Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Redemption is quickly becoming a rising star among beginner spirit companies today, paving the way to becoming a prominent whiskey spirits producer.
Following its acquisition by the Deutsch Family Wine Spirits company, they’re now producing high-quality bourbon and rye whiskey at a lower price.
And one of the favorites is the Redemption Bourbon.
So, we’re here to do this Redemption Bourbon review and see how far this whiskey can go.
Redemption Kentucky Straight Bourbon Overview
Master Blender Dave Carpenter is behind Redemption whiskeys, who also contributed to the success of Jim Beam.
But like so many other budget or new whiskey companies, Redemption doesn’t have its own distillation facility. The distillation takes place at Indiana’s Lawrenceburg Distillers.
Redemption sources rye from the Midwest Grain Products Company in Indiana, USA, which they’ve used in their spirits line.
Quick Facts
History & Origin
Redemption is a new spirits company launched in 2010, but the pioneer of resurging rye classics, inspired by the pre-Prohibition recipes bringing back the distinctive rich rye flavor profile.
After a few years in the industry, the Deutsch Family Wine Spirits acquired Redemption Bourbon from the Bardstown Barrel Selections, established by Michael and Dave Kanbar.
How It’s Made
The grains are cooked then it proceeds to fermentation and distillation to make whiskey. The whiskeys are aged between 8-9 years using charred new oak barrels.
It was filtered before being bottled at full proof, so the Redemption high-rye, bourbon, and other high-proof whiskeys are real crowd-pleasers.
“The distinctiveness of Redemption comes from the attention to detail during the aging and batching process, which is all done to taste, ensuring consistency bottle to bottle.”
— Deutsch Family, Brand Owner.
Specifically, Redemption Bourbon is bottled at 84-proof in small batches [1]. What’s special is that each batch and bottle number on each label is handwritten.
Mash Bill
Redemption bourbon comprises 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% barley. The whiskey from Redemption has varying mash bills, and some variations are:
- Redemption Wheated Bourbon: 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley
- Redemption Straight Rye: 95% rye and 5% barley
- Redemption High-Rye Bourbon: 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% barley
Age Statement
Redemption bourbon is a no-age-statement whiskey. But, it is rumored to be aged 8 to 9 years in charred oak barrels.
Ownership & Distillery
Deutsch Family Wines & Spirits, a company that pays close attention to all details during their whiskey’s aging and batching process, owned Redemption Bourbon, along with Josh Cellars and Yellow Tail.
But it was distilled by Lawrenceburg Distillers in Indiana, then bottled in small batches in Bardstown, KY.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Aromatic scent with sweet vanilla, savory malted barley, cinnamon, and wood notes (from the charred oak barrels).
Palate
Youthful flavor profile. This bourbon packs classic flavors, with the taste of sweet, subtle bourbon and rye spice, caramel, vanilla, and a hint of menthol.
What’s remarkable is its flavor notes like from a Tennessee whiskey.
Color
Light golden hue but appears pale gold in the glass; you’ll see the spirit’s beads slowly forms tears.
Finish
Well-rounded mid to long finish. The sweet finishing taste creates a wonderful yet lighter experience that makes the tasting notes perfect for beginners to enjoy.
Common Redemption Straight Bourbon Price
| Type | Size | Alcohol Proof | Average Price |
| Redemption Straight Bourbon | 750ml | 84-proof | Around $29.99 (Drizly) |
At the price point, it’s an affordable whiskey. At such a low price, anyone can have an enjoyable drinking experience, which is hard to find in other spirits in the same range.
Compared to Other Bourbons
Larceny Bourbon
Larceny and Redemption are both budget-friendly whiskeys. However, Redemption offers a wider spectrum compared to Larceny, and is a little cheaper.
However, on our whiskey review, we prefer the wheated bourbon of Larceny than Redemption.
We find an exceptional balance of sweetness in Larceny. But if you’re looking for a wider range of options, you must check out Redemption.
Benchmark Bourbon
Benchmark is cheaper compared to Redemption. But Redemption’s quality is more evident (thanks to its excellent master blender).
For someone looking for a true reflection of “quality at a lower price,” that’s Redemption whiskeys all the way.
The sweeter side of the Redemption is nice with a soft texture, which you can’t find at Benchmark.
Evan Williams
In terms of reputation, Evan Williams is more established than Redemption. Though both are budget-friendly, Evan Williams is cheaper but delivers a good experience.
You might have second thoughts about these two, as they’re both great in their own way.
Both offer different kinds of whiskey expressions, too. It’s hard to choose, so it all boils down to your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is Redemption bourbon made?
