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Wednesday, April 6, 2016

NOT Single Malt Report: Redemption 7 year old Barrel Proof Rye, batch 6

On Monday, it was Single Cask Nation's single MGP barrel.  On Tuesday, it was one of K&L's exclusive Smooth Ambler MGP barrels.  Today, it's a small(?) batch of barrel proof MGP rye bottled by Redemption, a Bardstown Barrel Selections brand.

Redemption also has a regular 46%abv MGP rye release without an age statement (though I think it's two years old).  They have two different MGP-distilled bourbons as well.  So basically, no MGP would mean no Redemption.  And Redemption, much like Smooth Ambler and Willett, publicly recognizes their product's source and correctly lists "Distilled in Indiana" on their labels.

Today's sample comes to us courtesy of the generosity of Mr. Sku of Recent Eats fame.


Brand: Redemption
Company: Bardstown Barrel Selections (with the barest of bare bones website)
Type: Straight Rye Whiskey
Age7 years
MaturationNew American Oak
RegionDistilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Mashbill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley
Batch: 6
Alcohol by Volume61.3%

For comparison purposes, I tried this rye side-by-side with yesterday's single barrel 7yo Old Scout rye.  No water was applied to either.

The nose is much closer to the Old Scout than the SCN barrel.  Cinnamon bread and carrot cake lead off, then a little bit of whole grain mustard.  There's some rumbly rye spirit throughout, though it's not hot, considering the ABV.  A hint of rye bread and dill.  Bits of plaster and vinyl.  Maybe some dried cheese.  A nice late hit of cloves arrives later on.

Spices in the palate.  Cassia cinnamon, ginger powder, and cardamom.  Then vanilla, maraschino cherries, and a little bit of black pepper.  Robotussin.  Grape juice (weird).  It's plenty sweet and a little warmer than the nose, but still very palatable.

It finishes with black cherry soda, cayenne pepper, tart berries, and some sharp young rye stuff.  The sweetness mellows out.

COMMENTS:
This isn't as much of an immediate hit as the Old Scout, but it's close.  It can be a little young and rough at times, thus less "smooth", yet it's still fun if one's up for an adventure.  I'm always down for some excitement.  For me, the nose is great and the palate is perfectly acceptable, but I do wish there was more going on in the finish.  If this was priced in the $50-$60 range, I'd get a bottle.  But it's up in the $80-$90 range, so I'll leave it on the shelf for someone else.

Availability - Many specialty liquor retailers in the US
Pricing - usually $80-$90, though some places on the East Coast have it closer to $70
Rating - 85