Redemption High Rye Bourbon
46% ABV
$30
Website
We would like to thank Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits and R\West for sending us a sample to review.
What the Producer Says
When we say “High Rye” we mean it. Redemption High Rye Bourbon has 36% rye content, significantly higher than comparable bourbons. The result is a unique combination of flavors led by the subtle sweetness of classic bourbon and punctuated by robust notes of rye spice. Light hits of vanilla and caramel round out its ‘rye-forward’ flavor and help make it ideal for sipping or creating a classic cocktail. If you’re looking for a bold bourbon, you’ve found it.
Nose: Light vanilla, red berry fruitiness and a light hint of oak.
Palate: Spicy, woody, and minty notes. Fennel-like notes of light licorice and black pepper from the Rye.
Finish: Long and smooth with a nice spice from the high Rye content.
TECH DATA
Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Min age of 2 years old (average age of 2.5 years)
What Gary Says
Nose: Vanilla, roasted corn, herbal spices of fennel and mint, toasted oak.
Palate: Cherries with cinnamon and nutmeg, light caramel and vanilla, a bit of anise and pepper.
Finish: Short to moderate in length, drying with caramel, cherry and a spice kick.
Comments: I’m a fan of rye whiskey, and high-rye mash bills. They’re right that 36% is significantly higher rye than most bourbons (Beam’s high rye is allegedly less than 30%; the high rye mash at Four Roses is 35%), and I appreciate the transparency on the recipe. For my tastes, this was a step up from Redemption Bourbon, albeit a small step. I do appreciate the higher ABV, and while the corn isn’t as prominent – this came across as young. I think with more age on it, this has some nice potential. I don’t have a bottle of the previous versions of Redemption High-Rye Bourbon (which Richard reviewed back in 2013) to compare against. The mash bill is slightly different, and the packaging is more so. I do like the new packaging for reasons I can’t really articulate (just looks more like ‘classic bourbon’ to me, where the former bottle looked like it was designed for vodka).