Nestled in the heart of bourbon country, Bulleit Distilling Co. is a testament to the rich history and tradition of Kentucky's bourbon industry. Founded by Tom Bulleit in 1987, the distillery has quickly risen to prominence thanks to its unique high-rye recipes and commitment to quality. Bulleit Distilling Co. is a must-visit for any bourbon nerd, located in Shelbyville on the world-famous Bourbon Trail.

Bulleit's roots can be traced back to the mid-1800s when Augustus Bulleit first began crafting his iconic high-rye bourbon. Fast forward to today, and Bulleit has become a household name, known for its bold flavors and distinctive bottles with its intentionally crooked label.

Stepping into the Bulleit Distilling Co. visitor center, I was immediately struck by the blend of modern aesthetics and historical charm. The distillery's sleek, industrial design integrates well with the rolling hills of Kentucky.

My tour began with a warm welcome from our guide, who shared fun anecdotes about the distillery's founding and its evolution over the years. We then hopped on an eco-friendly bus to the distillery itself. Bulleit prides itself in its sustainability initiatives. In 2020, they pledged to plant 2.5 million trees. But they've already surpassed that goal and are going strong!

Once we arrived at the distillery itself, we were treated to an informative tour from our guide through the museum-like property. We learned about the history of bourbon, Bulleit's unique high-rye mash bill, and their distilling process.

The highlight, of course, is the tasting experience.

Bulleit Distilling Tasting Experience

Now, I've had my fair share of tasting experiences, and I truly love whiskey. I may be a girl from Yankeeland, but I can enjoy a glass of whiskey as much as the next cowboy. This was one of my favorite tastings to date.

Bulleit works to create an experience that works with all five senses. In addition to taste, they lower the lights, play some soothing music, and even provide different scents to pair with each tasting.

First, the guide had you sip the whiskey. Then, he had you smell the paired scent and take a sip. It was a completely different experience. While you're only tasting four whiskeys, it feels like you're trying eight.

The tasting was creative and fun and truly brought out the flavors of each whiskey. Bulleit's unique high-rye mash bill is evident in every sip, with bold and spicy notes that make it stand out from other bourbons. I had a blast, and I'd highly suggest it to anyone looking for a tasting on the Bourbon Trail.

After your tasting, you’re free to browse the giftshop and enjoy some drinks (like a whiskey slushie!) in the tasting room for as long as you please.