Okay, I seem to be in the minority for enjoying Rebel Yell. I consider it a great value and a solid wheated bourbon. This is meant to be the premium version of RY, with higher proof and longer aging, so my expectations were high. Poured neat, it's darker with better legs. The aroma is definitely more substantial. It has the same notes of cornbread, cherry, and dust, but intensified with some heat. The mouthfeel is still thin but remains smooth. The palate is more lively with cherry vanilla, oaky cinnamon, and good warmth. The body is still lacking, which I believe is typical for a wheater, and cherry is quite prominent. The finish has cherry and oak. I'm finding this excessively sweet with more cherry than I prefer. I don't know what happened, but it almost resembles one of those flavored whiskies; it barely tastes like bourbon at all, in my opinion, which is not good. Adding water does tone down the cherry, but I'd rather have standard RY for half the price, and Larceny or Maker's are much better options for a similar cost. I definitely wouldn't buy it again.............61/100........Fortunately, it mixes well with Coke; the strong cherry and wheat blend nicely to create a tasty combination.
Rebel Yell Small Batch Reserve Bourbon
Whiskey Bourbon Kentucky No age statement 45.3% ABV
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About this bottle
Launched in 2008 by Heaven Hill for the Luxco corporation at the Bernheim distillery, this is a Non-Age Statement (NAS) bourbon, though it is generally thought to be older than the standard Rebel Yell. Its mash bill includes corn, wheat, and malted barley, with specific percentages not disclosed. In 2015, the product's branding and name changed from Rebel Reserve to Rebel Yell Small Batch Reserve.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 39 parsed reviews.
This reminds me of "campfire bourbon," which is fine when you're in the right mood. It has a yellow-gold appearance and is a little thin but not watery. The aroma is marshmallow and pastry with vanilla. This flavor profile carries through consistently to the palate. The finish is brief, with a warming heat that then becomes somewhat astringent. A very small amount of water corrects this without diminishing the flavors. Overall, I'd rate it 3.5 stars. It's the kind of whiskey for sipping by the fire on an autumn evening. Straightforward and traditional, with no complexities. Not bad considering I paid $13.99 for the bottle.
NOSE Caramel, oak, biscuity, honey, dried cherries, cinnamon and a bit herbal. A notably richer and warmer scent compared to the standard Rebel Yell. Not incredibly complex, but a substantial upgrade. PALATE Oak, caramel, vanilla cake, citrus frosting, baking spice, dried cherries, hazelnuts and a bit herbal. Once again, the Rebel Yell Rebel Reserve surpasses the regular RY and presents itself like a respectable bourbon. It's quite enjoyable to drink. FINISH Medium -> Oak, rich sweetness and fruitiness fade into herbal spice.
Improved significantly after the bottle had time to air out. The aroma features caramel corn and marshmallow. The taste is sweet with a pleasant Cracker Jack note, hints of butter, and pastry. The finish is a bit lacking, with an astringent burn. Adding water mellows it without detracting from the taste. Overall, it's a decent offering on its own, but a great value proposition. I enjoy it and would purchase it again
The aroma is sweet with grilled fruit, marshmallow, cooked sugar, sweet corn and a hint of oak. The cooked sugar is prominent on the palate along with the oak, while the grilled fruit provides balance. The finish is medium and sweet, with cooked sugar and oak receding alongside faint traces of brown sugar and grilled fruit.
This bourbon is an excellent value for its cost. The aroma is intriguing, with notes of honey, fruit, and even cinnamon. The flavor mirrors this, but with more baking spices and honey. The finish is satisfying, featuring a mild warmth, spice, and a hint of licorice. A solid choice.
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