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Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon 100 Proof
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
July 11, 2019 (edited October 24, 2019)
I remember thinking that the Original Rebel Yell had some potential, but was way under proofed. More of a "Rebel Whisper" if you will. After hearing about the release of the 100 proof edition I vowed to pick it up when I saw it. Let's see if the extra 20 proof points change this one to a true Rebel Yell.
NOSE: Immediately notice the darker orangish hue that this one has over its 80 proof sibling. The nose is slightly hot with Cinnamon, Cherry, Straw, and Oak. There was a floral note for a bit, but it dissipated quickly. Despite the big alcohol note, the nose is good.
NEAT: Enters sweet with Burnt Sugar, Butterscotch, Vanilla, Cherry, Cinnamon and a surprisingly healthy dose of Oak. Lightly Astringent and Slightly Hot on the medium length finish, but not out of line for a 100 proof pour. Unlike the 80 proof version, you know you just took a drink of bourbon. That surprising Oak (SO MUCH OAK) coats the palate and lingers along with a light sweetness and a touch of a grassiness. Very good.
SPLASH: A few drops of water oddly gives the nose a savory character. Think the smell you get when you walk in from work and The Woman to Whom You're Related by Marriage has a roast in the oven. Cuts down the astringency on the palate and brings the Cherry Cola note to the front. As I'm typing this review, I am enjoying a pour of this over a large chunk of ice and man is it good.
VERDICT: I'll start my verdict with a direct quote from my review of Original RY..."I described Four Roses Yellow Label as "light without being weak". Unfortunately the Rebel Yell is both Light AND Weak. With a name like Rebel Yell you would expect some bite or burn. Some harshness and character. I really feel this one is WAAAAAY under proofed. I'd love to see it at 86-90"...I was right, as the added proof makes this one an Oak Bomb and puts some Oooomph in the finish. And Kudos to LuxCo for doing it for about 20 bucks. My two favorite new American Whiskies this year (this one and the OldFo Rye) are both around $20. To me, this bodes well for budget conscious buyers in the near future. This is a solid 3 3/4 Stars, but the fact that it drinks way above its $20 price tag gets it to a 4.
20.0
USD
per
Bottle
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@BDanner. And don't forget the annual December price break on Glenmorangie 18 Extremely Rare for $105!
@Guitar_mann definitely will have to stick a few bottles back at that price. December is also the month they typically run Lag16 for $89. I’ve decided to make that an annual purchase.
@BDanner Lucky for you (and me) RY100 on sale in NC for the month of December 2019 for $16.45. Make sure to sequester extra Christmas/drinking funds to buy in at the ridiculous price! I am not certain you can find a better value per ounce while its on sale.
@dirty31 it has become my go-to $20 and under bottle. Good stuff.
@BDanner finally cracked open the bottle today and color me deeply impressed. Just a gorgeous wheater with some nice barrel char and character. I think this would give Weller a run and for $20 one of the best values in bourbon i’ve come across in a long while.
@BDanner thanks prayers for safety. Will leave a review on here once I get through a few pours of it.
@dirty31 Cheers! Hope you enjoy it. Sipping on a glass of this on the rocks right now as we ride out Dorian in the dark.
Seen a bottle today for the first time. Looking for a new budget sipper. Think you sold me on it.
@Clarkebar that makes more sense. I’ve only found the 10 year once (and it’s good too, just not $60 good IMHO). When they get the regular 100 in stock, I highly recommend it.
Yes, PA liquor is state stores. My bad. I was looking online at the 10 year 100 proof, and it's the only 100 proof they have in this label.
@Clarkebar WHAT?!?! That’s crazy. I thought PA was a control state? This is $19.95 all day long here in NC. We are talking the 100 version and not the 10yr version, right?
Damn, they're asking $60 here in Gettysburg! Shops in nearby Maryland are similar. But I'll still put it on the list. Wish I could review as well as you but the sniffer and the buds give limited cooperation in the endeavour.
To say it is right up there with the OF Rye really makes me want to give this a try. The OF Rye under $30 is one of the best values in whiskey and I dont mean that it is a value whiskey. Nice review
Nice review, I haven’t seen it here in Colorado yet but I’ll be looking. Many of the old guys that I meet up with each week are on a fixed income sold their options are somewhat limited, sounds like this could fit in. Totally agree with your assessment of the standard yellow label Four Roses, really good value priced bourbon.