Tag: Bulleit Bourbon

Non-Distilling Producers of Whiskey

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Non-Distilling Producers of Whiskey

a discussion with MGP Ingredients, Inc.

Some time ago, Hannah and I were discussing distillers and the various whiskies they produce. We each have our favorites and not so favorite labels made by the big conglomerates:

  • Beam/Suntory
  • Brown-Forman
  • Buffalo Trace/Sazarac
  • Four Roses
  • Heaven Hill
  • Wild Turkey

As Hannah and I were talking and listing the product line ups, she called me out. She said I had a bias against non-distilling producers of whiskey (NDPs).

Her comment got me to thinking … Am I a bourbon snob? Do I really have a bias for or against a label just because I may or may not know the distiller? I didn’t want to think so.

Until our conversation I had only bought a few NDP products. Maybe I just hadn’t found one which fit my profile. Bottles had come from Bulleit, (both their regular Bourbon and their Barrel Strength) as well as a few (and somewhat obscure) hard to find bourbons from Hudson’s Baby Bourbon, Jefferson’s Reserve, Noah’s Mill Genuine Bourbon, and Willet Pot Still Reserve I had read about. Other than the Bulleit Barrel Strength, none really impressed.

THE TOPIC TRIGGER
Non-distilling Producers of Whiskey

Well, as often happens, the discussion went by the wayside. Then a chance purchase caught my attention: Rebel Yell 10 Year Single Barrel. This was a decent bourbon. Soon after came Old Ezra 07 Year Barrel Strength (a bottle which is now always on my shelf along with a backup in the bunker). Prior to the Lux Row distillery in Bardstown, KY opening in 2018, Luxco did source both Rebel and Old Ezra distillate.

Then came the catalyst for this article: a Smooth Ambler Old Scout BWE Private Pick. The barrel purchase had been arranged by members of a local whiskey enthusiast group of which I am a member. MGP Ingredients, Inc. (MGP) had distilled our barrel.

With the discovery, another whiskey article quest had begun. After an extensive internet search, I sent an email referencing our potential post about contract distillers to MGP via their website. Several email exchanges later, I connected with Jenell Loschke, Public Relations and Content Manager at MGP.

MGP INGREDIENTS, INC. BACKGROUND

MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI) is a leading producer of premium distilled spirits, branded spirits, and food ingredient solutions. Since 1941, MGP has combined their expertise and energy aimed at formulating excellence, bringing product ideas to life collaboratively with their customers. MGP Ingredients was once known as Midwest Grain Products and to the layperson, the name has stuck with the acronym.

Non-distilling Producers of Whiskey
Lawrenceburg Distillery night hero, photo courtesy of MGP

MGP’s branded spirits portfolio covers a wide spectrum of brands in every segment, including iconic brands from Luxco, which was founded in 1958 by the Lux Family. (MGP purchased Luxco in April, 2021.) Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Their branded spirits mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners.

For more information, click MGP Ingredients.

ABOUT LUXCO

You may be aware of Luxco and their diverse line of products, from whiskeys (e.g. Ezra Broof, Rebel, George Remus, etc.) to tequilas and even gins (El Mayor, Burch Gin, etc.) Distilleries for all of these products are equally diverse, from Kentucky, to Washington D.C., as well as Ireland and Mexico.

Click Luxco Brands, to learn more.

Ms. Loschke was unable to confirm or deny for which bottlers her company distills …

While there’s a lot of discussion and speculation about which whiskeys are sourced from MGP, we don’t disclose our customers due to strict NDAs.

… but did indicate an interest in learning more about the direction and parameters we intended to take in our story. We exchanged a few ideas and decided the best way to prepare for the article would be via a question and answer exchange.

After choosing my topics and writing down my questions, I transmitted the list. A week or so later I received a reply from David Dykstra, Vice President of Alcohol Sales and Marketing at MGP. Following is our dialog …

WhiskeyfortheAges: Thank you for working with me on this project. Let’s jump right in.
WftA: Why would a distiller/bottler choose to partner with MGP?

David Dykstra, MGP: Distillers choose to partner with MGP because we are collaborative, flexible and deliver consistent quality at any scale. We work with—and champion – customers of all sizes, from startups to multinationals, with products and services that best meet their unique needs. With a new brand, for example, we can provide aged product to generate income while their operations are ramping up. Our work with established brands can range from ensuring a reliable supply to creating a customized mash bill or a unique medley of our time-tested products.

Non-distilling Producers of Whiskey

Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash

Finally, our spirits are proven. MGP is one of the largest U.S. distillers and one of America’s top multi-line producers (meaning non-brand affiliated) of premium distilled spirits. We are the largest U.S. producer of rye whiskey and distilled gin.

WftA: What benefit does a distiller/bottler get by partnering with MGP?

MGP: The benefit of partnering with MGP is our commitment to best addressing each customer’s individual needs. Our approach is not cookie-cutter.

WftA: What kind of guidance does MGP provide to its clients?

MGP: We are attuned to consumer trends. MGP can help a customer identify and quickly leverage opportunities. Our experienced sales and R&D teams are always available to provide one-on-one consultation.

