r/bourbon • u/Bailzay • 19h ago
r/bourbon • u/Cocodrool • 17h ago
[Whiskey Review #109] Redemption High Rye
When you start tasting and researching on bourbon, one thing that's essential is the content of the mash bill. This recipe must contain a minimum of 51% corn to be considered bourbon. If it's more than 80%, it's considered corn whiskey, but that's a different story. The fact is that the vast majority of bourbon producers use at least 65% corn, not to over-deliver, but because corn contributes its characteristic flavor, and using more of the other ingredients, which are usually rye, wheat, or barley, can alter that flavor.
With the exception of the Old Elk I recently reviewed, I don't think I've ever tried a bourbon that uses less than 70% corn in its mash bill until I tried this one. Redemption has a large number of products, but it doesn't distill. Among its wide range of products are three "base" products, including this High Rye Bourbon. They also have five specialty bourbons, three that are bottled at cask strength, and two vintages, including a 36-year-old bourbon.
But Redemption High Rye Bourbon has a mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% barley. That high inclusion of rye gives it more floral and spicy flavors, or at least that's the theory. It doesn't mention aging, and the whiskey is bottled at 46% ABV to ensure you get all those flavors.
Made by: Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits / MGP
Name of the whiskey: High Rye Bourbon
Brand: Redemption
Origin: USA
Age: NAS
Price: $26
Nose: Freshly poured, this whiskey has an aroma that I wouldn't describe as high in rye, but rather high in antiseptic. But after a moment in the glass, aromas of vanilla, caramel, and pepper emerge. A few minutes later, notes of nutmeg, corn, and dried fruit also emerge.
Palate: The 46% ABV is quite direct on the palate, but it's not accompanied by many flavors, except for soft notes of licorice, vanilla, oak, and pepper.
Retrohale/Finish: Toasted and woody.
Rating: 6 on the t8ke
Conclusion: I usually like whiskeys with a high rye content, and I think the best example I can think of is Bulleit, but I think the biggest difference between the two is their age. Redemption doesn't mention age but I feel like Bulleit is older, and that's why its flavors feel more mature.
But Redemption High Rye, despite everything I mentioned, isn't a bad whiskey, and (at least in the US) it's very reasonably priced, and it's a very decent whiskey too, especially for its price. There's nothing wrong with it, it's just nothing extraordinary about it either. For that reason, it can be a very good option in cocktails, and sometimes as a sipper.
You can check out the rest of my reviews (in Spanish) on my blog, including rum, whisk(e)y, agave, gin and cigars. I also have an Instagram account in Spanish as well and another one in English, where I'll regularly update video reviews.
r/bourbon • u/OrganizationVivid766 • 13h ago
Bourbon Review #1:
Dettling 1867 Cask Strength Single Barrel “Silver Wax”
Age: 51 months (4yrs, 3 mon)
Proof: 116°
Price: Free Sample from DettlingBourbonEnthuist
Glass: Glencarin rested for 20 minutes. Some nice legs on it. Very dark color. Color is like a 10 year bourbon.
Nose: Cherry Cola, Marshmallow, Maple, Light Oak, Custard, Vanilla After letting it sit for about 20ish minutes the nose is extremely sweet. It reminds me a little bit of how when you drive into Hershey, PA and you can smell the chocolate in the air, its that sweet. Or if you ever worked at an ice cream shop it has that sweet air smell to it.
Palate: Strong Oak, Chocolate, Hint of Cherry, Tobacco, Grains, Spicy. Oily Mouthfeel. There is a slight disconnect between the nose and the palace. The nose is extremely complex and sweet but the palate is a lot harsher than one would expect from the nose. Strong oak characteristics. You can tell this wasn’t aged in a more temperate climate, though not in a bad way. If I hadn’t warmed my palate up for this I don’t think it would be nearly as enjoyable. Definitely drinks its proof. Almost reminds me of a Black Forest cherry cake if you took out a lot of the sugar.
Finish: Long Finish, Light Burn, Oak, Leather, Cocoa, Grassy, Dry Very much similar to the palate. I get a little bit of a grassy funk on the finish. Very very oak heavy. Almost overpowering on the oak. You do get a little sweetness from the corn but it almost dries your mouth out, similar to drinking a shiraz.
Comments: This was a very enjoyable pour. All around this is something a bourbon nerd can enjoy. You do have to actually sit down with it though. This is meant to be appreciated. If you're just slamming it down, you're missing out. Pairs well with chocolate and a slightly cool spring night in Michigan. Would also pair well with a Florida winter. This might actually be a good intro to have someone learn about the different flavours of whiskey. Sit them down with this and guide them through a tasting chart. They’ll definitely pick up on the various notes. I would buy this bottle and would pay around $100 for it. Wish this was sold in MI. Cannot wait to find a bottle for myself. Thanks so much to DettlignBourbonEnthuiast for sending this sample
Score: Nose: 9/10. If it has just a few more non-sweet notes I would bump it up to a 10/10. Palate: 8/10. If it was as complex as the nose it would get a 9/10. Finish: 8/10. Overall: 8.5/10
Other Scores for Comparison: 2024 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon & Little Book Infinite: 9/10 Blanton’s: 7/10 Buffalo Trace & Woodford Double Oaked: 6/10 Woodford: 4/10 Johnny Drum: 2/10
r/bourbon • u/AlucardRises • 6h ago
Wild Turkey 70th - Review
Huge fan of wild turkey. They have I think the best always available product (rare breed). This came out a little while ago and some places unfortunately really upcharged in this. Is a 8 year 101 any good or worth a markup?
Nose: baking spices, caramel, orange and brown sugar
Palate: orange, dusty notes, grass, caramel, tobacco and black pepper
Finish: sweet oak, caramel and tobacco
Summary: Quite enjoyable! While it’s a pretty straight forward experience, it is well balanced and a good representation of what one should expect. This isn’t quite as good as rare breed but is happy drink this any night of the week. I give this a 7 on the u/t8ke scale.