Redemption Barrel Proof 10 Year High-Rye Bourbon (2017 Edition)

Nose is dominated by "green" notes. Green apple, green hay, green oak (leaning towards pine/cedar), dill, thyme, with added baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger). A hint of banana is present and appreciated. An umami note appears after some time. This is complex and invites further exploration of its considerable depths. Some ethanol is noticeable with deep inhales, but acceptable considering the proof. Palate presents typical MGP brightness with caramel-coated Granny Smith apple, leather, pine, light vanilla, tobacco, leafy herbs, and oak. Its greatest strength is the seamless integration of flavors. If you enjoy well-aged MGP, this will be highly appealing. The proof provides adequate body. Finish lasts seemingly for ages, delivering the spice promised in the nose. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, tingly, and effervescent, fitting the profile perfectly. A superb example of what higher aged MGP offers. Priced at $99.99 for a ten-year age statement, it is fairly priced, neither a bargain nor overpriced. To compare it to other MGP-sourced products, I would prefer to spend more on this than, for instance, Smoke Wagon UCUF, but a similar profile can be achieved with Belle Meade Reserve for half the price, preventing this from being an absolute home run.

I just purchased a bottle of this (June 5, 2019), so I assume it's not the 2017 release; however, it is a 10-year Barrel Proof High-Rye Bourbon at 114.4 proof. The nose is typical of MGP bourbon - oak, brown sugar, orange peel, baking spices, leather, and a hint of varnish (in a positive way). There's enough heat to indicate it's barrel proof, but not to the point of being harsh. The palate mirrors the nose - brown sugar, oak, and baking spices are dominant. There's an earthy quality, but it doesn't introduce any off-notes. The finish is oaky but not astringent, with the sweetness lingering alongside some rye spice (though none of the herbal/dill notes found in MGP straight ryes). After adding a few drops of water and letting it sit in the glass for a while, it improved significantly, with the brown sugar notes becoming more pronounced (without overshadowing the oak and spice). Overall, this is a really good example of well-aged MGP bourbon, and at $75, it was a considerable bargain compared to similarly aged products from other independent bottlers. Competitors like Boone County and Widow Jane are a few dollars less expensive but have substantially lower proof. Belle Meade Cask Strength can be found for under $70, but it's non-age-stated and clearly younger. Interestingly, this was $20 cheaper than the Redemption 9-year low-rye barrel strength on the same shelf.

AROMA Oak, dark dried fruit, caramel, spice, brownies, copper, candy sweetness, grain sweetness, oil, and a touch of wood smoke. The scent is incredibly deep and rich with oak and those darkly sweet and fruity notes, but what truly captivates in the Redemption 10 Year Barrel Proof High Rye Bourbon are the bursts of spice and the faint wisp of wood smoke. PALATE Oak, dark dried fruit, brown sugar, dill spice, sugar cookies, copper, candy sweetness, grain sweetness, oil, and a touch of cocoa and wood smoke. Similar to the aroma, but incorporates more bakery sweetness and brightens slightly without losing that intriguing wood smoke. FINISH Extended -> Oak, spice, brown sugar, copper, and wood smoke. Begins like a solid piece of oak but fades into a sweet, spicy, and smoky oak essence.

I found this bourbon to be an exceptional pour. Classic bourbon aroma with hints of red fruit. Great thick mouthfeel, the palate starts with a little sweetness then comes the pepper. Vanilla, caramel, barrel, a touch of apple peel and leather leads to a long peppery finish. Love it, I made the mistake of bringing it to a family birthday party and just about finished it off! Glad I bought 2!!!

An excellent bottle. If you appreciate complexity and something unique, this is a great choice. It's well-aged, smooth, and offers a hint of rye whiskey alongside the richness of bourbon. It's not inexpensive, but I'm pleased to own it because it's simply different!

This is truly exceptional. I must admit, initially, I wasn't overly impressed. However, it has achieved a good balance after resting on the shelf for a few weeks. I intend to purchase another bottle. Cheers