WftA: What does MGP do for its clients?

MGP: MGP offers one-on-one consultation, product development, custom mash bills and tailored formulations via the expertise and collaboration of our master distillers and master blenders, barrel finishes/wood inserts, whiskey maturation and storage, and a variety of shipping options including via totes, tanker, or rail car.

WftA: How many recipes/mash bills/yeast strains does MGP offer potential clients?

We offer more than a dozen standard mash bills. Each can stand alone or be mingled to create the precise flavor a customer wants. MGP also collaborates with customers to create proprietary, customized whiskey and bourbon formulations, as well as custom gin formulations. We work with five yeast strains identified as best used for five types of spirits: rye whiskey, wheat whiskey, light whiskey, gin and vodka.

WftA: How much leeway does MGP give its clients in the development of mash bills/recipes and the like?

MGP: We support customers’ dreams and their desire to create stand-out spirits. That’s why we offer infinite customization options, including work with less-common grains.

WftA: Does MGP offer bottling and labeling services for their clients?

MGP: No.

WftA: How does MGP help new non-distilling producers of whiskey with product until their own distillate is ready to be bottled?
When do typical partnerships end?

MGP: It is difficult to define a “typical” partnership and when it might end, given the individualized approach we bring to our work.

Non-distilling Producers of Whiskey
photo courtesy MGP

We help get new distillers up and running with aged product, offering a minimum order of four barrels for standard mash bills. In addition, MGP serves as an on-going supplementary source for a brands’ needs throughout their lifecycle. Once a spirit is produced, we can ship it to the customer for maturation and customization at their distillery. Or we can mature and customize the product in our warehouse on their behalf. We help address variations in demand and production the brand may have.

WftA: How does a brand contact MGP?

MGP: They can reach us through our website, via email (sales@mgpingredients.com), or by calling 888-897-3836.

WftA: In behalf of our readers, I would like to thank you for your time and for assisting with my questions. I am sure they will enjoy our exchanges.

MGP: Thank you for thinking of us!

WRAP-UP

So what did I learn??? MGP can help any size bottler or distiller (including start-up crafts) by providing them with aged product until their distillate is ready. They can also help seasoned companies who may need an assist with recipes and inventory. In addition to warehousing, MGP offers the ability to ship product to their customers via totes, tanker, or rail car for maturation and customization at the bottler’s or distiller’s own facilities.

Finally as I was proofing this post, I decided maybe I have been a bit of a snob when considering product from an NDP. With my new-found knowledge I will now be much less reluctant to try offerings with “Bottled by …” labeling. What do you think? Can you too relax your standards?

Click the .. LEAVE A REPLY .. button in the field below to share your thoughts on Non-distilling Producers of Whiskey and the products they offer.

Non-distilling Producers of Whiskey

Non-distilling Producers of Whiskey
written October 2021 by Brian Dawson
Editor, WhiskeyfortheAges.com

Bulleit Bourbon Review

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s Bulleit Bourbon Review

Original review written on November 18, 2019

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

A nice blend for the price to be sure. But this is definitely priced correctly. Any higher and my eyebrow would go up with it. A little boring, if I’m quite honest in comparison to my favs that are big and bold. However, this isn’t bad, and if ever on a TIGHT budget, I could be convinced to purchase again. While my mixing know-how is limited, I imagine this one would be good in a cocktail capacity. 83/100

VITALS:
Bulleit Bourbon Review

– Made in: Kentucky, USA
– Producer: Diageo
– Distiller: Sourced – MGP; likely supplied by Four Roses Distillery until 2016*
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
– Age: nas
– Mash Bill: Corn=68%; Rye=28%; Barley=4%*
– Casks: undisclosed char
– Barrel Entry Proof: undisclosed
– ABV: 45% (90 proof)
– Price: $26.95 USD in Idaho

*Notes taken from Bulleit’s website: bulleit.com

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed this juice neat from a Glencairn glass with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review of this bourbon here!

SETTING:

On a scorching hot, summer day, climb up into an old tree amidst bright, yellow-green leaves. Take a nap with your back against the trunk, hat over your eyes and feet dangling. Bulleit will be the lullaby to get you there.

Photo by D. Jameson RAGE on Unsplash

NOSE:

Yeast is very prominent on the first draws, taking on an almost stuffing-like-quality. With more coaxing, a simple brown sugar comes together with pumpkin, of all things. Hazelnuts accompany them all just at the back of the palate for a twinge of bitterness. Little spice or alcohol is there regardless of how dangerously you’re sniffing.

For wood, pine dominates but this combines surprisingly with sweet corn (Note: my dad and I came to both odd flavors separately!)

For under $30, I’ll say I’m impressed. Pricing aside though, this isn’t the worst, but it is far from the best.

PALATE:
Bulleit Bourbon Review

– Mouth feel: very thin, mellow and a touch watery. This is by far my biggest problem with this bourbon.
– Balance: Pretty impressed with the blend for the price.
– Visual: By far the lightest bourbon I have had to date (Nov 19, 2019) at a chestnut sherry color, and it offers medium legs with a minimal crown and droplets.

