Bulleit Debuts '87, a New Blend of Bourbon and Rye

The new whiskey, bottled at 90 proof, bridges the gap between the distillery's flagship bourbon and its 95 Rye. Production begins in Shelbyville, Kentucky, where the bourbon is distilled and aged, while the rye is sourced from Indiana. Both spirits undergo a four-year aging process before being finished with toasted staves for four to six weeks. Phil Gelineau, Whiskey R&D Manager, likened the complex flavor profile to a layered cake, where the bourbon provides the base, rye adds spice, and the stave-finishing acts as a binding, buttercream-like element.

Sporting a distinctive blue label, the bottle is positioned as a premium but accessible option with a suggested retail price of $29.99. To support the national rollout in September 2026, the brand is launching a 15-city sampling tour. These events will pair the spirit with local culinary dishes to highlight its versatility. The release signals a push to maintain the brand’s reputation for high-rye, bold profiles while leveraging the creative influence of the bartending community that originally pushed for the creation of the 95 Rye expression.