Overview: This limited release from Bulleit takes a different approach than most flavored or finished whiskeys — the mesquite smoke isn’t added after the fact. It’s baked into the grain itself, with malted barley smoked over mesquite wood before fermentation. That’s the same concept behind Scotch peated malt, transplanted into a Kentucky straight bourbon framework. At 93 proof on Bulleit’s standard high-rye mashbill, the spec sheet looks interesting. Whether that translates to something you’d actually reach for again is a different question.

Age: NAS

Proof: 93 (46.5% ABV)

Mashbill: ~68% corn, 28% rye, 4% mesquite-smoked malted barley

Nose: The smoke hits first and doesn’t move. BBQ pit, brisket bark, dry char — it’s an instant and unmistakable mesquite signal. Underneath that there’s honey and dry corn, which is classic Bulleit territory. The smoke reads dry and savory rather than medicinal, which is the best version of this note. But it’s forward enough that the supporting cast barely gets airtime.

Palate: More interesting than the nose suggests. Black tea sweetness, vanilla, and something like grilled peaches — the mesquite creates a savory, almost umami depth that plays against the bourbon sweetness in a way that mostly works. The 93 proof is smooth, no real heat. The problem isn’t that any one thing is bad; it’s that the smoke sits on top of everything and never fully integrates. The classic bourbon notes — corn, caramel, rye spice — are in there, but you’re always tasting through the smoke to find them.

Finish: Medium length, and this is where the smoke really digs in. It parks on the roof of your mouth and stays there long after the liquid is gone, fading slowly into light oak tannins. If you like the smoke, you’ll appreciate the persistence. If you don’t, there’s no escaping it.

Final Thoughts: This is a well-made bottle that I just can’t get excited about. It’s not harsh, it’s not off — it’s competently done. But the mesquite smoke dominates from nose to finish, and that leaves the classic bourbon and rye character buried underneath. I kept waiting for a sip that made me want another one, and it never came. If you’re into mezcal or smoked spirits generally, your mileage will vary significantly. For the rest of us, this reads more as a curiosity than a bottle you’d work through. Worth trying if someone pours you a glass. Not worth buying to find out.

Rating: Leave it on the Counter — Rating system explained