Redemption bourbon is made at the Lawrenceburg Distillers in Indiana, then bottled in batches in Bardstown, Kentucky.
The company bought spirits from a large mass-production facility for liquors in Indiana.
Is Redemption a wheated bourbon?
Redemption isn’t just wheated bourbons. They offer classic American whiskey expressions like ryes and high-rye bourbons.
But their Redemption wheated bourbon is made of 45% winter wheat.
Is Redemption bourbon sourced?
Redemption sources from the Midwest Grain Products (MGP) [2] in Indiana.
The Redemption Straight Bourbon goes beyond the labels’ tradition of high rye bourbon and rye-forward whiskeys.
How do you drink Redemption bourbon?
You can drink Redemption bourbon on the rocks or in a cocktail due to its rich spice notes.
Is Redemption a good whiskey?
Yes, Redemption whiskey is generally well-regarded by enthusiasts and critics alike. Known for its high-quality ingredients and meticulous crafting process, Redemption has earned a reputation for producing flavorful and smooth bourbons that appeal to a wide range of whiskey connoisseurs.
Is Redemption a good brand?
Redemption is recognized as a reputable and respected brand in the whiskey industry. Renowned for its commitment to traditional bourbon-making methods and dedication to producing high-quality spirits, Redemption has become a go-to choice for those seeking a reliable and enjoyable whiskey experience.
What does Redemption bourbon taste like?
Redemption bourbon is characterized by its rich and complex flavor profile. With notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, it delivers a well-balanced combination of sweetness and spice. The palate often experiences hints of dried fruits, toffee, and a subtle warmth that contributes to a satisfying and memorable tasting experience.
Is Redemption Bourbon sweet?
Yes, Redemption Bourbon tends to have a sweet undertone. The incorporation of caramel and vanilla notes in the flavor profile imparts a pleasant sweetness to the whiskey. However, this sweetness is well-balanced with other elements, ensuring a nuanced and enjoyable drinking experience for those who appreciate a touch of sweetness in their bourbon.
What type of whiskey is Redemption?
Redemption is a bourbon whiskey. Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that must meet specific legal requirements, including being made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. Redemption Bourbon adheres to these regulations, embracing the traditional standards that define this classic American spirit.
Is Redemption Rye a bourbon?
No, Redemption Rye is not a bourbon. While both bourbon and rye are types of whiskey, they have distinct characteristics. Redemption Rye is a rye whiskey, meaning it is primarily made from a mash bill containing at least 51% rye grain, offering a different flavor profile compared to bourbon, which is primarily made from corn.
How old is Redemption High Rye Bourbon?
The age of Redemption High Rye Bourbon can vary, as it is often a blend of different barrels with varying maturation periods. Typically, you can find age statements on the bottle, providing information about the youngest whiskey in the blend. This allows consumers to understand the minimum age of the bourbon they are enjoying.
Why are bourbons cheap?
The pricing of bourbons can vary based on several factors, including production scale, aging time, and brand reputation. Some bourbons may be more affordable due to larger production volumes or shorter aging periods, while others with longer maturation and limited releases may be priced higher. Additionally, brand strategy and market competition can influence bourbon prices.
What is Redemption bourbon?
Redemption bourbon is a type of American whiskey that falls under the category of bourbon. Crafted using a mash bill containing at least 51% corn, Redemption Bourbon is aged in new charred oak barrels, imparting distinctive flavors such as caramel, vanilla, and oak. It is known for its high-quality production standards and appealing flavor profile.
Is bourbon sweet or bitter?
Bourbon is generally characterized by its sweetness, thanks to the predominant use of corn in the mash bill. The aging process in new charred oak barrels contributes to the development of caramel and vanilla notes, enhancing the overall sweetness. However, the degree of sweetness can vary between different bourbon brands and expressions.
What is the difference between whiskey and bourbon?
While all bourbons are whiskey, not all whiskey is bourbon. The key distinctions lie in the production process and specific legal requirements. Bourbon must be made from a mash bill containing at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and aged in new charred oak barrels. These regulations set bourbon apart as a specific type of whiskey with its own unique characteristics.
Final Verdict: Redemption Bourbon Review
The unique flavor of Redemption Bourbon is maintained through the aging process and careful handling.
Its sweet finishing notes create a lighter experience that is ideal for most drinkers, regardless of expertise.
This whiskey would be great for those who enjoy drinking bourbons from the classics. Its smooth texture and taste make it a really enjoyable drink.
But if you prefer whiskeys aged for a few more years, you might not like Redemption Bourbon.
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