Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey Review & Tasting Notes

 

Many years ago, I started a hashtag campaign called #RespectTheBottomShelf. Its purpose was to encourage and inform others that true gems are found in the most-overlooked spot of your local liquor store: the bottom shelf. These treasures are an effective way to build a quality home bar without breaking the bank.

 

At the end of March, Lux Row Distillers released a new whiskey label called Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey. You may have heard of Rebel 100, which, until now, referred to only a Bourbon. The brand used to be called Rebel Yell, but due to compassionate reasons, the Yell half of the name was abandoned.

 

“Based upon the continued success of […] Rebel 100 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, we’ve elevated the proof of its Rye counterpart. Rebel 100 Rye drinkers still will enjoy the award-winning smooth, spicy rye flavor of Rebel Rye at a proof level that amplifies its taste profile and stands out even better in classic cocktails.” – Eric Winter, Rebel Brand Manager

 

Rebel 100 Rye begins as a mash of 51% rye, 45% corn, and 4% malted barley. If you’ve ever heard the term barely legal regarding American whiskeys, that happens when the 51% number comes up because it is the bare minimum ingredient required for a whiskey to legally fit a category. It carries a published 24-month age statement, also meeting the minimum guidelines to qualify for its Straight designation.

 

Bottled at 50% ABV (100°), you’ll find a 750ml on your local store shelves for around $19.99, making it very affordable for nearly anyone. And while the price is nice, there’s still a need to know if what you’re buying is any good.

 

Before I #DrinkCurious, I must thank Lux Row Distillers for sending me a sample in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review.

 

Also, I shared a pour with a fellow whiskey drinker to explore what Rebel 100 Rye has to offer. On the plus side, our conclusions were almost identical. Now, let’s get to it, shall we?

 

Appearance: I used a Glencairn glass and sipped this whiskey neat. The liquid was a light, golden color. A medium-thick rim released even thicker, crooked tears.

 

Nose: As I brought the glass to my nostrils, thick vanilla and a floral bouquet flowed from its neck. Orange citrus, nutmeg, and toasted oak followed. Light rye spice and oak tickled my tongue when I drew the aroma through my lips.

 

Palate: A medium-weighted mouthfeel introduced flavors of spicy rye, toasted oak, and vanilla to the front of my palate. The middle encountered orange zest and nutmeg, while the back consisted of leather, clove, and cinnamon.

 

Finish: I found the finish to be long-lasting and very spicy. The tip of my tongue tingled as the clove and cinnamon hung on the longest, outlasting the orange and vanilla.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Like many whiskeys, don’t pass judgment on the first sip. I found myself wondering if this was really 100°. The second sip addressed that and confirmed its potency, bringing the full breadth of its flavors to fruition. Would this make a good cocktail base? Yes. But it stands up just fine on its own two feet when drank neat.

 

Rebel 100 Rye isn’t a mind-blower, but it is delicious and delivers far more than you’d expect from a $20.00 whiskey. Not only does this earn its spot in the #RespectTheBottomShelf category, but it also snags my Bottle rating. Cheers!

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you do so responsibly.