Rebel Distiller’s Collection 4 year - Binny’s #7220857 - 56.5%
Not uncommon in the world of bourbon, failed brands/endeavors pave the way for historic bottlings down the road. In the case of Rebel Yell, United Distillers (Diageo) ramped up production between 1987 and 1992 to position the brand as a global competitor to Jack Daniels. The target was large enough that they even tapped Ancient Age to start pumping out wheated bourbon in support of the brand. However, instead of bursting onto the global scene, United Distillers scrapped the plans, selling Rebel Yell and other Stitzel-Weller brands to Heaven Hill and Sazerac. With an ocean of aged wheated bourbon to move, the distillate found its way into plenty of legendary bottlings by the Van Winkles, Willett, Michter's, and Jefferson's. This version is likely Heaven Hill wheated bourbon sourced by Luxco.
Nose: Simple and warm. Cherry. Leather. Cinnamon. Faint peanuts back there.
Flavor: Expressive. Decent complexity. Controlled. Cherry. Medicinal herbs. Peanut. Cardamom. Cinnamon. Young wood. Leather.
Structure: Slow and low to start. Big rolling climax mid. Spicy waves in the finish before it settles into some chewy barrel notes.
Alcohol Integration: Decent weight and palate clarity. Drinks like a solid BiB.
Score: 6 (Solid) Best $35 bourbon I've had in ages. Proof is in a sweet spot. Doesn't drink too young. At this price point, I'll grab a bottle or two any time Binny's drops some picks.
You May Also Dig:
Cherry driven wheaters
Weller Antique (I liked the Rebel better than the last non-pick Weller Full Proof I tried)
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour
Source: Whisky Magazine