Redemption High-Rye Bourbon 750ml

Redemption High-Rye Bourbon aims at creating a youthful hybrid whiskey between bourbon and rye. It is distilled and aged in Indiana at Midwest Grain Products (MGP) with an especially unique mash bill of 60% Corn, 36% rye, and 4% barley malt. It is aged at least 1 year in new charred American oak before being bottled at 92 proof. Note: Updated packaging as of November 2016.

Much Like Redemption high-rye Bourbon, It Is Aged For A Minimum Of Two Years In New, Charred American Oak Casks Before Being Brought To Proof And Bottled By Hand. It Has Notes Of Sweet Caramel, Dried Fruits, And Toffee, Which Complement Hints Of Cinnamon And Spicy Rye.

The mash bill for bourbon is pretty straightforward: It must be distilled from at least 51 percent corn, although it’s often much higher than that at around 60 to 80 percent. The remaining percentage is a mixture of grains. According to Heaven Hill American whiskey brand ambassador Bernie Lubbers, barley usually only comprises five to 10 percent of the mash bill, as it’s mostly used to help with the fermentation process. This leaves flavoring grains, which are commonly wheat or rye.

Then there’s high-rye bourbon, in which the percentage of rye is also about 20 percent, with some variation. This gives the bourbon a nice spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the corn, without the full-on peppery zing of a true rye whiskey. These are five of the best high-rye bourbons available today.

Nose:

On the nose, this 92 proof bourbon is a bit boozy and brash, with pronounced ethanol that thankfully fades out a bit after it spends a little longer in the glass. It still reminds one a little bit of the alcohol character of high-rye moonshine. Those notes are supported by some red berry fruitiness, light vanilla, and sour oak.

Palate:

On the palate, things turn for the better. The alcohol/ethanol presence doesn’t come out as strongly here, and the product rather reminds one of a light, young rye whiskey rather than a classical bourbon.