How many calories are in Bulleit? A comprehensive breakdown

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of Bulleit Bourbon, which is typically 90 proof, contains approximately 110 calories. For many people monitoring their caloric intake, understanding the full nutritional profile of their favorite spirits is essential, so how many calories are in Bulleit and its various expressions, and where do these calories come from?

Quick Summary

A 1.5-ounce shot of Bulleit Bourbon contains about 110 calories, while Bulleit Rye has a similar count, with calories stemming purely from the alcohol. Neither contains sugar or carbohydrates, but mixers significantly increase the final calorie total.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Count: A 1.5 oz shot of standard Bulleit Bourbon contains approximately 110 calories.
No Carbs or Sugar: Unflavored Bulleit, like most straight whiskeys, has zero carbohydrates, zero sugar, and zero fat.
Calories from Alcohol: The entire calorie content comes from the alcohol itself, which has about 7 calories per gram.
Impact of Mixers: The calorie count drastically increases when mixed with sugary sodas or juices; a whiskey and regular cola can be over 200 calories.
Proof Affects Calories: Higher-proof expressions, such as Bulleit Barrel Strength, contain more calories per serving than the standard 90 proof version.
Calorie-Wise Drinking: To minimize calories, drink Bulleit neat, on the rocks, or with zero-calorie mixers like soda water.

Bulleit Bourbon and Rye Calorie Count

For the standard Bulleit Bourbon, which is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), a typical 1.5 fl oz shot contains roughly 110 calories. This calorie content comes entirely from the alcohol itself, as unflavored distilled spirits like bourbon contain zero carbohydrates, sugar, or fat. The same is true for Bulleit Rye. With its 95% rye mash bill, a 1.5 fl oz serving also contains approximately 110 calories. The consistency in calorie count between the bourbon and rye is due to their identical alcohol by volume (ABV).

The Science Behind Calories in Whiskey

To understand why Bulleit contains calories but no carbs or sugar, it's important to know the distillation process. During fermentation, yeast consumes the sugars from the grain mash (in Bulleit's case, corn, rye, and malted barley), producing alcohol. The distillation process then separates the alcohol from the remaining mash, effectively removing any residual sugars and carbohydrates. Alcohol itself is a macronutrient, providing about 7 calories per gram, which is more energy-dense than protein and carbs (4 calories per gram) but less so than fat (9 calories per gram). All calories in Bulleit come from this alcohol content.

Variations in Bulleit Expressions

While the flagship Bulleit Bourbon and Rye are consistent, other expressions may have slightly different calorie counts due to varying proof levels. Higher proof means higher ABV, which directly translates to more calories per serving. For example:

Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year: A 1.5 oz shot contains around 100 calories. This slight difference can be attributed to its unique aging process and bottling proof.
Bulleit Barrel Strength: As the name suggests, this expression is bottled directly from the barrel without significant dilution. Its proof varies by batch but can range from 118 to 125, meaning a 1.5 oz serving will have more calories than the standard 90 proof version.

The Hidden Calories of Mixers and Cocktails

Many drinkers prefer their Bulleit in a cocktail rather than neat. While the base spirit is low-calorie, mixers are often packed with sugar and calories. This can drastically increase the total energy count of a drink.

Here is a list of common Bulleit cocktails and how their calorie count can add up:

Bulleit and Cola: Combining a 1.5 oz pour of Bulleit (110 calories) with 8 oz of regular cola (approximately 100 calories) results in a 210-calorie drink. Opting for a diet cola keeps the drink at only 110 calories.
Bulleit Manhattan: This classic cocktail typically includes Bulleit, sweet vermouth, and bitters. A standard Manhattan can range from 150 to 200 calories or more, depending on the sweetness of the vermouth and the type of bitters.
Bulleit Old Fashioned: The ingredients for an Old Fashioned include Bulleit, a sugar cube or simple syrup, bitters, and water. A traditional version with simple syrup adds significant calories, potentially bringing the total over 150 calories.

Bulleit Calories: A Comparison Table

To put the calorie count of Bulleit in perspective, here is a comparison with other common alcoholic beverages per standard serving (approx. 1.5 oz for spirits, 5 oz for wine, 12 oz for beer).


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Carbohydrates	Sugars
Bulleit Bourbon	1.5 oz shot	110	0g	0g
Bulleit Rye	1.5 oz shot	110	0g	0g
Vodka/Gin	1.5 oz shot	~100	0g	0g
Red Wine	5 oz glass	~125	4g	1g
Light Beer	12 oz can	~100	6g	0g
Standard Beer	12 oz can	~150+	13g+	0g
Whiskey & Cola	8 oz drink	~210	25g+	25g+

Tips for a Calorie-Conscious Bulleit Drink

Here are some strategies for enjoying Bulleit while keeping your calorie intake in check:

Drink it Neat: The lowest-calorie option is to enjoy Bulleit straight, at room temperature.
On the Rocks: Adding ice to your pour doesn't add any calories, while the melting ice slightly dilutes the spirit, making it last longer.
Water or Soda Water: A simple splash of water or a calorie-free club soda is a great way to open up the flavors of the whiskey without any extra calories.
Zero-Calorie Mixers: If you prefer a mixed drink, always opt for diet or zero-sugar sodas and mixers to avoid the extra carbs and sugar.
Be Aware of Proof: For those hyper-focused on calories, choosing a slightly lower-proof version, like the 10 Year, can offer a small reduction in calories per serving.

Conclusion

In summary, a standard serving of Bulleit Bourbon or Bulleit Rye is a straightforward, low-calorie choice for spirits drinkers, containing about 110 calories derived solely from alcohol. Crucially, it contains no carbohydrates or sugar, making it a viable option for those on low-carb diets. However, the true calorie impact comes from what is added to the drink. By being mindful of mixers and opting for neat servings, on the rocks, or with zero-calorie additions, enthusiasts can enjoy Bulleit responsibly while maintaining their dietary goals. Being aware of the calorie variations in different expressions, such as the Barrel Strength, also helps in making informed choices.

Alcohol Change UK provides comprehensive facts on alcohol and calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of Bulleit Bourbon (90 proof) contains approximately 110 calories.

No, unflavored Bulleit Bourbon contains zero grams of sugar. The distillation process removes all sugars and carbohydrates from the grain mash.

No, a standard 1.5 oz shot of Bulleit Rye has a similar calorie count of around 110 calories, consistent with the standard Bulleit Bourbon due to its 90 proof (45% ABV).

Adding a sugary mixer like regular soda or juice significantly increases the total calorie count. For example, a whiskey and regular cola can have over 200 calories, whereas using a diet mixer adds no calories.

All the calories in Bulleit come directly from the alcohol content. One gram of pure alcohol contains about 7 calories.

The best way to consume Bulleit with the fewest calories is to drink it neat (straight), on the rocks, or with a zero-calorie mixer like soda water or diet cola.

Yes, higher-proof versions like Bulleit Barrel Strength contain a higher alcohol concentration, which results in more calories per serving than the standard 90 proof bourbon.

Yes, because pure Bulleit contains no carbohydrates or sugar, it is an excellent option for those following a low-carb or keto diet, provided it is consumed without sugary mixers.