Bulleit Frontier Whiskey announced the launch of Bulleit Bourbon Mesquite Smoked Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a limited-time release made with an experimental mashbill that explores new frontiers in bourbon-making.

This marks the first time a Bulleit Bourbon has removed rye from the recipe, reflecting the brand’s spirit to do things differently, the company says. The new bourbon delivers a flavor profile of sweet vanilla, caramelized sugar, warm mesquite smoke and oak,  it adds. 

Bulleit Bourbon Mesquite Smoked Malt is made with 65% corn, 30% mesquite smoked malt, and 5% malted barley. Bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV), the higher proof point allows the liquid to deliver more depth and intensity, letting the smoky and malty notes shine, the company says.

“It’s important to note that while this release is a first-of-its-kind spirit for the brand, it is not a flavored whiskey,” said Phil Gelineau, whiskey R&D manager at Bulleit, in a statement. “The subtle smokiness comes from the mesquite wood-smoked malt used in the mashbill. As it has aged, those notes have rounded into something richer and more complex, with layers of brown sugar, caramel and real depth of body. The mesquite character lingers on top, giving it a smooth yet distinctive smoky finish.”

The whiskey was first distilled in November 2018 and aged for a minimum of six years at Bulleit Distilling Co. before being pulled from the barrel in 2025, the company notes. It was bottled in Fall 2025 and represents Bulleit’s first experimental new-make project, part of a broader and ongoing focus on exploring unique grains, experiences, and aging techniques while preserving a commitment to quality, it says.

Packaged in a 750-ml bottle, Bulleit Bourbon Mesquite Smoked Malt is available with a suggested retail price of $49.99, with limited distribution nationwide. 

www.bulleit.com