Redemption Bourbon Review: Full Guide for 2023 (Updated)

Last Updated on August 22, 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 

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:

1. https://www.insidehook.com/article/booze/small-batch-whiskey-definition
2. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mgp-partners-with-standard-beverage-in-kansas-301219516.html