Today we go head-to-head with two value ryes, Bulleit 95 and Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond. Bulleit comes from the company Diageo and is distilled by MGP while Rittenhouse is made and distilled by Heaven Hill. From Bulleit “Bulleit Frontier Whiskey portfolio is distilled and aged in the Bulleit family tradition, using a distinctive high rye recipe, which gives them a bold, spicy, yet distinctively smooth taste.” From Rittenhouse “Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky has a storied past with a heritage that commemorates Philadelphia’s famous Rittenhouse Square. Bottled-in-Bond, today’s Rittenhouse carries the distinct, spicy flavor that is long associated with the brand.” We were not able to determine what Bulleit means by Frontier Whiskey.
Both of these sell for under $35 with Rittenhouse sometimes coming in under $30. Both are widely available almost anywhere liquor is sold. Bulleit is 95% rye (hence the name) with 5% malted barley, while Rittenhouse is 51% rye, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley. There is no age statement on either bottle or either website, even though we know Rittenhouse has to be at least 4 years old. Bulleit is 90 proof and Rittenhouse is 100 proof. Rittenhouse is also Bottled in Bond which means it is one distillation period, by one distiller at one distillery, and aged in a federally bonded warehouse. It also must be at least 4 years old and 100 proof.
Talking Bourbon has long been a fan of ryes in general and of these ryes in particular. Both are affordable and make good cocktails. Having said that we have never sat down and had a tasting of both of them side by side. That ends today. We also welcome back Frank as a guest taster.
NOSE
Frank: Bulleit has mild aromas of light caramel, cedar, and a kind of refined sugar scent. With the Rittenhouse, I get rye, and imitation vanilla.
Todd: Bulleit has a very unique nose of strong rye with a little leather, grass and sweet tea. Rittenhouse is more subtle with slight aromas of rye, fruit, bread and some sweetness.
Matt: Bulleit smells nice with caramel, cake, and vanilla leading the way in front of rye and corn. Not too complex, but at this price, who cares? Rittenhouse has a good nose, but nothing really jumps out. A little vanilla, some rye, apple, butterscotch, and cedar.
TASTE
Frank: Bulleit is not overly complex, but tasty with spicy pepper and some grain. Also get a hint of toffee. Rittenhouse has the same pepper taste though not as spicy, also get more rye from it.
Todd: Bulleit loses its sweetness that I got on the nose and replaced that with pepper and fruit along with strong rye. Rittenhouse is very smooth for being 100 proof. Rye is the prominent flavor with fruit, grain, pepper, and a slight nuttiness as secondary tastes.
Matt: With Bulleit, I taste pepper, rye, and spice upfront followed by dark cherries, like cherry pie, also get a touch of vanilla. For Rittenhouse, the fruit takes a back seat to the rye, spice, and caramel. I still pick up the apple that I got on the nose along with a slight oily feel in the mouth.
FINISH
Frank: Bulleit has a medium finish with some more spice, Rittenhouse has a medium-long finish with some sweetness.
Todd: Bulleit has a medium-long finish with a slight bit of mint. Rittenhouse has a long finish with a bit of spice.
Matt: Bulleit has a medium finish with some citrus and a buttery feel. Rittenhouse also has a medium finish with some wood and pepper.
OVERALL
Frank: I’d be happy to drink Bullet any day and would never judge another for doing the same. It punches above its weight class. Rittenhouse is a good everyday drink.
Todd: I think both are very good for the price, probably prefer Bulleit if drinking neat, but I think Rittenhouse, being 100 proof, makes for a better cocktail.
Matt: As for Bulleit, I love the stuff and I always keep it on my shelf and always will unless they change it. Rittenhouse, for the price, is a good drink. I especially like it in cocktails like an old fashion or Manhatten.
Nose for Bulleit, 4.25 out of 5. For Rittenhouse, 3.50 out of 5.
Taste for Bulleit, 8 out of 10. For Rittenhouse, 7.5 out of 10.
Nose for Bulleit, 4.5 out of 5. For Rittenhouse, 4 out of 5.
Total score for Bulleit-16.5 out of 20 barrels, for Rittenhouse-16 out of 20 barrels.
Seems that you can’t go wrong with either of these two ryes. Are they the best ryes we have tasted? No, not even close, but they might be the two best at the under $40 mark. And while we correctly predicted the outcome, that both would be good, it was a blast sitting around and trying them. We have Bulleit with a slight edge in the nose and if drinking neat, while Rittenhouse, with the stronger proof, a better candidate for cocktails.
Final verdict, both Bulleit 95 Rye and Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond Rye are great buys. If you haven’t tried either one, we recommend going out and getting a bottle, heck at these prices, get a bottle of both.