Are you a bourbon enthusiast looking to try a new brand? If so, you might be considering Woodford Reserve and Bulleit Bourbon. Both are popular brands with a long history of producing quality straight bourbon whiskey. But which one should you choose? In this article, we’ll compare the two brands to help you make an informed decision.
Woodford Reserve is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that has been around since the 1800s. It’s known for its smooth and balanced taste, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. On the other hand, Bulleit Bourbon is a relatively new brand, having been introduced in the 1990s. Despite this, it has quickly become a favorite among bourbon drinkers for its bold and spicy flavor. In the following paragraphs, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between these two brands, including their taste, price, and history.
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History of Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey’s History
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If you’re a bourbon whiskey lover, you’ve probably heard of Woodford Reserve. This premium small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. Woodford Reserve is produced in Woodford County, Kentucky, by the Brown-Forman Corporation.
The Woodford Reserve Distillery is located in Versailles, Kentucky, and is the oldest operating distillery in the United States. The distillery was originally known as the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery and was established in 1812. In the late 1800s, the distillery was purchased by Leopold Labrot and James Graham, who renamed it the Labrot & Graham Distillery.
In the 1940s, the distillery was sold to Brown-Forman, who eventually closed it down in the 1970s. However, in the 1990s, Brown-Forman decided to renovate and reopen the distillery, renaming it the Woodford Reserve Distillery. Today, the distillery produces a variety of bourbons, including Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Double Oaked, Rye Whiskey, Malt Whiskey, Wheat Whiskey, and Master’s Collection.
Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey’s History
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Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey is another popular bourbon whiskey brand that has a rich history. The brand was founded by Augustus Bulleit in the 1830s. Bulleit spent years perfecting his recipe, which uses a high proportion of rye grain to give it a unique palate.
In the late 1800s, the brand disappeared, and it wasn’t until the 1980s that Tom Bulleit, Augustus Bulleit’s great-great-grandson, decided to revive the brand. Tom partnered with Four Roses to produce the whiskey until 1997 when Diageo (now the owner of Bulleit) partnered with Tom to relaunch the brand.
In 2017, Bulleit opened its first dedicated distillery in Shelbyville, Kentucky, which produces a variety of bourbons, including Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey, Bulleit Rye, Bulleit Bourbon 10 year old, and Bulleit Bourbon Barrel Strength.
Production Process
Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey’s Production Process
When it comes to the production process, Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey is made using a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The production process starts with the selection of grains, which are sourced from local farmers in Kentucky. The grains are then ground into a fine powder and mixed with limestone-filtered water to create a mash.
The mash is then fermented using a proprietary yeast strain that has been carefully selected to produce a unique flavor profile. After fermentation, the mash is distilled in copper pot stills, which are designed to produce a high-quality spirit with a rich, complex flavor.
Once the spirit has been distilled, it is aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years. During the aging process, the whiskey takes on the flavors and aromas of the oak barrel, giving it a distinctive taste and character.
Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey’s Production Process
Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey is also made using traditional techniques, but with a few key differences. The production process starts with the selection of grains, which are sourced from local farmers in Kentucky. The grains are then ground into a fine powder and mixed with limestone-filtered water to create a mash.
The mash is then fermented using a proprietary yeast strain that has been carefully selected to produce a unique flavor profile. After fermentation, the mash is distilled in column stills, which are designed to produce a high-quality, smooth spirit.
Once the spirit has been distilled, it is aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of six years. During the aging process, the whiskey takes on the flavors and aromas of the oak barrel, giving it a distinctive taste and character.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, Woodford Reserve and Bulleit Bourbon have distinct differences that make them unique. Woodford Reserve has a softer, sweeter taste with notes of fruity apricot, vanilla, and oak. The balance between sweetness and oak spice is inviting, and this bottle leaves a smile on your face. On the other hand, Bulleit Bourbon is bolder and spicier with notes of orange and vanilla.
Woodford Reserve has a smoother finish, and the flavors linger on your tongue for a while. The taste is complex, with a hint of spice that blends well with the sweetness. Bulleit Bourbon has a more intense finish, and the flavors are more upfront. The spiciness is more pronounced, and it is best enjoyed with a splash of water or ice to tone down the intensity.
In terms of texture, Woodford Reserve has a velvety smoothness that coats your mouth, while Bulleit Bourbon has a more robust texture that can be described as chewy. The texture of both bourbons is enjoyable, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price Comparison
When it comes to comparing the prices of Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, the prices of both these bourbons can vary depending on where you live and where you buy them from. However, in general, Woodford Reserve is usually priced higher than Bulleit.
The average price of Bulleit Bourbon is around $27.99, while the average price of Woodford Reserve is around $52.99. This means that Woodford Reserve is almost twice as expensive as Bulleit.
However, it’s important to note that the prices of both these bourbons can vary depending on the specific product you’re buying. For example, Woodford Reserve releases special commemorative bottles for events like the Kentucky Derby, which can be more expensive than their regular bottles.
Another thing to consider is the packaging of these bourbons. Woodford Reserve’s packaging is designed to give it a more premium and desirable image, which can influence its price.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a bourbon with a higher rye content, then Bulleit Bourbon is the way to go. Its 28% rye content gives it a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the corn and the smoothness of the malted barley. On the other hand, if you prefer a bourbon with a lighter, cleaner taste, then Woodford Reserve is the better choice. Its triple-distilled process removes a lot of the flavors and textures, resulting in a more refined and delicate bourbon.
In the end, both Woodford Reserve and Bulleit Bourbon are excellent choices for bourbon lovers. Both offer unique flavors and aromas that will appeal to different palates, and both are priced reasonably.
