When Tom Bulleit first launched his brand in the late 1980s, the product was called "Thoroughbred" and was produced at the Ancient Age distillery (now Buffalo Trace).
Design: These early bottles had a square shape, similar to those used for other bourbons of that era, such as Elmer T. Lee or Weller Centennial.
Branding: The initial branding focused on Kentucky's connection to horse racing, utilizing the "Thoroughbred" name and often featuring a horse on the label.
Status: These square bottles are no longer in production and are now rare collector's items.
The first bottles released in 1995 included a 90 proof Bulleit bourbon as well as a 100 proof “Thoroughbred” Bulleit bourbon.
Ancient Age distillery (Buffalo Trace distillery DSP-KY-113) produced the first bottles of Bulleit. You’ll notice the first Bulleit bottles were in the squat/square bottles made famous by Elmer T. Lee (Weller Centennial).
I know I'm a sucker for anything older but this just feels like a better design in general. Not nearly as standout but so much simpler. Very cool!
old school
original carton
Early release, French export
Distilled aged and bottled by Bulleit Distilling Company, Frankfort, KY, Japanes back label, imported by Nippon Food GmbH, ullage: top shoulder
