of both styles.

Master Blender's Statement

Phil Gelineau, Whiskey R&D Manager at Bulleit, likened the blend to a cake: "The bourbon is your delicious sponge, the rye is like chocolate shavings on top, and the staves are the buttercream that brings it all together."

Jenika Newsum, Senior Brand Manager at Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, adds, "’87 unites bourbon and rye in one special bottle, balancing our signature bourbon sweetness with our rye spice."

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Caramel and brown sugar leading into warming baking spices and structured oak
• Palate: A balanced interplay of smooth bourbon sweetness and spicy rye character
• Finish: Layered and gentle with sweet-and-spicy warmth

Release & Availability

Bulleit Frontier Bulleit ’87 75 cl will be available through Spiritory from September 2026 at an approachable price point of $29.99 per 750ml bottle. This release adds a fresh dynamic to Bulleit's core range, complementing existing Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit 95 Rye expressions.