Bulleit Bourbon is a high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon, and it is poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. We keep it on our list because its bright, peppery character makes it a natural companion to the bold, rustic flavors of our Mediterranean kitchen — a bourbon that wakes up a meal rather than weighing it down. (You may notice our menu spells it "Bulliet"; the bottle in the glass is Bulleit.)
About the Distillery
Bulleit traces its name to a family recipe revived in 1987 by Tom Bulleit, who set out to make a bourbon defined by a generous proportion of rye. The brand is owned today by Diageo, and Bulleit has built a distillery in Shelby County, Kentucky to carry the recipe forward. From its frontier-era origins to its modern home in the heart of bourbon country, it has become one of America’s most recognizable high-rye expressions.
Style & Mash Bill
This is a high-rye bourbon, built on a generously rye-forward mash bill. That elevated rye content is the signature of the style: it lends a spicy, structured backbone that sets Bulleit apart from sweeter, corn-forward bourbons. Like all bourbon, it is aged in new charred American oak, which gives it its color and its notes of vanilla and toasted wood.
Tasting Notes
Expect a nose of vanilla, oak and a clear thread of rye spice. The palate is medium-bodied and lively, with caramel and dried fruit balanced by pepper, cinnamon and a touch of clove. The finish is dry and warming, with that rye spice lingering — a bourbon with enough backbone to stand up to rich, savory food.
What to Pair It With
The rye spice in Bulleit loves a hearty plate. Pour it alongside our American Wagyu Steaks, where the bourbon’s pepper meets the richness of the beef, or with our Sicilian Meatballs for a cozy, spice-forward match. It is also a fine partner to the Charcuterie Board. Browse the full dine-in menu to build your evening.
How It’s Served at Grappa
Bulleit Bourbon is poured at $13, served neat or over a single large rock to gently open up its aromatics.
FAQ
Where is it from?
Bulleit Bourbon is a Kentucky straight bourbon, owned by Diageo, with roots in a family recipe revived by Tom Bulleit in 1987.
What does it taste like?
It offers vanilla and oak with a clear thread of rye spice, then caramel and dried fruit balanced by pepper and cinnamon, finishing dry and warming.
Is it a high-rye or wheated bourbon?
It is a high-rye bourbon, built on a generously rye-forward mash bill, which gives it its signature spicy backbone.
When you’re ready, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.
