The Shelbyville, Kentucky-based Bulleit Frontier Whiskey has announced the launch of a new core range release – the distillery’s first-ever blend of Bourbon and Rye.

Bulleit ’87 (45% ABV), described as a blend where bold Bourbon meets Rye spice in one unforgettable whiskey that’s “built to sip”, has been created using components developed specifically for their role in the blend.

The Bourbon was distilled, barrelled and aged in Kentucky, while the Rye was distilled and aged in Indiana before being transported to the distillery in Kentucky. Both the Bourbon and Rye were matured for a minimum of four years before being finished separately in their original barrels with toasted American oak and French oak staves for between four and six weeks.

Named in honour of 1987, the year Bulleit was founded, ’87 is not an age statement. Instead, it marks the moment Bulleit Frontier Whiskey first set out to do things differently – a commitment the brand continues to uphold and one that is reflected in every bottle. Joining Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit 95 Rye in Bulleit’s three-bottle core range, Bulleit ’87 combines the distinctive qualities of both spirits in a single new expression.

Bulleit ’87 opens with aromas of caramel and brown sugar before revealing notes of warm baking spices and structured oak. It finishes with layered sweetness and gentle spice.

Commenting on the launch, Phil Gelineau, Whiskey R&D Manager at Bulleit, said: “If I were to visualise it, it’s like a cake. The bourbon is your delicious sponge, the rye is like chocolate shavings on top, and the staves are the buttercream that brings it all together.”

Jenika Newsum, Senior Brand Manager for Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, added: “Bourbon and rye whiskey have been at the heart of our brand since its founding and continue to guide our philosophy of doing things differently. Now, ’87 brings them together in one distinctive bottle, balancing our signature bourbon sweetness with our characteristic rye spice.”

Bulleit ’87 will begin rolling out across selected retailers in the US from September, for a RRP of $29.99.