Typically you don’t see something that’s both a rye and a bourbon – they mostly just make the rye whiskey to their own standard. Maybe that’s something that should change though because this has ‘loads of flavor’ going on, and it’s only improved when you mix with it.
There of course is some problems with this, mostly related to first impressions with how it smells and tastes. All of that though is overruled by the virtue of not burning your throat, and filling it instead with delicious rye whiskey.
What they Say: “Redemption is bringing back rye to its pre-prohibition glory. Our High Rye Bourbon Whiskey is made with corn and a high content of rye to ensure complexity and balance. Join the rye revival.
A mash of 60% corn, 36% rye and 4% barley & aged in new charred oak barrels”
Taste: 5.5 – Almost sugary. It’s not exactly the best tasting whiskey, but it’s fine.
Aftertaste: 6.5 – That’s a WILD one. There’s a bunch of flavor going on in that sip – wish it was a bit more lingering (the warmth does), or was just a bit smokier/woodier to counteract the mostly rye taste.
Burn/Smooth: 6.5 – It’s actually quite smooth going down, but you certainly feel it slightly burning and warming you.
Aroma: 4.0 – It’s certainly got a twinge of the overproof bourbon to it. The rye is certainly there though. Not super great though.
Honesty: 6.0 – Not sure the idea of pre-prohibition is exactly a good thing to have your spirit taste like given how inconsistent and often terrible it was back then, but we understand why it hits that brand and marketing. Nothing about it stands out as a high crime other than it likely not having anything much to actually do with those times despite flaunting it on the bottle.
Mixability: 7.5
W/ Rocks: 7.5 -That’s spectacular, you get way more character and rye and it’s overall just so much better than it was neat.
Whiskey and Coke: 7.5 – It can be said this makes a very nice and very delicious Whiskey and Coke. What’s weird is that while having the same scores – the spectrum of quality for just adding ice is so much higher despite the score. In short, you should have this without coke and just on the rocks.
Value: 6.5 – Because that’s so nice mixed is the main reason why it steps over the edge of mediocrity here. Make no mistake – this isn’t a ringing endorsement to actually purchase, just you won’t be disappointed with it.
Google Shop Average: $31
Website: https://www.redemptionwhiskey.com/
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 6.5
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Metric Score: 42.5/70 |+| Metric Average: 6.07 |+| Reviewer Average: 6.5
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Final Thoughts: You know what? Yeah – if you like Rye’s given this a try. Above we may have said to maybe hold off, but it’s so rare for something to come along that’s actually good at it’s damn job. This fits the bill and having it on rock is a joy. Are their some issues and dings – yeah, but you gotta just roll with it.
