Bulleit introduced 95 Rye Frontier Whiskey as a permanent line extension in 2011. Despite being produced by MGP Ingredients, Bulleit has a unique agreement with the company for them to produce rye whiskey using a proprietary recipe. Bulleit also controls barrel maturation, which is done at MGP and Bulleit’s warehouses. Bulleit 95 Rye 10 Year, or “Bulleit Rye 10 Year” as it is typically referred to, is now a permanent extension of Bulleit’s rye brand. The oft-used “95” refers to the 95% rye in its mashbill.

The aroma is rich with cherry, raspberry, and red apple scents. Thanks to cinnamon and nutmeg, it also gives off a degree of warmth. A mix of seasoned and toasted oak wraps up the aroma with a satisfying conclusion. It’s not overly complex, but this is a case where it doesn’t need to be, as it maximizes the scents it has to satisfying results.

Typical bold rye notes take a backseat to an upfront surge of pear, pineapple, and cherry. This unexpected yet delightful surprise immediately sets a welcoming tone. The palate is soft and slightly creamy, inviting the drinker in with its approachableness. With additional touches of leather and mild oak, the palate comes together nicely. There’s some faint dill on its backside, but it is quickly drowned out by the encroaching flavors of the finish.

The finish veers in a different direction, but one that nicely contrasts the palate. A richer, seasoned oak unravels against bitter apple, cinnamon, and developing rye spice. This is all layered against vanilla and finishes with stewed apples. It is quite manageable at all times, with the rush of rye spice merely enhancing the baking-related spices that are already present. Overall, its bitter note notwithstanding, it is a satisfying end that nicely contrasts the rest of the sip.

Back in 2019, when Diageo first released Bulleit 95 Rye 12 Year Old, it was a shocking unveiling as double-digit aged ryes were a rarity. The release didn’t last long and disappeared from store shelves as the stock ran dry. Then, in what felt like overnight, it entered mythical status, and secondary prices increased quickly. Five years later, Diageo surprised everyone by bringing back the release, though double-digit aged rye availability in the market was now on the rise. But like in 2019, Bulleit 95 Rye 12 Year Old was a limited release again, and now, as stock begins to disappear, Bulleit 95 Rye 10 Year Old was introduced to take its place as an ongoing product.

Being an MGP-sourced whiskey, plenty of rye drinkers probably know what to expect, as MGP-produced ryes are everywhere in the marketplace. But Bulleit has always had a unique relationship with Diageo, and like what we saw with the Bulleit Rye 12 Year Old, they have a knack for releasing good stock.

The 2 year difference between the 10 and 12 Year releases is quite surprising. They are far from carbon copies, and a strong case could be made that they are from entirely different companies. The 12 Year wears its age on its sleeve, so to speak, as age notes are prevalent throughout its sip. The 10 Year, however, is surprising in its overall brightness, thanks to the fruity notes found in its nose and palate. Even its finish doesn't showcase its age, and instead focuses on a deepening of flavor and overall balance. Outside of its rush of acute fruit notes, Bulleit 95 Rye 10 Year Old doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it is one of the better showcases of aged rye from MGP currently available.

A decade-old rye for $50 is a great deal, no matter what. There are some releases that are close to this stat line of cost and age but don’t quite reach it, like Bulleit Rye 10 Year Old does. Comparing it to 2024’s Bulleit Rye 12 Year Old, which was $55 at release, it seems evident Diageo didn’t have a clear pricing structure at the time of its release. Though that diversion of price should discount the overall great value Bulleit Rye 10 Year Old is at $50, it just further proves how underpriced the 12 year old rye really was.

Compared to other 10 year old ryes on the market, the Canadian-made WhistlePig 10 Year Rye is $70, Knob Creek 10 Year Rye is $75, Old Overholt Cask Strength Rye 10 Year is $100, Michter’s 10 Year Rye is $200, but the more direct comparison, the MGP-sourced, 104 proof Templeton 10 Year Rye, is $85. Given the quality of the sip Bulleit Rye 10 Year Old delivers and its price point, it is an excellent value in today’s market.

Some may balk at Bulleit Rye 10 Year Old as just being another MGP-sourced rye. Sure, it doesn't offer the degree of unique qualities other ryes offer, but its overall quality and enjoyable flavors are hard to beat. Compared to other ryes on the market, it’s very approachable, and many rye-haters may even find something to love. With its mix of fruit-forward nose and palate, baking spices at the midpoint, and a developing oak, stewed apple, and rye spice finish, Bulleit Rye 10 Year Old is surprisingly dynamic. Thanks to Diageo’s relationship with MGP, they can offer Bulleit Rye 10 Year Old at a price point no other brand can match in today’s market. When Bulleit Rye 12 Year Old eventually dries up and disappears from the store shelves, Bulleit Rye 10 Year Old shouldn’t be seen as a consolation prize, but one rye drinkers should celebrate and grab hold of. Though it has shortcomings, mainly its bitter apple finish, it gets a lot right, and its price is impossible to ignore.