Bulleit 95 Rye Aged 12 Years Straight American Rye Whiskey 750ml

Bulleit 95 Rye 12 Year is the aged, limited release expression of America's number one selling rye whiskey, distilled by MGP Ingredients in Lawrenceburg, Indiana under a longstanding proprietary agreement with the Bulleit Distilling Company and matured in select barrels at both MGP and Bulleit's own warehouses for a minimum of 12 years. The mash bill is the iconic Bulleit Rye recipe of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, the same heavy rye content that helped define the modern American rye revival when Bulleit launched the standard 95 Rye Frontier Whiskey in 2011. Originally released in 2019 as the brand's first line extension, Bulleit 12 Year Rye sold through quickly and quietly disappeared, before being revived as a limited release in 2024 incorporating select barrels aged up to 17 years. Bottled at 46% ABV and 92 proof, the result is a deeper, oakier, more developed take on Bulleit's signature rye, with the bright green tea, mint, and orange peel of the standard expression now layered with old wood, leather, dried herbs, and lingering rye spice. A genuine value play in the aged rye category, and a sought after limited bottling for both collectors and serious rye drinkers.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep amber to warm copper, noticeably richer than the standard Bulleit Rye.

Nose: Dusty old rye and bubblegum lead, layered with caramel, mint, oak, and bright orange peel. Cracked pepper, herbal spice, clove, and ginger build with time in the glass.

Palate: Mint lemonade and shortbread up front, joined by pine, melon, and pineapple, with rye spice arriving a beat later. Brown sugar and butterscotch carry the mid palate, with the age showing through deeper oak and a fuller mouthfeel than the standard 95 Rye.

Finish: Long with musty oak, leather, cinnamon, and lingering rye spice. Spearmint and a touch of tropical fruit echo on the back end, with the wood influence delivering the kind of complexity only extended aging produces.

FAQ

What does the 95 in Bulleit 95 Rye mean?
The 95 refers to the percentage of rye in the mash bill: 95% rye and 5% malted barley. This high rye content was uncommon when Bulleit launched the 95 Rye in 2011 and helped trigger the modern American rye whiskey revival. Today the recipe is one of the most influential mash bills in the category.

Where is Bulleit 12 Year Rye distilled?
Bulleit Rye is sourced from MGP Ingredients in Lawrenceburg, Indiana under a longstanding proprietary relationship between Diageo and MGP. Bulleit retains control over barrel maturation, with aging happening at both MGP's facility and Bulleit's own warehouses in Kentucky.

Is Bulleit 12 Year Rye a limited release?
Yes. The 12 Year was originally released in 2019, sold through, and was quietly discontinued. It returned as a limited release in 2024 with select barrels aged up to 17 years from the same stock. Availability is limited and varies by market, making this a sought after bottling.

How does Bulleit 12 Year compare to other aged ryes?
Bulleit 12 Year Rye sits in the same age range as Templeton 10 Year Rye and Knob Creek Limited Edition Rye, but at a notably softer 92 proof versus higher proof competitors. It is widely regarded as one of the best value plays in the aged rye category, undercutting many comparable bottlings on price while delivering similar age and complexity.

Where can I buy Bulleit 12 Year Rye online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.