Rebel Bourbon Embraces Tawny Port Finish For Third Special Release!
Welcome to the Rebel Bourbon #WhiskyFlashBlog!
Organised by Steve from The Whisky Wire numerous contributors will be posting articles today sharing their sampling thoughts on the recently released Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon ‘Tawny Port Finish’.
If you would like to see what everyone thought search for the hash tag #RebelBourbon on Twitter!
So, here goes …
Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers recently released its 2021 limited edition of Rebel Bourbon which this year was finished in tawny port barrels.
This year’s run is 6,000 bottles
Following in the footsteps of the previous two annual releases, this year’s run of 6,000 bottles continues to celebrate Lux Row Distillers’ hallmark of secondary finishing to give the wheated Rebel Bourbon a unique, one-time-only finish.
Each year, the Special Finish Series sees four-year aged Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished for six months in a different cask. 2019 welcomed the Serie’s first release – a French Oak Finish, whilst last year brought a Cognac Cask Finish. Both the limited edition runs experienced high demand, with stocks quickly selling out.
The Tawny Port flavours pair really well with Rebel Bourbon’s vanilla, oak and caramel profile. It’s a winning combination that creates a distinct, depth of rich flavours that’s unlike anything else in the Rebel family, whilst still retaining the Kentucky Straight Bourbon’s remarkably smooth finish.
The secondary finishing elevates the original four-year ageing of Rebel in new charred white oak barrels, taking it to a different level that more years in the rackhouse wouldn’t achieve.
– John Rempe: master distiller and blender at Lux Row Distillers
So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …
Tasting Notes – Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon ‘Tawny Port Finish’ (45%)
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Nose: Sugary, stewed, plump raisins with vanilla, crisp apples and a hint of orange. The orange increases considerably with time – very nice – and different!
Palate: Cane sweetness and those plump raisins really treat the taste buds! Add in toffee, vanilla and chocolate with orange. This orange gets stronger and stronger with time (a la Mandarine Napoleon) and is very tasty indeed! Finish: Some warming spice to go with the sweetness, very welcome and balances the dram nicely. Overall: A morish, heartwarming whiskey that is very Christmasy in flavour and atmosphere. Now I just need the Xmas tree and a roaring fire to complete the magic! |
The Rebel Range is available to buy from Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange but it’s VERY popular – so don’t delay!
Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for the invite!
And many thanks to Andy (@ChapmanPoolePR) for sending me the sample!
And, of course, many thanks to luxrowdistillers.com (@RebelYell_UK), without whom!
ABOUT LUX ROW DISTILLERS
Real roots, real family, real products: Lux Row Distillers – a bourbon distillery experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail –brings the Lux family history and spirits tradition to the bourbon industry.
Lux Row Distillers is the home of bourbon brands including Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson, Daviess County and Ezra Brooks.
Located in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, the 18,000-square foot Lux Row Distillers site includes a visitor centre, barrel warehouses, a tasting room, and event space, making for an all-encompassing bourbon experience. The 90-acre property is home to an 18th century stone house, registered as a National Historic Place, and a long, tree-lined driveway providing a scenic entrance to the distillery.
About Luxco
Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products.
Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands.
This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from five distilleries:
– Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County;
– Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin;
– Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos;
– MGP’s historic distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced;
– and the Washington, D.C.-based Green Hat Distillery, producer of the Green Hat family of gins.
The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.
