Is Bulleit made by Four Roses?

Answered by Paul Bowser

Bulleit is not made by Four Roses. However, up until around five years ago, the majority of the used in Bulleit Bourbon was sourced from the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. This means that Four Roses was responsible for distilling the bourbon that was used in Bulleit's products.

It is important to note that sourcing is a common practice in the industry. Many whiskey brands, especially newer or smaller ones, do not have their own distilleries or aging facilities. Instead, they rely on sourcing whiskey from established distilleries in order to meet their production needs. This allows them to bring their products to market without the capital investment and time required to build and age their own whiskey.

In the case of Bulleit, the brand was created by Tom Bulleit in the 1980s. At that time, he did not have his own distillery, so he turned to Four Roses for their expertise and quality bourbon. The relationship between Bulleit and Four Roses continued for many years, with Four Roses providing the majority of the bourbon used in Bulleit products.

It is worth mentioning that Four Roses is known for producing high-quality bourbon, and their distillery has a long history and reputation in the industry. Their bourbon is crafted using traditional methods and unique strains, resulting in distinctive flavors and aromas. This made them an ideal partner for Bulleit, as they shared a commitment to producing exceptional whiskey.

However, it is important to note that the relationship between Bulleit and Four Roses has changed in recent years. While Four Roses may still be involved in the production of Bulleit, the exact details of their partnership are not publicly disclosed. It is known that Bulleit has expanded its production and has built its own distillery in Shelbyville, Kentucky, which began operations in 2017. This suggests that Bulleit is now likely producing at least some of its own bourbon, rather than relying solely on sourcing from other distilleries.

While Bulleit Bourbon was primarily sourced from Four Roses in the past, it is not accurate to say that Bulleit is made by Four Roses. The brand has evolved and expanded its production capabilities, and it is now likely that Bulleit produces at least some of its own bourbon in addition to sourcing from other distilleries.