Bulleit Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a high-rye bourbon known for its bold, spice-forward character. Its mash bill leans heavy on rye roughly 68% corn, 28% rye, 4% malted barley which is why the pour drinks drier and peppery next to sweeter, corn-heavy bourbons. Bottled at 90 proof, it shows an amber color, oak and vanilla on the nose, and a palate that runs from toffee to black pepper and light oak spice. The finish is long and clean, with the rye lingering. That backbone is what makes it a workhorse in cocktails: it holds its own in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan without disappearing under bitters and vermouth. Just as good over a single large cube.