Today I’m diving into another side-by-side bourbon showdown: Woodford Reserve vs Bulleit bourbon. This one is particularly fun because it pits one of my favourite bourbons against one of John’s go-to bottles. Both are well-known Kentucky bourbons, easy to find, and have loyal followings for very different reasons.
But when poured side by side, which bourbon truly stands out? That’s exactly what we set out to discover during one of our relaxed summer tasting afternoons on the patio.
There’s something about tasting two bourbons next to each other that sharpens the experience. The sweetness becomes sweeter, the spice becomes bolder, and the small details suddenly jump out of the glass.
Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey
The history of Bulleit Bourbon starts with Augustus Bulleit, who created a whiskey recipe in Louisville, Kentucky, during the 1800s. His mash bill leaned heavily on rye, giving the whiskey a bold, spicy character unusual for the time.
More than a century later, Augustus Bulleit’s descendant, Tom Bulleit, revived the family recipe in 1987. After serving in the US Marine Corps and studying law, Tom decided to pursue his passion for whiskey and launched the modern Bulleit brand.
To qualify as bourbon, the mash bill was adjusted to approximately 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley. That high rye content is what gives Bulleit Bourbon its signature spice and distinctive edge.
The bottle design also deserves mention. Inspired by old medicine bottles from the 1800s, the raised lettering and skewed label give Bulleit a rugged, old-school charm that stands out on any whiskey shelf. Today, Diageo owns Bulleit and has become one of the most recognisable bourbon brands in the world.
Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey
The roots of Woodford Reserve trace back to 1797, when Elijah Pepper began producing whiskey in Kentucky. After his death, the distillery passed to his son, Oscar Pepper, who hired the Scottish chemist and physician, Dr James Crow, as head distiller.
Crow played a major role in shaping modern bourbon production by refining and championing the sour mash process, a technique still central to bourbon-making today.
After decades of changing ownership and eventual decline, Brown-Forman restored the distillery in the 1990s. In 2003, it officially became the Woodford Reserve Distillery.
Woodford Reserve uses a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. It is also triple distilled, which is unusual for bourbon, and entered into the barrel at a lower proof than many competitors. The whiskey then matures for at least 6 years, developing a softer, more rounded character.
Woodford Reserve vs Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey
| Bulleit Bourbon | Woodford Reserve Bourbon | |
|---|---|---|
| ABV | 45% | 43.2% |
| Type | Bourbon whiskey | Bourbon whiskey |
| Mashbill | 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malt |
| Colour | Light amber | Clear honey amber |
| Nose | Quite spicy, lacking the more traditional bourbon sweetness. Some sweetness reminiscent of sticky toffee pudding and vanilla bean. After standing for a while, some caramel comes through. | Honey sweetness with apricots and oranges. There are bits of condensed milk richness mixed with vanilla and hints of spices. |
| Palate | Loads of spice, but is not overwhelmingly spicy. After the initial spice, there are notes of toffee caramel and vanilla with a bit of wood and orange floating about. Freshly baked sugar biscuits. Water brings sweetness forward. | Oak and sweetness perfectly balanced with a bit of apricot and cinnamon spiciness. Notes of tangy winter fruits and vanilla mixed with toffee. Creamy and smooth with a full body and a satisfying mouthfeel |
| Finish | Long and lingering, it stays with you long after finishing the glass. Notes of mild spice and hints of oak. | Long and lingering and ends in notes of sweet spices |
| My Rating | Excellent | Excellent |
| Comments | It's a rich, chewy mouthful of bourbon. Bold character | Smooth with a great balance between sweet and spicy. |
| Pairs well with | Bacon, spicy BBQ chicken wings | Aged Parmesan cheese, dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, Hawaiian Pizza |
This is where things became interesting. Side by side, the contrast between these two bourbons is immediately obvious. While Bulleit leans into bold spice, Woodford Reserve focuses on balance and refinement.
The Woodford Reserve bourbon opens with inviting aromas of vanilla, toasted oak, and dried fruit. On the palate, it is smooth, rich, and beautifully balanced. Notes of apricot, caramel, vanilla, and gentle spice work together effortlessly.
On the other hand, the Bulleit bourbon takes a very different approach. The higher rye content delivers a punchier and more aggressive flavour profile. Orange peel, pepper, baking spice, vanilla, and charred oak dominate the palate.
The mouthfeel of Woodford Reserve is softer and creamier than Bulleit’s, making it an exceptionally easy bourbon to sip neat. There is enough oak influence to provide depth, but it never overwhelms the sweeter notes. The Bulleit feels leaner, spicier, and more energetic than Woodford Reserve.
The finish on the Bulleit is long, warming, and carries a dry spice that lingers beautifully. The finish on the Woodford Reserve is sweeter and has a bit more oak. John absolutely loves this bourbon, and I can understand why. Bulleit has a memorable character that cuts through immediately and makes a strong impression from the very first sip.
Which Bourbon Is Better?
The answer depends entirely on your palate. If you enjoy a softer, sweeter, and more balanced bourbon, then Woodford Reserve is probably the better choice. It is elegant, approachable, and wonderfully smooth.
If you prefer a bolder bourbon with more spice and energy, Bulleit Bourbon delivers exactly that. The high rye mash bill gives it a punchy personality that stands out beautifully in cocktails or when enjoyed neat.
For me, Woodford Reserve still edges ahead thanks to its balance and richness. Thankfully, John firmly prefers Bulleit bourbon, so I rarely have to share my bottle of Woodford Reserve.
That said, both deserve a place on a proper whiskey shelf. Both these releases retail in the affordable category, and I frequently see them on special on Amazon.
If you enjoyed this comparison, I’ve also explored how Woodford Rye compares to Bulleit Rye and how both stack up against Buffalo Trace in another side-by-side tasting.
Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Woodford Reserve
Next to my Fav Jim Beam, Woodford Res. is my next go to. Normally more expensive everywhere. Known to be more of a high glass Bourbon or a fad not sure. Smell is great with always a great finish.
These were both the next level Bourbons for me once I got beyond Jack. I love them both equally. Just depends on my tastes for the night. I’m also a huge fan of Whistle Pig which I stumbled upon at a BBQ joint with a legit bourbon collection. And if you want to slum it with your Q, I love me a Dickle Rye or #12 with a pickle back. It’s like candy.