Full disclosure: This sample was sent to me to review as part of the @TheWhiskyWire Flash Blog.
Preamble
As I’ve mentioned before when reviewing bourbon, it’s not my first destination when it comes to whisk(e)y, but it is definitely an area I wish to expand my experience of. A good bourbon, for me, should be sippable. If it makes a good cocktail, then great, but in most instances I’ve not got the time to start faffing around with eggs and mixers and twists and shakers. I just want to pour a drink and get on with enjoying it. So all the bourbon on my shelf meets that criteria. Having the chance to try new liquids is great though. The question is though, will this earn the right to sit on my shelf, or will I pass it over when I’m buying my next bottle. Read on to find out.
The Liquid
Rebel Bourbon is distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, by Lux Row Distillers. This Single Barrel release is aged for 10 years in charred casks. As it’s a single barrel release, each batch will have a subtly different flavour profile, but you would also expect some similarities as well. It’s bottled at a healthy 50% ABV and has a deep tawny brown colour in the glass. The mash bill on this is corn, wheat and malted barley, although I can’t find any details on the percentages in the mix.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Demerara sugar, vanilla, quite smooth. A slight meatiness.
Palate: Initially a very familiar taste for a good bourbon, but then coriander seeds, orange zest, a little grapefruit, with hints of peppermint. This then morphs into black pepper with an underlying sweetness. It’s not sweet like syrup, much more subtle. Again there that slight musty, meaty note. It reminds me of fuet.
Finish: Quite short, but the zestiness remains for a while. Medium dry. Hints of spice. Much smoother than the ABV suggests.
Thoughts
This is an incredibly smooth bourbon. It slips down very easily. It definitely fits the bill for my criteria for owning a bottle, but unfortunately the price point in the UK means it’s unlikely I will be buying (see below). That’s a shame.
Availability
At the time of writing, this is available in the UK from The Bottle Shop for £95.
