Nulu Reserve Bourbon 750ML

Nulu Reserve Bourbon 750ML is a small-batch, non-chill filtered bourbon sourced from MGP distillery and bottled at barrel proof in a 750ml bottle, with ABV varying by batch release (typically ranging from 50.5% to 57.3%). Scored 92 (Excellent) by Bottle Raiders, this expression has earned a reputation among bourbon enthusiasts for punching well above its price tier through careful batch blending and quality cask selection.
Quick Facts: ABV: Varies by batch (50.5%–57.3%)  |  Origin: Indiana (distilled) / Louisville, Kentucky (bottled)  |  Aged 4–6 Years  |  Distillery: MGP of Indiana, bottled by Prohibition Craft Spirits
Production & Heritage
Nulu Reserve is distilled at the renowned MGP facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, using a high-rye mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. The whiskey is aged between four and six years before being selected, blended in small batches, and bottled without chill filtration by Prohibition Craft Spirits in Louisville, Kentucky. The brand takes its name from the NuLu (New Louisville) neighborhood, a creative district in Louisville’s East Market area, and has built a following through its artful approach to barrel selection and finishing — some releases see time in toasted oak, honey barrels, or other specialty casks, though the Reserve expression highlights the core MGP distillate in its purest form.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: The first impression is assertive oak and rye spice, quickly joined by warm cinnamon that recalls a freshly baked cinnamon muffin. Given time to breathe, layers of brown sugar and vanilla develop and soften the initial spice.
Taste: Entry is creamy and rich, with vanilla and cinnamon leading. The mid-palate shifts toward a more assertive spiciness — cracked black pepper and underlying corn sweetness trade places as the proof asserts itself. At higher-proof batch releases, the rye influence becomes even more prominent, adding a dry, almost savory dimension.
Finish: Medium in length with lingering baking spices and gentle warmth that builds steadily rather than flashing hot. A subtle sweetness, somewhere between toasted grain and caramel, carries through to the close.
How to Drink Nulu Reserve
Given the higher proof and non-chill filtered character, neat with a few drops of water is the best way to appreciate the full flavor arc — the water unlocks the brown sugar and vanilla aromatics. That said, the robust proof makes it an excellent cocktail backbone. An Old Fashioned benefits from the cinnamon-forward spice, which harmonizes naturally with bitters and orange peel. A Boulevardier lets the rye-heavy mashbill stand up to Campari’s bitterness without losing its identity. A Gold Rush (bourbon, honey syrup, lemon) plays beautifully off the existing brown sugar and vanilla notes in the whiskey.
Best For
Bourbon enthusiasts exploring high-quality MGP-sourced single barrels and small batches
Gifting to a whiskey collector who appreciates barrel-proof, non-chill filtered releases
Side-by-side tastings comparing independent bottlers’ takes on MGP bourbon
Building a cocktail with a full-flavored, higher-proof bourbon base
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nulu Reserve taste like? Nulu Reserve delivers a creamy, spice-driven profile dominated by vanilla, cinnamon, cracked pepper, and brown sugar, with a medium-length finish of lingering baking spices and gentle warmth.
How does Nulu Reserve compare to Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered? Both are barrel-proof, non-chill filtered bourbons sourced from MGP using the same 75/21/4 mashbill, but Nulu Reserve tends to lean into a creamier, pastry-driven character while Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered often emphasizes darker caramel and more aggressive oak tannins. Smoke Wagon typically bottles at a slightly higher proof range and carries wider retail availability.
Is Nulu Reserve good for sipping neat? Yes — the non-chill filtered bottling retains body and texture that reward slow, neat sipping, though a few drops of water help tame the proof on higher-ABV batch releases.
Where is Nulu Reserve made? Nulu Reserve is distilled at MGP’s facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then selected, blended, and bottled by Prohibition Craft Spirits in the NuLu neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky.
What foods pair well with Nulu Reserve? Smoked brisket complements the rye spice and oak backbone. Pecan pie mirrors the brown sugar and vanilla notes. Sharp aged cheddar provides a savory contrast to the bourbon’s sweetness. Dark chocolate with sea salt highlights the cinnamon and pepper mid-palate. Cornbread with honey butter echoes the corn-sweetness base of the mashbill.
What sizes does Nulu Reserve come in? Nulu Reserve Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.
Is Nulu Reserve worth the price? Nulu Reserve positions as a mid-premium bourbon that competes directly with barrel-proof MGP-sourced releases from better-known labels, often at a lower price point — making it a strong value proposition for drinkers already familiar with the category.
Why Nulu Reserve?
What separates Nulu Reserve from the crowded field of independent MGP bottlings is Prohibition Craft Spirits’ selective small-batch blending approach — each release is assembled from a limited number of barrels chosen for complementary flavor characteristics rather than simply bottled as individual single barrels. The decision to skip chill filtration preserves the oils and texture that many competing bottlings sacrifice for visual clarity. A 92-point rating from Bottle Raiders and consistent consumer ratings above 4.5 stars confirm that the execution matches the concept. For anyone who has enjoyed Smoke Wagon, Belle Meade, or Stellum and wants to explore another skilled interpreter of MGP’s high-rye bourbon, Nulu Reserve belongs on the shortlist.