The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Debbie Shocair
Rating: B
Rebel Yell 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon
(Credit: Randall H. Borkus)
Down there in Bardstown, Kentucky, one of the newest associates of the Bourbon Trail is Lux Row Distillers, also the new home to the Rebel Yell family of Bourbons. The Rebel Yell brand was registered in 1936 and has, fairly recently, expanded to include an array flavored whiskies. At their core, thought, they are still about decent hooch, especially wheated bourbon, for whiskey lovers who are purists. Among their best is a 100 proof, 10 year old single barrel Kentucky bourbon.
Rebel Yell’s bourbons have long been wheated, and this single barrel is no exception, aged for 10 years in charred new oak barrels. The particular sample it was my pleasure to review came from barrel 5083254 and is part of a limited release of only 2,000 cases. It is my personal opinion that most American whiskey hits the “sweet-spot” at 10 years; longer tends to make it a bit “woody.” I was excited to try this one.
The Bourbon
On the nose, Rebel Yell 10 year old was quite, though not surprisingly, complex. Most apparent was the aromas of candy corn, honey, and spice, along with raisins and vanilla. There were some more subtle nutty note, and all-but-hidden hints of oak. As I mentioned, this one was complex, note after note coming the longer it was admired.
Breaking the whiskey with a ½ teaspoon of water brought out some peppery aromas, brightened the honey notes and uncovered some lovely citrus ones.
The mouthfeel on this single barrel bourbon was just at the tip of the tongue and the roof of the mouth, actually quite tender for a 100 proof whiskey.
The finish was the crescendo: silky smooth, until a surprisingly spicy mouthfeel kicked in. Pepper, cinnamon, tobacco, licorice, and an oakiness all converged in a medium finish. What is interesting (and I do love an interesting whiskey) is how the finish belies the aroma. The finish is dry, pleasantly so, but different than the initial sweet sensory input would suggest.
This is a bourbon I would definitely advise as a sipper, as it is a sensory cornucopia – it runs the full spectrum from sweet aromas to a dry finish.
The Price
It’s about $53 where you can find it. Better yet, go visit Lux Row in Bardstown and take a tour! You can even get a sample tasting of three of their whiskies paired with chocolate. Sigh.
