Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon 100 Proof

This fits the description of bourbons that cost more than Evan Williams bonded but aren't clearly superior. This is common for many bourbons I've sampled. It performs well compared to others in this group, being only slightly inferior to Evan Williams bonded and just a couple dollars more, which could be justified as a premium for being a wheated bourbon. The aroma is subtle, featuring mild honey and vanilla with a touch of cinnamon. It's pleasant but would be better if more pronounced. The palate offers more honey and vanilla, alongside grainy notes resembling honeyed toast, and a hint of lemon. The finish presents more spice than initially perceived, with a lasting impression. It is enjoyable. The gentle sweetness contributes to a relaxing, straightforward drinking experience that doesn't stand out. However, this also means it feels somewhat thin, even at 100 proof. I purchased this after trying Maker's Mark Cask Strength, seeking more affordable wheated bourbons, and this was among the least expensive options. I don't anticipate repurchasing it, but it still offers good value. At $17 a bottle, it's certainly worth considering if you're interested in trying a wheater. Alternatively, if a wheater isn't a specific requirement, Evan Williams bonded is available for $15.

I'm currently dealing with a cold, so my perception of this spirit might differ later. NOSE: Sweet corn, butter, grass, honey, lemon, a hint of mustiness, brown sugar, a general grain note, and buttered roasted corn. MOUTHFEEL: Thin and watery. TASTE: My cold significantly impacted this part. I detected honey, black pepper, red pepper, vanilla, and butter – an unusual combination for a bourbon. FINISH: Uncharred oak and a lingering red pepper spice. SUMMARY: This is a decent bourbon, and likely would be perceived even better if not for my cold. The presence of both black and red pepper is quite surprising, especially for a wheated bourbon. I was initially skeptical of these flavor notes, given that at 100 proof, it has more alcohol than I typically prefer, but no, it's not just the heat – the spices are genuinely present, at least tonight. At only $25, it's definitely a good value, and I will repurchase it.

Poured neat. The aroma is unexpectedly light for 100 proof, reminiscent of Rice Krispies cereal, fresh cut hay, and brown sugar. More sweetness reaches your nose after the first taste. Almost thin at first, but the flavors intensify as it moves across the tongue. More grain-forward cereal notes on the palate, moderately sweet and fruity. It brings to mind boozy Apple Jacks. Smooth finish with a cinnamon gum kick. Good value for the price. A middle-of-the-road bourbon that will likely end up at a future outdoor gathering or two.

Pale amber in appearance. The texture is light, almost bubbly, making it exceptionally easy to consume. The aroma and taste are fairly conventional, with prominent vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon. A subtle peanut brittle note is present in the aroma but not on the palate. The cinnamon on the nose resembles cinnamon sticks, evolving into cinnamon gum on the palate, and returning to cinnamon stick on the finish. The finish is relatively brief, but it doesn't detract significantly. Considering its price, this is a very good, easily drinkable pour.

An intensified version of the 80 proof. Abundant cinnamon maple cornbread and oak throughout. I'm not detecting as much cherry as many others report (though I do get some maraschino). It's lively and full of flavor but rather unpolished and somewhat boozy from ethanol. Since it's inexpensive, it's hard to criticize too much, and honestly, this is probably intended as a mixer. Not as good as Makers/Larceny/1843.......73/100.......the 80 proof is in the same category in my opinion.

Some subtle honey and oak on the nose. The palate is smooth and quite sweet, tasting initially of vanilla and honey baked goods. A bit of spice emerges then fades into notes of fresh corn and some charred caramel. The finish is brief and predominantly bitter, though not entirely off-putting. I'm happy with this bottle at its current price and would likely choose it over Maker's or Larceny, but I won't be in a hurry to repurchase it.