PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Redemption recently made a deliberate change to its Straight Bourbon, raising it from its original 84 proof up to 92 — a move Master Blender Alan Kennedy describes with real specificity: "by increasing our bourbon to 92 proof, we're amplifying the enticing notes of vanilla, vibrant fruit, delicate floral tones, and spicy cinnamon, alongside deep oak flavors. This transformation produces a bourbon that is not only more well-rounded but also profoundly balanced and inviting." Kennedy's own path to whiskey is genuinely unusual — he came up as a pastry chef, then a sommelier, then a bartender, sharpening his palate across every stop before eventually being mentored by Dave Pickerell, the whiskey icon best known for his years shaping WhistlePig's early identity.
The bourbon is built from a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley — a genuinely rye-forward recipe relative to most bourbon on the shelf — distilled at MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and aged in new, charred American oak barrels. Non-chill filtered, the whiskey harmonizes corn's natural sweetness against rye's spicier backbone, aiming for real character without sacrificing approachability.
An independent review from Bathrobe Patriot, published this past June, called it "a strong everyday bottle for neat pours and cocktails," noting the 21% rye component gives it "more spice than many classic bourbons" without tipping into harshness — "for a more experienced bourbon drinker, it may be what keeps the bottle from tasting boring," and singling out the rye character as exactly what makes it work so well in cocktails: "in an Old Fashioned, the rye note helps the bourbon cut through sugar, bitters, and orange. In a Whiskey Sour, it keeps the drink from becoming too sweet." The official tasting notes describe honey, vanilla, and toasted oak on the nose, developing into caramel, sweet corn, cinnamon, and dried fruit on the palate, closing on a medium finish of vanilla, oak, and a lingering touch of corn sweetness. This is a genuinely versatile, rye-forward bourbon — built as comfortably for a considered neat pour as for a well-made cocktail.
Redemption Straight Bourbon Whiskey is distilled at MGP (Midwest Grain Products) in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, from a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley — a genuinely rye-forward recipe that distinguishes it from many classic bourbons. The whiskey ages in new, charred American oak barrels before bottling non-chill filtered.
The bourbon was recently raised from its original 84 proof to 92 proof, a change overseen by Master Blender Alan Kennedy, whose path into whiskey ran through work as a pastry chef, a sommelier, and a bartender before he was mentored by whiskey icon Dave Pickerell. Kennedy continues to work closely with grain farmers, distillers, and barrel house managers to shape Redemption's whiskeys. Bottled at 46% ABV / 92 proof.
No formal numerical critic score from a major spirits publication is confirmed for this product at this time.
Bathrobe Patriot (extended independent review, June 2026):
"At 21% rye, Redemption Bourbon has more spice than many classic bourbons. That does not mean it is harsh. It just means the finish has a little kick. For a beginner, that rye spice may be noticeable. For a more experienced bourbon drinker, it may be what keeps the bottle from tasting boring. This is also why Redemption Bourbon works so well in cocktails. In an Old Fashioned, the rye note helps the bourbon cut through sugar, bitters, and orange. In a Whiskey Sour, it keeps the drink from becoming too sweet... It has enough proof to stand up in cocktails, enough rye to give it some backbone, and enough sweetness to make it approachable for newer bourbon drinkers."
Alan Kennedy, Master Blender, Redemption Whiskey:
"By increasing our bourbon to 92 proof, we're amplifying the enticing notes of vanilla, vibrant fruit, delicate floral tones, and spicy cinnamon, alongside deep oak flavors. This transformation produces a bourbon that is not only more well-rounded but also profoundly balanced and inviting."
Redemption Whiskey (official tasting notes):
"Notes of honey, vanilla, and toasted oak. Caramel and sweet corn with vanilla, cinnamon, dried fruits and oak. Medium finish of vanilla and oak, and a touch of sweetness from the corn."
Nose
Vanilla and caramel lead, joined by honey and toasted oak, with subtle hints of citrus or floral tones and delicate floral character from the recent proof increase.
Palate
A smooth, buttery mouthfeel carries sweet corn and butterscotch, layered with cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking spice from the rye. Vibrant fruit and dried fruit add further complexity, alongside deep oak flavor.
Finish
Medium in length, blending the warmth of rye spice with vanilla and oak sweetness, closing with a touch of natural corn sweetness.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Rye-Forward) |
| ABV / Proof | 46% ABV / 92 Proof |
| Mash Bill | 75% Corn / 21% Rye / 4% Malted Barley |
| Distillery | MGP — Lawrenceburg, Indiana |
| Aging | New, charred American oak barrels |
| Chill Filtered | No |
| Master Blender | Alan Kennedy — mentored by Dave Pickerell |
| Recent Change | Proof raised from 84 to 92 for greater depth and balance |
| Style / Identity | A genuinely versatile, rye-forward bourbon — equally suited to neat sipping and cocktails |
| Aromas & Flavors | Vanilla, caramel, honey, toasted oak, cinnamon, sweet corn, dried fruit |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Old Fashioned
2 oz Redemption Straight Bourbon · sugar cube · Angostura bitters · orange twist — the rye backbone cuts cleanly through the sugar and bitters.
Whiskey Sour
2 oz Redemption Straight Bourbon · fresh lemon juice · simple syrup — the rye spice keeps the drink from tipping too sweet.
Neat or On the Rocks — genuinely enjoyable for considered sipping at this proof.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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