Rebel Yell Rye 750ML is a 90-proof Kentucky straight rye whiskey bottled at 45% ABV in a 750ml format. This expression earned a Gold medal in the Rye Super Premium category at The American Whiskey Masters 2018, hosted by The Spirits Business, and has also received a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition — strong credentials for a whiskey at this price tier.Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 Proof) | Origin: Kentucky / Indiana, USA | Straight Rye Whiskey, minimum 2 years aged | Distillery: Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown, KY); distillate sourced from MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN)Production & HeritageRebel Yell Rye is produced under the Lux Row Distillers banner in Bardstown, Kentucky, though the rye distillate itself is sourced from MGP of Indiana in Lawrenceburg — one of the most prolific and respected contract distilleries in American whiskey. The mashbill is reported as 95% rye and 5% malted barley, the same high-rye recipe that has become MGP's signature and appears in numerous acclaimed rye whiskeys across the market. The spirit is aged a minimum of two years as straight rye whiskey. Notably, Luxco (now part of MGP Ingredients following their 2021 acquisition) was praised early on for transparent sourcing disclosure, printing the Indiana origin clearly on the back label at a time when many brands obscured such details.Tasting NotesAroma: Big, bold rye dill leads immediately, followed by wintergreen and dark sugars. A spicy backbone opens into subtle vanilla undertones as the nose develops.Taste: The entry is assertive with rye spice and citrus zest, quickly expanding into a mid-palate layered with vanilla tannins and a touch of caramel sweetness. Dark bread and malty grain notes emerge beneath the spice, giving the whiskey a rounder, more approachable character than many 95% rye expressions.Finish: Medium in length, with wintergreen and baking spice fading slowly into a pleasantly dry close. A lingering warmth keeps the rye character present without turning harsh.How to Drink Rebel Yell RyeAt 90 proof, this rye drinks well neat or with a single ice cube, which softens the spice and amplifies the vanilla and caramel sweetness. Its bold rye profile also makes it an excellent cocktail base. A Manhattan benefits from the dill and dark sugar notes, which complement sweet vermouth beautifully. A Sazerac leans into the wintergreen and spice, pairing naturally with absinthe and Peychaud's bitters. A classic Whiskey Sour works particularly well here because the rye's citrus edge and assertive grain character cut through the lemon and simple syrup without disappearing.Best For Building a home rye whiskey collection without overspending Mixing cocktails that demand a bold, spice-forward rye backbone Introducing someone to the 95% rye mashbill style at an accessible proof Side-by-side tastings comparing MGP-sourced rye expressions from different brands Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Rebel Yell Rye taste like? Rebel Yell Rye delivers bold rye spice, dill, and citrus up front, balanced by vanilla, caramel, and a malty dark bread quality that rounds out the palate. The finish is medium-length with lingering wintergreen and baking spice.How does Rebel Yell Rye compare to Bulleit Rye? Both whiskeys are sourced from MGP and use the same 95% rye, 5% malted barley mashbill, making them natural competitors. Reviewers consistently note that Rebel Yell Rye drinks sweeter and rounder than Bulleit Rye, which tends to lean drier and more aggressively spicy.Is Rebel Yell Rye good for cocktails? Absolutely — the 90-proof strength and pronounced rye spice give it enough intensity to stand up in spirit-forward cocktails like Manhattans and Sazeracs while remaining balanced enough for shaken drinks like Whiskey Sours.Where is Rebel Yell Rye made? The rye distillate is produced at MGP's distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, using their well-known 95% rye mashbill. It is bottled and marketed by Lux Row Distillers, headquartered in Bardstown, Kentucky.What foods pair well with Rebel Yell Rye? Smoked pastrami or corned beef sandwiches complement the dill and spice notes directly. Sharp aged cheddar amplifies the whiskey's vanilla and caramel tones. Grilled sausages with whole-grain mustard echo the rye grain character. Dark chocolate with sea salt balances the wintergreen finish. Rye bread with caraway seeds creates a natural grain-on-grain harmony.What sizes does Rebel Yell Rye come in? The standard and most widely available format is the 750ml bottle.Is Rebel Yell Rye worth the price? Rebel Yell Rye positions as a value-tier straight rye whiskey, offering the same MGP 95% rye distillate found in several higher-priced expressions. Its Gold medal at The American Whiskey Masters and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition suggest it punches well above its weight in quality relative to cost.Why Rebel Yell Rye?The core argument for Rebel Yell Rye is straightforward: it delivers MGP's acclaimed 95% rye distillate at one of the lowest price points in the category. The brand's early commitment to transparent sourcing labeling earned it credibility among whiskey enthusiasts who value honesty over marketing mystique. Multiple competition accolades — including Gold at The American Whiskey Masters 2018 and a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition — confirm that the liquid inside holds up against more expensive peers. For anyone exploring high-rye whiskey or seeking a dependable, full-flavored rye for daily cocktail use, this 90-proof expression represents a genuinely strong value in American straight rye.