– Taste: The rye is more pronounced on the taste, but at 90 proof, the spice and burn is mild. Additionally, there’s a wet hay component (in the sense that I can chew it – not that it is bad) that couples with candy corn. No, it’s not as bad as it sounds.

Simple sugar and light vanilla pair together for sweetness between sips. Discernible fruits present include figs and the granny smith apple. The oak is there, but only just, and even this is sweet.

With a Kentucky chew, rye is overpowering with a bit of leather. The rye also seems to take on a slight briny quality (likely the coppery notes my dad notes in his comments). The only other savory tone I get is reminiscent of frozen peanuts.

Overall, simple, but I’m not mad.

FINISH:

– Lasting power: I’m going with a short finish, but there’s a little warmth that coats the tongue. Doesn’t go much beyond that.

– No More: Hay becomes much more pronounced on the taste the further into the glass I get. The sweetness behind it is also still there, but I’m not sure it is the candy corn anymore. But it is a bit sickly sweet. Not bad enough to be greatly opposed to it, but it is a hurdle to contend with, if I’m honest. The other flavors listed above have already completely faded away except for the rye.

The empty Glencairn is full of fresh sawed wood piled higher and higher and higher…

WORTH THE PRICE?

Yes

RATING: 83/100

Click to see Hannah’s rating process

Click 83/100 to access other whiskeys with this rating.
To see other whiskies from this brand, click Bulleit.

Back to …

Hannah’s Whiskey Reviews
Individual Reviews

Bulleit Bourbon Review

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Bulleit Bourbon Review

written on 16-November-2019

BULLEIT BOURBON REVIEW:

With little to no alcohol on the nose, Bulleit is a popular bourbon commonly found in most drinking establishments here in the states. If one likes a big yeasty dram with not much sweetness nor complexity and a few fruits peeking in and out, then this is the one for you. Regular readers know I enjoy my whiskeys neat, so it is with uncertainty I say this may be a fine spirit to be used as a mixer. To enjoy without water, ice or other additives, I suggest a pass on this one.

BULLEIT BOURBON VITAL STATS:
Bulleit Bourbon Review

– Region: Kentucky, USA
– Producer: Diageo (non-distiller)
– Distiller: Sourced*
– Classification: Straight Bourbon
– Mash Bill*: 68% Corn; 28% Rye; 4% Barley
– Age: No Age Statement
– Barrel Char: unpublished
– Barrel Entry Proof: unpublished
– Bottle ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
– Price: $29.95 USD in Idaho

*Bulliet’s own website claims “Bulleit Distilling Co.”, however many internet articles attribute Four Roses to have been the supplier until approximately 2015/16, after which credit has been attributed to MGP. In 2016 Bulleit broke ground on their own distillery but it will be years before it will be able to produce spirits. As of this writing, additional non-whiskey controversy abounds at Bulleit and Diageo.

bulleit.com

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

For the evaluation, I shared the juice neat from commemorative Bulleit glasses with my daughter and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer Hannah.

Check out her review for this bourbon here!

NOSE:

Upon first nosing, Bulleit Bourbon has no alcohol presence but does entertain with aromas of faint floral blossoms with an herbal aire. There is also a strange mixture of sweet corn, a little fresh apple, lemon and orange marmalade. Huge amounts of yeasty bread and biscuits nearly overshadow faint spices of powdered ginger, white pepper, and rye. There is not much sweetness coming to the nose but faint vanilla and simple syrup do waft gently in and out among an undefined nuttiness and a piney aroma. Occasionally there is a slight tickling, but in the end, this dram does not wow the olfactory senses.

PALATE:

A quick bite followed by a slight burn enters the mouth after the first sip, probably owing to the high rye content. The heat soon subsides to a soothing warmth as light fruit and the herbal essence of mown hay play on the tongue. As the mouth is coated during the occasional chew, an odd mix of fruit — bitter and acidic orange marmalade, plum, prune and fig give way to a green vegetable aftertaste. For me, Bulleit is a ho-hum bourbon with with only black pepper and rye spice to mix it up with simple syrup and faint hazelnuts. The liquid’s light colouring may be an indication of limited aging in the barrel. Any wood in the juice comes through as a light toasting of a little dry oak.

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
As one might guess, I feel this is a disappointingly unbalanced whiskey; the odd mixture of fruits, herbalness, spice and lack of sweet just don’t do it for me. I also get a coppery tickle … like sucking on an old penny … which kind of counters the mellow-to-buttery mouthfeel. Inside the Glencairn, a nice inverted crown and long clinging legs do coat as they drop back into the chestnut sherry coloured reservoir entertaining the eye.

FINISH:

Bulleit finishes with a medium punch. There is a nice throat warming and plenty of deep oak in the empty Glencairn but the green vegetable and bitter aftertaste is disappointing. I just don’t get why this is such a popular choice for many at the bar – maybe it’s for those who like bourbons as mixers.

MY RATING: 84/100

Will I seek out this whiskey in the future? Yes
But it won’t be a must have in the bunker.
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.

Click 84/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To see other whiskies from this brand, click Bulleit.

Back to …

Brian’s Whiskey Reviews
Whiskey Reviews