I had heard good things about Rebel Yell and wanted to give it a shot (pardon the pun). It’s not one that’s going to make it into my top 10, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like it. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. It’s fine, but it doesn’t stand out like other bourbons are are flat out delicious.
The nose was really replete with alcohol, and I found myself concerned that it was going to be unusually ‘hot’ for a 100 proof pour. I also detected a pretty noticeable scent of vanilla, toffee, cinnamon, and perhaps a little citrus.
On the palette, I was pleasantly surprised NOT to get the burn I expected, however as it flows down the hatch it had a lot to say on the way down. It’s a hotter 100 proof bourbon at first, even after it had been opened and had 10 minutes to breathe in a glencairn glass.
The flavor, to me, was very earthy, with hints of tobacco and leather at first, followed by that hint of citrus and even a dab of spearmint. Surprisingly, I even caught a mushroom note. Amazing. I cooled it down a touch with a whiskey bullet and picked up some caramel notes and lost some of the vanilla, and all of the citrus.
The finish was decent, having a moderate life. The oak from the barrel was more present in the finish than in any other time in the tasting, as was a slight pepper note.
Again, this is a nice bourbon and one I don’t mind drinking for the low price of $19.99 (in Ohio). Is it one I’ll seek? Meh. Maybe if I run out of bourbon, and money. But even then, the Evan Williams BiB, Very Old Barton and Old Fitzgerald are better pours for even less money.
“¡Salúd!” 🥃