Start your engines, whiskey fans! Luxco’s Rebel Bourbon has hit the track in style, revving up its partnership with Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle “Rowdy” Busch. This isn’t just any bourbon – it’s the official sip of speed, with Busch himself handpicking barrels for the limited edition Rebel Bourbon Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel. Bottled with a powerful 108 proof, these bad boys come from a mashbill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley, each one aged for a minimum of four years. But don’t expect a typical Rebel offering – this is a limited edition drop, with only 5,000 cases out there, and each bottle proudly displaying its barrel number and fill date. Luxco fired up the engine and sent Drinkhacker a bottle for review from Barrel No. 336493, filled on 5/10/2020, ready to hit the track and see if it can keep up with the competition.
So, how does this high-octane bourbon stack up in the race for your taste buds? Will it leave you in the dust, or is it the champion of the track? Buckle up, because we’re about to take a lap through this whiskey and find out if it’s as smooth as a perfectly executed pit stop.
The bouquet immediately captivates with the unmistakable, nostalgic aroma of Barq’s Cream Soda, instantly transporting to a sweet, effervescent experience. As it settles, notes of fresh sawdust begin to emerge — surprisingly pleasant and not off-putting. The green sawdust aroma is oddly harmonious, adding an earthy complexity to the mix. A rich layer of milk chocolate soon develops, paired with the familiar, sweet scent of maraschino cherry. Together, they evoke the comforting memory of cherry cordials, along with a sense of indulgence. Late to the scene, a subtle hint of mint introduces a refreshing twist, completing this multi-layered olfactory experience.
The sawdust character from the nose carries over to the palate, introducing a touch of bitterness that’s sharp but not overpowering, like a quick turn in a race that adds just the right amount of edge. As the flavor profile unfolds, the warmth of spice cake kicks in, creating a comforting follow-up to the initial sawdust notes. Soon, the sweetness of vanilla frosting surfaces, sweet and creamy, while delicate traces of lemon zest add a zippy twist, rounding out the experience. The mouthfeel is dense, offering a rich, full-bodied texture. Despite the relative youth of this wheated bourbon, the palate remains surprisingly pleasant, striking a nice balance between boldness and drinkability, much like a rookie racer holding his own on the track.
The finish rolls in with a hearty wave of roasted peanuts, adding a satisfying, nutty depth that lingers like the final lap of a race. Spicy cinnamon follows, delivering a warming kick that cuts through the richness with a sharp but not overpowering heat. Then, a playful pop of cherry soda makes an appearance, adding a fizzy sweetness that brings a refreshing contrast. Finally, dark chocolate rounds things out, leaving a slightly bitter finish that ties everything together for a clean yet complex end to the experience.
For a bottle that’s young and priced at just $40, it’s tough to find much to argue against here—this one’s got plenty of horsepower for the price, and Kyle Busch definitely knows how to pick a winner when it comes to selecting a barrel. If you’re a NASCAR fan, this is a no-brainer purchase, like grabbing your favorite driver’s autograph. But even if you’re not a NASCAR fan, you’d be hard-pressed to find many bottles on the market that deliver this kind of bang for your buck at $40 and 54% abv. It’s like finding that perfect car setup — smooth, powerful, and ready to take you to the checkered flag.
108 proof. Reviewed: Barrel #336493.
B+ / $40 / rebelbourbon.com
Rebel 108 Bourbon Kyle Busch Single Barrel
$40
