Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Bulleit is Releasing a Barrel Proof Frontier Whiskey

by Alexander Frane on May 9, 2017 in Liquor

Whiskey fans have a new reason to celebrate: Bulleit, for the first time, is releasing a barrel proof bottle of its famous bourbon. First released in April of 2017 in Tom Bulleit’s home state of Kentucky with only 5,000 cases available, it was difficult to come by for anyone not in The Bluegrass State. Now, the Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey, as it’s being called, is coming to eight other states: Texas, California, New York, Illinois, Colorado, Oregon, Ohio, and Washington, D.C.

The bourbon is the same mash bill as the classic Bulleit Bourbon, with a high rye content that gives it its telltale spice: 2/3 corn to 1/3 rye. Instead of the usual 90 proof (45%), the barrel proof is around 120 to 125, depending on the bottle. Like its progenitor, the overproof bourbon is rich and smooth (especially for the alcohol level), with notes of vanilla, nutmeg, oak, and toffee, though it’s drier and spicier.

Like the original Bulleit, the Frontier Whiskey is being designed with bartenders in mind, as well as in response to consumers’ growing preference for overproof spirits, Diageo National Educator Douglas Kragel told The Drink Nation. Normally, bourbon is diluted before bottling to bring the alcohol down to a specific amount, often 80 proof or 100 proof for bonded whiskeys. But by transferring the spirits directly from the barrel to the bottle, Bulleit has “given the moment of dilution back to the bartender and the consumer,” says Kragel. The additional heat, spice, and dryness means it’s easy to work with in drinks like an old-fashioned, and perfectly stands up to the crushed ice and sugar in a mint julep.

The release of the barrel proof coincides with the opening of Bulleit’s first distillery in spring of 2017, the product having been made in other distilleries previously. Given the long barrel aging time, it might be a while before we see any Bulleit products made entirely at the new distillery.

Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey’s suggested retail is $59.99 for a 750 ml bottle.

Photo via Alexander Frane 

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Center City District will close the streets allowing pedestrians to enjoy outdoor seating, music, and activiti...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Sep 6, 2024
Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

We've rounded up all of the must-stop spots for sipping spirits by the beach, whether your vibe is dark and sexy or vibrant and divey....read more ›

by Drink Philly Aug 26, 2024
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

This time on Behind the Bar, we interview bartender and bar manager Jillian Moore of My Loup. We chat with her about her cocktail menu, the effects of...read more ›

by Drink Philly May 13, 2024
Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare is the newest endeavor by Chef Townsend Wentz, located at 2121 Walnut Street, near Rittenhouse Square...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 22, 2024
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

We've got your definitive list of where to drink outside in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling is transforming their fourth floor space into a secret garden to celebrate Earth Day, ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Last year, Dizengoff and Abe Fisher decided to join forces and embark on an exciting new chapter. After closin...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 5, 2024
Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

In this installment of Behind the Bar, we sit down with bartender Tom Foy of Butcher Bar...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar is the newest addition to the growing Listening Room trend in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close