Rebel Root Beer Flavored Whiskey Review (2026 Release)

 

What, exactly, is flavored whiskey? According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (what everyone else calls the TTB), the legal definition is a "whiskey that's flavored with natural flavoring materials, with or without the addition of sugar, bottled at not less than 30% alcohol by volume.

The name of the predominant flavor shall appear as part of the class and type designation, e.g., "Cherry Flavored Whisky." Wine may be added, but if the addition exceeds 2½% by volume of the finished product, the classes and/or types and percentages (by volume) of wine must be stated as part of the class and type designation."

 

The emphasis on natural is mine, and that's purposeful. I'm fully aware that when I mention flavored whiskey, there is a segment of whiskey drinkers who will roll their eyes and give you some long, in-depth explanation as to why you shouldn't drink it. That's a clear violation of my #DrinkCurious mantra. If you need another reason, there's this:

 

"In my experience, there are two types of flavored whiskeys. The first involves attempting to salvage substandard whiskey by burying it in additives. The second is adding or infusing flavors into otherwise decent whiskey to enhance it. Yes, there is a real difference." –Whiskeyfellow, on many occasions.

 

Rebel Root Beer is the subject of today's review. Rebel Bourbon has released this flavored whiskey before, and it has been well-received. I've never tried it and didn't even know such a thing existed before now. It is made with the classic Rebel wheated Bourbon mashbill, infused with real root beer. It also contains caramel coloring.

 

"We listened to the real trailblazing rebels out there, and brought back Rebel Root Beer. It's available in a variety of size options for enjoying neat, chilled, in cola cocktails and more. Rebel Root Beer is fun and tasty, but doesn't have any rules – on purpose." – Philip Lux, Rebel Bourbon Brand Manager

 

Root beer was one of my favorites back when I indulged in soft drinks. Rebel Bourbon holds a consistently positive track record with me, so color me intrigued. Rebel Bourbon was kind enough to provide me with a sample in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review. Let's do this!

 

• Whiskey Type: Flavored Whiskey
• Distiller: Lux Row Distillers
• Age: NAS
• Mashbill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley infused with root beer
• Cooperage: Undisclosed
• Alcohol Content: 35% ABV (70°)
• Price per 750mL: $19.99
• Price per 50mL: $0.99

 

Appearance: I used a Glencairn glass (because, why not?) to explore Rebel Root Beer neat. It was the color of cola; I guess I expected it to be closer to root beer. A huge rim released a variety of tears; some thick, some fast, some tightly packed, while others were widely spaced.

 

Nose: I allowed Rebel Root Beer to rest for about 15 minutes, as I do with most other whiskeys. Then, I held the glass beneath my nostrils and inhaled. Sassafras, caramel, vanilla, birch bark, and mild oak were easily identifiable. The aroma was a bit off from what I would generally associate with root beer; it seemed overly vanilla-ish, and, obviously, your average root beer isn't aged in wood. When I pulled the vapor into my mouth, I found sassafras and the very slightest hint of wintergreen.

 

Palate: I encountered a creamy, full-bodied texture that coated my entire mouth and tongue. It possessed no palate shock whatsoever. Caramel and vanilla cream – almost ice cream – were on the front. The middle featured sassafras and honey, while the back included notes of mild oak, a touch of wintergreen, and molasses.

 

Finish: Only in its finality was I reminded that this was whiskey. There wasn't anything that I'd classify as a punch of alcohol; instead, it carried a bit of warmth. Vanilla, sassafras, molasses, and now, black licorice remained in my mouth. The duration lasted 1:17, making it on the longer spectrum of medium.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: I went into this tasting wondering if it was basically an uncarbonated root beer. Nope. There was a surprising amount of depth here, which, frankly, defies the all-too-typical flavored whiskey formula of no front, middle, or back combined with definitive phoniness.

 

Rebel Root Beer was root beer-like with some extra punch. I was unprepared for black licorice, a note I usually don't appreciate, and the wintergreen, which is more associated with rye, of which, as a wheated Bourbon, it has none. For whatever reason, they both worked and complemented what was in my glass.

 

I enjoyed this sipping experience, and when you factor in that it only sets you back an Andy Jackson, that's the makings of my Bottle rating. Keep in mind that this is only 70°. 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 to do so responsibly.