Bulleit Explores Smoked Barley in New Experimental Bourbon Release

by Francis Moses

Monday, 09 March 2026 at 17:36StockTitan

Bulleit has launched a new bourbon which surprises a lot. Instead of the standard mash bill, this bourbon is made with a completely different recipe. The new Bulleit Bourbon Mesquite Smoked Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is experimental and might surprise even the biggest bourbon lover around.

Bulleit is experimenting with recipes

The bourbon was made in 2018. After it was made it was aged for six years until 2025. This bourbon is the first in a series of bourbons that use different recipes.

One of the things about this bourbon is the strange mix of grains used to make it. This bourbon does not use rye, which's what most Bulleit bourbons use. Instead it is made with 65% corn, 30% mesquite-smoked malt and 5% malted barley.

The mesquite-smoked malt gives the bourbon a flavor that is sweeter and smokier than the usual spicy taste of Bulleit bourbon.

Natural smokiness in bourbon

The newly used grain gives the bourbon it's smoky flavours. The barley is smoked over mesquite wood. Then it's added to the mix of grains. The smoked grain is added at the beginning. The flavor develops naturally during the fermentation and distillation processes.

Once the fermentation process starts the bourbon is made using Bulleits method and aged in Kentucky.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Aromas of caramelised sugar, warm mesquite smoke and a hint of light oak.
Taste: Sweet vanilla and toasted oak, with a subtle note of barbecue pit smoke.
Finish: Light, and lingering, delivering smoky tones.

Where is this experimental bourbon to be found?

The whiskey was bottled at 46.5% ABV (93 proof) in a one-time limited run.

The Bulleit bourbon is for sale in the United States for 49,99 dollars at select retailers and online platforms, such as ReserveBar and TheBar.com. If the bottle will be for sale outside of the US is not clear.

FAQ

What is Bulleit Mesquite Smoked Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon?
It is a limited edition Bulleit bourbon made with mesquite-smoked malt instead of rye. The bourbon follows the rules of Kentucky bourbon but it has a smoky twist that is different from the usual Bulleit style.
What grains are used in Bulleit Mesquite Smoked Malt Bourbon?
The mix of grains is 65% corn, 30% mesquite-smoked malt and 5% malted barley. This unusual mix of grains gives the bourbon an slightly smoky flavor.
Where can you buy Bulleit Mesquite Smoked Malt Bourbon?
You can buy the limited edition bourbon in the United States at some stores. Online at places, like ReserveBar and TheBar.com while they still have it.