Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye is a 2 year MGP rye bottled by Luxco. How do I know that it’s a MGP rye? Because – shock and awe – they actually followed the TTB labeling guidelines and put “Distilled and Aged in Indiana Bottled by Rebel Yell Distillery” and MGP is the Indiana based source for rye whiskey. Being a MGP rye I was pretty sure I knew what I was in for without even cracking the bottle open… but I’m glad I did.
It’s a bit sweeter and rounder than Bulleit rye, which is probably the most well known MGP rye on the market these days (unless you count the liars at Templeton that is). Despite being only 2 years old it has a nicely developed flavor and aroma that might be lacking depth, but is bold and solid. The more well developed young ryes I try the more I’m convinced of the words of Frtiz Maytag “You are all going to discover the beauty of young rye whiskey”.
Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye Info
Region: Indiana, USA
Distiller: MGP
Bottler: Luxco
Mashbill: 95% rye, 5% malt
Age: 2 years
ABV: 45%
Price: $27*
Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye Review
EYE
Toasted bread
NOSE
Oily dilly rye spice and citrus come through first accompanied by a dark candy sweetness and a bit of an herbal nature. It’s not deep or complex, but it’s nice.
PALATE
Rye spice, dill, citrus, caramel and a sugar cookie sweetness with a touch of vanilla. The palate is a bit more complex and well rounded than the nose and I’m a bit surprised at how well developed this is for it’s youth.
FINISH
Medium fade of rye spice, dill and sweetness that fades to a dry saw dust like flavor.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Good balance, medium body and a smooth texture.
OVERALL
Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye is a young MGP rye and if Willett has taught us anything it’s that young ryes can be tasty and this one fits that profile. It’s not very deep or complex, but what’s there is nice and falls in line with other MGP ryes on the market, but with one noticeable difference… it’s priced cheaper. There’s not much else to say about it; it’s a cheap young MGP rye and there’s nothing wrong with that.
SCORE: 82/100
*Disclosure: This bottle of Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.