Bulleit Frontier Whiskey announces the launch of its Mesquite Smoked Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
A limited-time release made with an experimental mashbill, this marks the first time a Bulleit Bourbon has removed rye from the recipe. During the malting process, a portion of the malted barley is smoked over mesquite wood. The mesquite wood-smoked grains are then used as an ingredient in the mashbill before fermentation and distillation begin. The rest follows its standard distillation process. The 93 proof expression’s mashbill is made with 65% corn, 30% mesquite smoked malt, and 5% malted barley.
“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. “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.”
“Bulleit Bourbon Mesquite Smoked Malt is a clear example of how we keep pushing the frontiers of bourbon while staying grounded in craftsmanship,” added Brian Blackiston, Brand Manager at Diageo for Bulleit Frontier Whiskey. “We set out to make a high-quality whiskey that can be enjoyed in casual environments, especially alongside well-prepared BBQ, and then we got to work. It’s built for people who appreciate new ways to experience flavor, real technique, and whiskey that shows up with purpose.”
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. It was bottled in Fall 2025 and represents Bulleit’s first experimental new-make project.
Bulleit Bourbon Mesquite Smoked Malt is available for $49.99
