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Rebel Yell launches Bourbon finished in Cognac casks
Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers has released a limited edition Cognac cask-finished Rebel Yell Bourbon.
Rebel Yell Cognac Cask Finish is limited to 6,000 bottles
The new Rebel Yell Cognac Cask Finish (45% ABV) follows the release of the brand’s French Oak Finish last year.
John Rempe, Lux Row Distillers’ master distiller and head blender, said: “Secondary finishing is having a huge renaissance in the Bourbon category, as it really appeals to consumers who typically value age statements and vintages in spirits. This is particularly true in the UK and Europe, where a secondary finish in Bourbon is regarded as a yardstick for creative and complex flavours that must be tasted and savoured.
“Last year’s special finish of Rebel Yell was a bit of an experiment to test demand amongst the brand’s European fanbase and to reward their loyalty. It proved such a hit that it inspired us to create this year’s Cognac finish.”
The new expression finishes Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon in Cognac casks for six months. The resulting liquid offers an aroma of oak and dark berries, along with notes of caramel, toasted sugar and raisins on the palate.
Rempe added: “The challenge for us was to create another limited edition Rebel Yell that was distinctly different to the spicy, chocolate and ginger taste of the French Oak in 2019. The Cognac casks really do give the Bourbon a completely different character, with the subtle taste of raisins setting this year’s release apart.”
Rempe plans to release a new cask-finished Rebel Yell Bourbon in 2021.
Greg Mefford, international sales director at Luxco, owner of Lux Row Distillers, said: “The secondary finish enables us to take the very best of the wheated Rebel Yell, which is aged over four years, and give its flavour a real point of difference that won’t necessarily be achieved by leaving the whiskey to sit for years longer in its original charred white oak barrels.
“This innovative finishing really appeals to consumers who are increasingly inquisitive and adventurous when it comes to seeking out different tasting Bourbons. It’ll help us further boost Bourbon exports and grow the category internationally over the coming years.”
Rebel Yell Cognac Cask Finish will be available to buy in the UK from October, priced at £34 (US$44) per 700ml bottle.
It will be the second Bourbon not to be released in the brand’s home market, the US. The product will initially launch in the UK through Cellar Trends, followed by Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland. The Bourbon will be limited to 6,000 bottles over the next 12 months.