I’d like to thank ByrnePR and Lux Row for providing this review sample with no strings attached.
Hello everybody and Happy 4:20 to those who celebrate where it is legal (and to those who allegedly do so where it is not). Tonight we have something to talk about that I really love: a new and inexpensive rye whiskey. You know that I love exploring new whiskeys. Especially those that come in with a price point where I don’t reflexively feel the need to apologize when I cover them.
Rebel 100 Rye is the latest offering from Lux Row Distillers. It complements the 100 proof offering of the Rebel 100 bourbon, one of my favorites in the Rebel Whiskey line-up. As an aside, I find it a little odd that the Rebel line is made up of a wheated bourbon and a rye whiskey, but no bourbon with rye in it. That said, I guess if the whiskey is good I guess I don’t really care how the combine the constituents of the brand. This is distilled and aged in Indiana at Lux Row’s sister distillery, MGP/Ross & Squibb using their 51% Rye Mash Bill of 51% rye grain, 45% corn, and 4% malted barely. It is two years old and will sell for a suggested retail price of $19.99 for a 750 mL bottle.
“Based on the continued success of both Rebel 100 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, we’ve elevated the proof of its rye counterpart,” said Eric Winter, brand manager for Rebel. “Rebel 100 Rye drinkers still will enjoy the award-winning smooth, spicy rye flavor of Rebel Rye at a proof level that amplifies its taste profile and stands out even better in classic cocktails.”
Let’s see how it tastes.
Rebel 100 Rye
Purchase Info: This sample was provided by the producer for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $19.99.
Price per Drink (50 mL): $1.33
Details: Two years old. 50% ABV. Mash bill: 51% Rye, 45% Corn, 4% malted barley.
Nose: Toffee, mint, and a touch of black tea and citrus.
Mouth: Cinnamon, dried grains, dill, mint and honey.
Finish: Warm and of medium length. Notes of cinnamon, mint, bubblegum, dill and honey.
Thoughts: If you are a fan of the Kentucky-style "barely legal" rye. This is a tasty, and inexpensive, example of that. I probably won't buy it too often because usually when I'm looking for rye, I go with one that has a higher percentage of rye in the mashbill. If I'm looking for something with less "rye" flavor, I go with a high-rye bourbon. This flavor profile sits in that no-man's-land for me. That said its still very good, even at only two years old, and I will happily finish the bottle. I also quite enjoy it in an old fashioned using orange or cherry bitters.
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