Bulleit Distilling Company has announced the release of its oldest rye whiskey to date: the Bulleit 20-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey. Limited to just 1,776 bottles, this cask-strength offering boasts an impressive 137 proof. Crafted from a 95% rye mashbill and aged for two decades, this whiskey promises to deliver the rich spice and complexity that fans have come to expect from the Bulleit brand.

Historically, rye whiskey has played a significant role in American drinking culture. It was a dominant spirit before bourbon gained popularity. Its distinct flavor profile—spicy and robust—was enjoyed in colonial taverns across the northeastern U.S. However, following Prohibition, rye whiskey’s presence diminished until distilleries like Bulleit revived interest in this storied spirit in the early 21st century.

As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, the revival of rye whiskey serves as a reminder of the country’s deep-rooted distilling history. In the early 2010s, Bulleit contributed significantly to the resurgence of rye, introducing bartenders to a spicier, more structured whiskey for cocktails.

Nicole Austin, the director of liquid development at Bulleit’s parent company Diageo, meticulously selected the barrels for this whiskey to ensure they preserved the essence of rye even after lengthy aging. During her search, she focused on finding barrels that maintained the grain’s brightness and spice, avoiding excessive oak influence that could dull the whiskey’s character.

Tasting notes for the Bulleit 20-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey reveal a nose rich with fruit and cream layered over polished leather, clove, maple spice, and soft vanilla. On the palate, it is semisweet, with clove at its core surrounded by ripe fruit, leather, and warm spices, finishing with a lasting complexity shaped by its two decades in barrel.

Bulleit’s latest offering will be available starting in July at their distillery and select cities, with a suggested retail price of $299. This whiskey not only showcases the intricate flavors of rye but also acknowledges the historical importance of this spirit in American culture.