This came out of nowhere, and I really enjoy it. It’s pretty good stuff for 2 years old. Very vibrant, and doesn’t taste immature like other really young whiskeys often do.
Right now it’s only available in CA, NY, and NJ, but is expanding shortly to CT, MA and GA.
Oh, and I am also told that they will be bottling a very limited amount of barrel-proof rye too in the near future. That should be exciting to taste.
Redemption Rye (Batch No. 2), 46%, $26
The back label of this whiskey describes it as “feisty,” and feisty it is! Brandishing 95% rye (another flavoring rye whiskey for Canadian whisky that was diverted?), bottled at 46% and at a relatively young age (around two years old), this whiskey lets you know you are alive. It’s very spicy, with crisp evergreen, warming cinnamon, clove, rooty licorice, dark chocolate, and suggestions of gin botanicals. Spicy, vibrant finish. I’m having fun drinking this au naturel, but this would also zing in a cocktail, the same way smoky Islay whiskies make their presence in a blended scotch.
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 84
When I first heard of this (two days ago), I thought it must be from a craft distiller because of its extreme youth. You seem to think that its from an established distiller, and that rye content is a telling factor, much like the WhiustlePig.
Wonder why this product totally evaded the radar until its (unexpected) release? I like both your review and the price point!
Texas (the state, not me..maybe I need to get a new handle) is a big whisk(e)Y consumer..why do we keep getting left out of these new releases?
Wish I could help you there, Texas.
Yeah a rhetorical question I guess…I imagine goofy state laws have something to do with it.
Well, if it’s any consolation, maybe CA getting whiskey releases is to make up for our ludicrous gun law? You definitely have us there.
I heard (can’t remember where now) that the whiskey was from Lawrenceburg Indiana.
LDI in Lawrenceberg makes a 95% Rye product,, available for customers. The high rye content would come through as minty and spicy. I wonder if they offer single barrels for purchase, like the Kentucky distillers.
Thanks for the review. I just ordered Redemption online and am looking forward to trying a new rye! (I found ri(1) a bit dull au naturel and too pricey to mix.) At $26 a bottle, I think Redemption could be a great cocktail base if it it turns out to be too young for me to drink straight.
So many great products come out of Lawrenceburg, IN, I wish the people who worked there got more credit for ther consistently high standards.
Sounds like another great rye.
Matt (www.americancraftspirits.com)
Hi there,
I googled around and found this.
http://www.redemptionrye.com/
“Dynamic Beverages, Norwalk, CT: This bottler makes Redemption Rye, a rye whiskey sourced from an Indiana distillery (probably Lawrenceburg).”
http://recenteats.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html
From Norwalk CT comes Captain Morgan Rum so it would suggest Diageo with the Seagram facilities they bought 2001 is behind the brand even the retailer names it as distilled in Indiana bottled in Kentucky. Which come to think of it is still possible.
http://www.redemptionrye.com/home/redemption-process
Greetings
kallaskander
John,
Glad you finally got to try it..we look forward to selling it in CT real soon!
We just brought it in. Great rye for only being 2yrs. I think it’s from the same guys that made Strong Bourbon.
Really good stuff – bottle says Indiana made, bottled in KY. Worth every penny – lives up to John’s review, and at this price point hard to say “no” to replacing it when it’s gone. It’s not as lively as Handy – but it’s also 1/4 the price. It’s not as refined as Russel’s reserve, but it’s a fair shake cheaper than that and has some nice “edge” to it.
Big whiskey for young and inexpensive. Can’t wait to try the barrel strength version when it comes out! Loads of mint/pine/cinnamon on the palate!
Just picked it up on a whim — I like spicy ryes, and this one has some real heat. So light in it’s almost citrus-y — pine and spice and the good kind of thin youthful mouthfeel. I sort of don’t want to mix it at all because it would dull the edge, though I’m thinking it’ll make an absolutely kicking Ward 8.
didn’t try this yet but it’s also available in RI now.
[...] cheering for you fellow Hoosiers, but I’m skeptical. Indiana’s new home-distilled whiskey, on the other hand, is quite good. I’ve had both the bourbon and the [...]
bought this in ny for 19.99 plus ta – 21 Dollars! All i can say is a love rye whisky.. i was going to get buffalo trace but this bottle interestd me and the price was incredibly low considering it looked great (color wise, and a good abv at 92%….
EXCELLENT WHISKY. forget the small batch.. forget the overpriced big brand… i couldnt get a bottle of jack daniels for tis price and WOW what a diffence…… rye is the true ingredient in amrican whisky idchow much people like corn. Rye bread included! Liverwurst yum………..
Just picked up a bottle of this in CA last weekend. While it is a great sip straight-up, I made a Manhattan with it tonight. In a word – wow. This adds a distinct spicy kick, yet rounds out the cocktail with a smooth vanilla finish. Hard to believe this is only a two-year old whiskey.
I bought a bottle of Redemption Rye in Massachusettes, and I think it is the best whisky I’ve ever tasted. I love it. I’d like to try the Redemption Bourbon, too.