I have not done a side-by-side whiskey comparison in months, and I have to admit, it has been a lot of fun getting back into it. Today, I am putting the Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye head-to-head to see how these two popular American rye whiskeys compare.
Earlier this year, I reviewed Woodford Reserve Rye and immediately knew it would make a fantastic comparison bottle. Rye whiskey is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, and both Woodford Reserve Rye and Bulleit Rye are readily available, reasonably priced, and highly regarded by whiskey enthusiasts.
So, how do they stack up against each other? Is one clearly better, or do they simply appeal to different palates? Let’s find out.
Bulleit Rye Whiskey
The Bulleit name traces its roots back to Augustus Bulleit, who began producing bourbon in Kentucky during the 1830s. His goal was to create a whiskey with a distinctive flavour profile, and he experimented extensively with mash bills until he found a recipe he believed stood out from the crowd.
Production ceased following his death in 1860, but the family legacy lived on. More than a century later, his great-great-grandson, Tom Bulleit, revived the family name and launched the modern Bulleit brand in 1987.
Today, Diageo owns the brand, and it is instantly recognisable thanks to its old-fashioned medicine bottle design. Bulleit Rye was introduced in 2011 and quickly became a favourite among bartenders and rye whiskey fans.
One reason for its popularity is its mash bill. Bulleit Rye whiskey contains an impressive 95% rye and 5% malted barley, making it one of the spiciest and most rye-forward whiskeys in its price range.s green.
Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey
Woodford Reserve is part of the Brown-Forman portfolio and is produced at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery in Kentucky. The rye expression was launched in 2015 as the third permanent addition to the Woodford Reserve core range.
Unlike many modern rye whiskeys that push rye content as high as possible, Woodford Reserve Rye whiskey takes inspiration from pre-Prohibition recipes. Its mash bill consists of 53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malted barley. It is a no age statement release.
This higher corn content creates a softer, sweeter style of rye whiskey that bridges the gap between bourbon and traditional rye. For bourbon drinkers looking to explore rye whiskey, Woodford Reserve Rye is often an excellent introduction.
Like the flagship bourbon, it comes in the familiar Woodford Reserve bottle, distinguished by its green label.
Also Read: Ardbeg Wee Beastie vs Ardbeg 10 year old Whisky
Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye Whiskey
| Bulleit Rye Whiskey | Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rye whiskey | Rye whiskey |
| Mashbill | 95% rye and 5% malted barley | 53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malt |
| ABV | 45% | 45.2% |
| Colour | Light golden caramel | Polished copper |
| Nose | Sweet and fresh. Cherries and vanilla with hints of grain and toasted oak. Subtle rye spices with hints of cinnamon and cloves. | Caramel sweetness, fresh green orchid fruit, cereal and toasted wood. The traditional rye spice notes with hints of black pepper. Elegant and soft. |
| Palate | Caramel sweetness followed by fresh fruit and green herbs before the spicy notes. Overripe cherries, dry roasted peanuts and crunchy grain. Then follows the rye spice mixed with vanilla, cinnamon and hints of pepper and cloves. Water brings more orange notes forward. | Rye spices mixed with fresh fruit, green grass and black pepper. Bits of honey and bourbon vanilla with a butterscotch note. Toasted oak, green herbs with bits of orange. Medium body that is soft and oily. Water softens the rye spice notes, and it is delicious without water. Not the boldest rye, but an outstanding balance between the rye spice and sweet fruity notes. |
| Finish | A spicy rye finish with cinnamon, allspice and vanilla. Medium length. Warming. | Medium length with oaky notes, pepper and caramel sweetness. Something green in the background. |
| My Rating | Excellent | Excellent |
On the nose, the differences between these two whiskeys become apparent immediately. Bulleit Rye delivers an assertive nose packed with black pepper, cinnamon, clove, mint, and rye spice. There is also a noticeable sweetness underneath, bringing notes of cherry, vanilla, and caramel.
Woodford Reserve Rye presents a softer and more balanced aroma. Sweet orchard fruits, honey, caramel, and gentle baking spices dominate, with less emphasis on peppery rye characteristics.
On the palate, the Bulleit Rye continues its bold approach. The high rye content creates an explosion of pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and herbal notes. There is sweetness present, but the spice remains the star of the show.
The Woodford Reserve Rye takes a different route. The mouthfeel feels slightly richer and sweeter, offering flavours of dried fruit, caramel, toffee, vanilla, and light oak. The spice is there, but it plays a supporting role rather than leading the performance. The contrast between the mash bills is remarkably easy to identify in a side-by-side tasting.
Bulleit Rye finishes long, warming, and spicy. The pepper and cinnamon notes linger for quite some time, making it a whiskey that leaves a lasting impression. Woodford Reserve Rye has a shorter but sweeter finish, with notes of oak, caramel, and gentle spice fading gradually.
Value for Money
One of the biggest considerations is price. In my local liquor store, the Bulleit Rye costs slightly more than the Woodford Reserve Rye. While prices vary from country to country, the difference can be substantial enough to influence buying decisions. On Amazon, it is the other way around: the Bulleit Rye is cheaper than the Woodford Reserve Rye.
Which Works Better in Cocktails?
If you enjoy classic whiskey cocktails, the answer largely depends on what you are making. The Bulleit Rye excels in drinks such as a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Sazerac. Its bold spice profile cuts through other ingredients, ensuring the whiskey remains the star of the cocktail.
The Woodford Reserve Rye creates a softer, slightly sweeter cocktail experience. It still works wonderfully in classic rye-based drinks but offers a more approachable flavour profile that many bourbon drinkers will appreciate.
Final Verdict: Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye
This Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye comparison highlights two excellent examples of modern American rye whiskey, but they cater to different drinkers. If you love bold spice, pepper, cinnamon, and a classic rye profile, Bulleit Rye is the clear winner. Its 95% rye mash bill delivers exactly what rye enthusiasts are looking for and makes it an outstanding cocktail whiskey.
However, my personal preference remains Woodford Reserve Rye. I enjoy its sweeter, more balanced profile and the way it bridges the gap between bourbon and rye. It is approachable, versatile, and offers excellent value for money.
That said, there is absolutely room for both bottles on a whiskey shelf. Woodford Reserve Rye is perfect for those beginning their rye whiskey journey, while Bulleit Rye is ideal for drinkers who want maximum spice and complexity. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a quality bottle from two of the biggest names in American whiskey.
If you enjoy rye whiskey comparisons, be sure to check out my head-to-head review of Bulleit Rye vs Sazerac Rye to see how another popular contender performs.
Also Read: Sazerac Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey
That was a really useful comparison, thank you. Here in Spain, where I am, the Bulleit Rye (at €30) is actually slightly cheaper than the Woodford (at €35), so I assume the pricing switch with SA is mostly due to distribution/distributor markup etc.
I was curious if you had tried them both in the classic Manhattan cocktail, and how you found them. So far I’ve tried the Bulleit Rye, and it gives a spicier, edgier note to the cocktail than with the standard Bulleit Bourbon (€24 here). But I haven’t tried the Woodford yet.
Thanks again for writing the comparison