Review: Rebel 100 Cabernet Franc Casks Bourbon
In NASCAR, it’s all about the finish—and racing teams are always in pursuit of the next great one. In May 2025, Richard Childress Racing, in partnership with Rebel Bourbon, began chasing a different kind of finish: a finished bourbon.
Introducing Rebel 100 Childress Vineyards Cabernet Franc Casks Kentucky Straight Bourbon (whew!). Aged for at least four years in new, charred oak barrels, this wheated bourbon is then finished in cabernet franc wine casks sourced directly from Childress Vineyards—bringing together the worlds of racing, winemaking, and whiskey in a single bottle.
Childress Vineyards spans over 70 acres across two sites in North Carolina: the Hampton Road Estate in Davidson County and Vineyard Crossing at the winery’s main location. The region’s distinct terroir—marked by a humid climate, extended growing season, and gravelly red clay soil—contributes to the character of the wine casks used in the finishing process.
Rebel, formerly known as Rebel Yell, produced in Bardstown by Luxco, is crafted from a mashbill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley, and is bottled at 100 proof. This release marks a notable shift for Rebel in the U.S. market. While American consumers are well-acquainted with Rebel’s straight bourbon, this is the first Rebel expression with secondary barrel aging to be released domestically.
Previously, cask-finished Rebel expressions—featuring Cognac, tawny Port, French oak, and oloroso sherry finishes—were available exclusively in European markets. With the debut of Rebel 100 Cabernet Franc Casks in the U.S., a new chapter begins. Could this signal the start of a broader range of cask-finished Rebels stateside—or will American shelves continue to showcase only the classic expressions? Let’s find out what American’s have been missing!
Rebel 100 Cabernet Franc Casks Bourbon Review
The wine cask influence makes itself known right away, as the aroma of strawberry hard candy rises from the glass and mingles with cream soda. As the dram rests, a crisp note of fresh mint appears. The bouquet isn’t overly complex, but it’s undeniably inviting. On the palate, the wine casks continue to steer the experience—dark chocolate and ripe strawberries lead the way. As the sip progresses, earthy wheat bread and dark brown sugar add depth, complemented by a satisfyingly dry texture. The final stretch delivers a lively kick, with cola, black pepper, and cinnamon bringing warmth, while salted peanuts leave a lasting impression.
Rebel 100 Childress Vineyards Cabernet Franc Barrel Finish proves a worthwhile upgrade from the standard Rebel 100 Bourbon, and at just $40, it offers real character without stretching the wallet. It drinks well neat, but its price also makes it a solid pick for cocktails. Based on this release, more secondary-aged expressions from Rebel would be a welcome direction.
100 proof.
B / $40 / rebelbourbon.com
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