Modern research and design (R&D) for bourbon whiskey bottles focuses on a "Triple Bottom Line" approach: environmental sustainability, ergonomic functionality for bartenders, and premium tactile branding. Modern R&D has transitioned from manual sketching to advanced CAD iterations and thermal engineering to create complex, lightweight structures that maintain a high-end feel.

However, in the early days of Bulleit, grip and handling/pour performance/ and seiment management were key. Grip and handling (like the use of the indented sides to allow for a firm grip even with wet hands) can be spotted in the square Bulleit bottle design. The neck design (can be spotted in the original black/red Bulleit Thoroughbred bottles) is engineered to control how smoothly the bourbon pours, and how it fits standard speed-pourers or bar-top closures. Finally, there’s sediment management which can be found in the modern Bulleit bottle. These bottles’ shoulder design can be specifically engineered to intercept "char flakes" in barrel-proof whiskeys, preventing sediment from reaching the glass.