Maker: Lux Row, Bardstown, Kentucky, USA (MGP)
Distiller: Probably Heaven Hill.
Style: Wheat recipe straight bourbon.
Age: NAS (4-5 y/o?)
Proof: 113 (56.5% ABV)
Notes: Barrel 7533582, Filled 11/2/2016.
Michigan state minimum: $45 (Red Wagon, though I forget which one.)
Appearance: Medium copper.
Nose: Leather, caramel, amaretto, alcohol,
Palate: Full bodied. Cinnamon almonds, burn. Water adds chocolate hard candy and oak.
Finish: Oak, candy, alcohol.
Parting words: Rebel Distiller’s Collection is a single barrel selection expression that makes the rounds of the usual retailers. I don’t remember when I bought this one, but I think it was sometime in 2022. I like Heaven Hill wheaters, generally, but Rebel (Yell) hasn’t always been made with the best Heaven Hill has to offer. Modern Rebel has a well-earned reputation of being thin, rough, and sometimes undrinkable.
This bourbon, on the other hand, is actually quite good. It’s one of the best wheaters I’ve had recently. With a splash of water, it’s a well-balanced, beautiful whiskey that can stand up alongside other high-proof wheated bourbons without embarrassment.
That said, this is a single barrel product, so there will be variation between bottles. I’ve seen reviews of Rebel Distiller’s Collection that were all over the map. As always, find a retailer (or club) that has similar taste to yours, so you can be confident that you’re getting a good one. $45 is still $45!
Rebel Distiller’s Collection, Red Wagon selection is recommended.
P.S. If you’re interested in Lux Row, check out my post on when I went there with some friends here.
Sipology 