Introduction
Today, we’re checking out Rebel Small Batch Reserve Bourbon. Our love for Rebel Bourbon is well-documented, and we’ve got another Lux Row release to review. This Rebel expression clocks in at 110 proof, a slight bump from the Rebel 100 we love, and it sits around $30—though in some places, it might be a bit higher. We’d call it a low- to mid-range bourbon. This isn’t quite budget bourbon, but it’s definitely affordable. With no age statement and an undisclosed mash bill, we’re diving in to see how it stacks up.
This review is taken from our episode "Zodiac / Rebel Small Batch Reserve Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: “On the nose, I get really nice tart cherry notes with a bit of grain-forward scent and some spiciness—cinnamon specifically. It’s a decent nose. I’m giving it a 7.5/10.”
Bob: “I’m with you but a little lower. It’s fine, but it feels right in line with Rebel 100, and I can’t shake that it’s $10 more. There’s a little bit of peanut butter, and then this slight off-dill pickle note, which I don’t expect from a weeded bourbon. It threw me off. I’m at a 7/10.”
Taste
Bob: “On the palate, it’s really viscous with dark fruit flavors, chocolate notes—definitely not as sweet as other Rebels. It threw me for a loop since I know what Rebel usually brings. It’s heavy, with deep, dark flavors. I’m giving it a 7/10.”
Brad: “I get a nice mix of cinnamon spice and cherry, and it also has a cacao or dark chocolate vibe. I’m not crazy about it, but it’s solid. I’m at a 7.5/10.”
Finish
Brad: “The finish drops off a bit, with more oak and grain coming through, plus a touch of black pepper and some vanilla. I didn’t get as much vanilla on the nose or palate, but it’s there in the finish. 7/10.”
Bob: “Same here. There’s a little pop of cinnamon, but also noticeable ethanol—enough that I could feel the 110 proof. After that, it left dark red wine notes, and I couldn’t pin down the exact wine. But yeah, whatever kind of dark red wine you’re thinking of, that’s it. 7/10.”
Balance
Bob: “Balance-wise, I just wrote down, ‘It’s good.’ But honestly, it’s far from my favorite in the Rebel lineup. Each element feels a bit out of sync. 7/10.”
Brad: “I’m not far off. There’s some interesting stuff going on here, but it’s not standing out enough to make me love it. 7/10.”
Value
Bob: “When we first tried this at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, we thought it was $45, but I’m seeing it closer to $30 now. That does bump it up in value for me—it’s not amazing, but for the price, I’ll give it a 7.5/10.”
Brad: “I think around $35 makes it worth it. I’ll match you at 7.5/10. This might be the first time every score is a 7 or 7.5. This is quintessential average whiskey.”
Final Scores
Bob: “I think it’s solid, like a B-grade whiskey in the Rebel lineup. It’s worth trying, but it’s not going to be a game-changer. My final score is 36.5/50.”
Brad: “I’m right there with you, Bob, at 36.5/50. That gives us an average of 36/50 or 72/100.”
Conclusion
With a total of 36/50, Rebel Small Batch Reserve barely clears our 35/50 bar for recommending it as a pour or bottle buy. For $30, it’s a soft recommend—it’s worth trying but might not stand out as much as Rebel 100. If you’re exploring the Rebel lineup, it’s worth the $6 for a pour or the $30 for a bottle, but Rebel 100 might still be the better value for the money.
