Introduction
In this review, we're diving into Rebel 100 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a 100-proof whiskey that's been flying under the radar for many whiskey enthusiasts. Formerly known as Rebel Yell 100, this whiskey has undergone a bit of a rebranding, shedding its previous associations while maintaining its reputation for delivering great value. Produced by Luxco at their Lux Row distillery, Rebel 100 is still a sourced product, likely from Heaven Hill, although the mash bill remains undisclosed. What we do know is that it's a weeded bourbon, with wheat being the second most prominent grain after corn. With a proof of 100 and a price tag of just $20, this bourbon promises a lot. Let’s see how it stacks up.
This review was taken from our episode "Chef / Rebel 100." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad kicked things off with his take on the nose: “As I get into the nose, there's definitely some ethanol that sticks around that you can't even, you know, kind of blow out of the top. But there's some ethanol coming through. It's 100 proof. But other than that, I get some really nice corn, caramel, and vanilla notes. It smells like bourbon.” He rated the nose 6.5/10.
Bob added his thoughts, noting that the nose reminded him more of cream soda than anything else, with a strong vanilla presence and some wheat underneath. He found it difficult to keep his scores objective considering the price but ultimately settled on a 7.5/10, acknowledging the value this bourbon presents.
Taste
On the palate, Bob was initially surprised by how thin the whiskey felt, although he appreciated the caramel flavors reminiscent of a whiskey and Coke. He rated the taste 7.5/10, though later bumped it up to 8/10 as he compared it to other 100 proof whiskeys like Henry McKenna.
Brad, however, enjoyed the mouthfeel, describing it as “pleasantly oily” with well-coated vanilla, wheat, and caramel notes. For him, it was a classic bourbon that delivered exactly what he wanted, earning it a 7/10.
Finish
Bob found the finish “really nice, really pleasant,” with a bit of black cherry on the back of the tongue and a decent Kentucky hug without any harshness. He rated the finish 8/10.
Brad echoed Bob's sentiments, calling the finish the best part of the whiskey. He loved the balance of the Kentucky hug with vanilla, comparing it to cream soda, and appreciated that it wasn’t overly oaky like many cheaper whiskeys. He also gave the finish an 8/10.
Balance
For balance, Bob felt that Rebel 100 was very well-balanced, hitting all the middle notes without anything particularly standing out or disappointing. He awarded it 8.5/10.
Brad agreed, noting that the whiskey had a good amount of flavor without being too grainy, which is often a downfall of cheaper whiskeys. He rated the balance 8/10.
Value
When it comes to value, both Bob and Brad were unanimous in their praise. Brad emphasized that Rebel 100 serves as a foundational whiskey, perfect for comparing other bourbons to, and incredibly versatile whether used neat, in a mixer, or on the rocks. He gave it a perfect 10/10 for value.
Bob was equally enthusiastic, noting that Rebel 100 is so good neat that he almost hesitates to use it as a mixer, yet it's versatile enough to do just that if needed. He agreed with Brad’s score, awarding it a 10/10.
Final Scores
Bob’s final score came out to 42/50, while Brad landed just under 40 with a 39.5/50. This gives Rebel 100 a combined score of 40.75/50, placing it firmly in the upper echelon of whiskeys reviewed on the podcast.
Conclusion
Rebel 100 is a no-brainer recommendation, especially at its $20 price point. Even if it had only hit the 35/50 mark, it would still be a must-buy due to the incredible value it offers. But with a score over 40/50, Rebel 100 proves that great whiskey doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. This is one of those rare finds that belongs on every whiskey lover’s shelf.
For those new to whiskey, this bottle is an excellent starting point, offering a robust flavor profile without breaking the bank. And for seasoned enthusiasts, it’s a budget gem that can hold its own against more expensive bottles. Go out and grab a bottle—what are you waiting for?
