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Last Updated on January 31, 2023 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.
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.
In Summary
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.
References:
- https://www.insidehook.com/article/booze/small-batch-whiskey-definition
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mgp-partners-with-standard-beverage-in-kansas-301219516.html
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
