Review: Rebel Bourbon 10 Years Old Single Barrel

It’s taken more than a decade, but Luxco’s Rebel Yell brand has evolved from forgotten bottom-shelfer to mid-level respectability to affordable near-luxury that can rub up against the big boys and come away unscathed. The whiskey, now known merely as Rebel, is available with exotic finishes or NASCAR street cred — or both — and it’s never all that expensive, considering.

This release eschews any sponsorships or barrel tricks and goes straight for simplicity: 10 years old, single barrel, 100 proof. The age-old Rebel mash, its recipe dating back to 1849, remains intact: 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley.

This is an allocated, annual release, though we have not reviewed it in the past. If we check out future editions, we’ll update this review by adding new tasting notes here.

Rebel Bourbon 10 Years Old Single Barrel Review

As the construction would imply, this is straightforward bourbon, and it is decidedly solid, well constructed and stout, if not overly challenging. The nose has ample age on display, a melding of dark caramel and tobacco, which gives the aroma a slight mintiness. Well-toasted oak elements create an aromatic austerity that is rarely associated with Rebel (Yell), but which certainly isn’t unwelcome. Gentle furniture polish notes and a light slick of fruit add some needed intrigue, with a touch of dark chocolate evident. On further reflection, perhaps more challenging than on initial inspection.

The palate has a soothing quality courtesy of its 50% abv, not too hot, and not too basic to allow for some introspection. Mint chocolate, ample vanilla, and a hint of maple all give the whiskey a fairly sweet construction, though touches of barrel char ring the edges of the bourbon, peeking and out of view. There’s fruit here, but it’s mild, kept in check by sweeter fare, evoking a bite of Maraska cherry. A bit more mint on the finish, pairing nicely with a taste of chocolate wafer cookies.

At $100, some may find the price a bit too precious for a 100-proof product, but I can’t complain with the results.

100 proof. Barrel number not provided on our sample.

A- / $100 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

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