The Tradition of Bully Boy Distilleries

It’s been 70 years since anyone had to choke down Cow Whiskey or Medford Rum. While these audacious brews are no longer the hallmark of the Willis family’s brewing, they do represent the humble beginnings of Bully Boys Distilleries. Located in Roxbury, MA Bully Boy’s commitment to high quality spirits is honored in every distilling phase. The highest quality ingredients are used to hand-produce small batches of spirits. The emphasis is on quality rather than quantity. This quality has been rewarded time and time again with mentions in many notable publications, including Boston Globe, Harper’s Bazaar, Modern Distillery Age, and Food Republic.

Bully Boy History

Bully Boy distilleries are owned by a fourth generation working family. The brothers that run the company, Will and Dave Willis, were inspired by their family’s long tradition of incredible work ethic, and their childhood home. Even prohibition did not stop this family, who housed a collection of local artisan spirits that were full of character during the prohibition years. About 70 years after the abolishment of prohibition, these local artisan spirits were discovered in the family’s farmhouse basement. This discovery is what inspired Will and Dave’s commitment to continuing the long legacy of Massachusetts artisan distilling.

Billy Boy is a brand full of rich tradition. The brand name is inspired by the Willis brothers’ great-grandfather’s horse—named after slang coined by his roommate, Teddy Roosevelt (yes, that Teddy Roosevelt). The horse was named since “Bully” was taken to mean superb, yet another reason for the Willis family incorporate it into their brand.

A Variety of Whiskies

Bully Boy has created multiple notable spirits. The focus on high quality ingredients and traditional distilling techniques leads to unique whiskeys full of pungent flavor and bold character. The spirits are made using a six hundred liter copper port still with USDA certified organic ingredients. These fresh ingredients, and our hands-on approach creates whiskey that is key to any drinker’s liquor cabinet.

White Whiskey

White whiskey was a popular drink during prohibition, and it used to be manufactured using primitive techniques. Now though, Bully Boy uses its organic ingredients to create a clean and crisp taste. The white whiskey is comparable to vodka, but with a bolder flavor.

American Straight Whiskey

Bully Boy also creates a brazen American Straight Whiskey. This particular drink is made with corn, rye, and malted barely, then aged in new a barrel of new American Oak. The sweetness of the corn and the dry spice or the the rye are refined and amplified during the aging process. This whiskey is perfect for sipping with its notes of caramel and nut. Bully Boy also offers a variation of this whiskey: the Old Fashioned. The Old Fashioned has the base of American Straight Whiskey, but is enhanced with hand crafted raw sugar.

To learn more about Bully Boy whiskey, and other classic brands, be sure to read our blog, or attend any of our educational and delicious tastings at Julio Liquors in Westborough, MA. If you’re enthusiastic about whiskey consider joining our Loch and K(e)y Society to discuss spirits and learn about bargains. Our staff will use their expertise to help you find the perfect bottle of whisky!