Introduction
Today, we’re diving into Rebel 100 6-Year Bourbon, a whiskey that holds a special place in our hearts. As longtime fans of the Rebel lineup, we’ve been consistently impressed by what Lux Row has to offer, and this age-stated version of the beloved Rebel 100 piqued our interest. Clocking in at 100 proof and carrying a six-year age statement, this expression promises a refined take on a budget favorite.
Brad and I first sampled this at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, where Lux Row had a tasting bar featuring several new releases. With this review, we’re revisiting it in a more controlled environment to see how it stacks up. Let’s get into it.
This review is taken from our episode "La La Land / Rebel 100 6-Year Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Bob: On the nose, I got a lot of cherry. This is a classic Rebel nose with some added depth. Cherry is all over the place here, and there’s a dusty quality that I think comes from the extra time in the oak. What surprised me was a dark chocolate note—almost like a cherry cordial. It’s not something I usually get from Rebel products. 8/10
Brad: I mean, this is just a beautiful bomb of cherry. There’s caramel, a cheesecake vibe, and even a hint of almond. I think the cherry leads the way, but it’s balanced out by those dessert-like notes. I gave it an 8/10 as well.
Taste
Brad: The balance on this palate is so nice. You’ve got that cherry, but it’s not overwhelming. There’s caramel and vanilla that almost turns into this white vanilla cake consistency. And then, boom—cream cheese frosting. It’s rich and layered. This is a banger for me. 9/10
Bob: I’m at an 8.5/10, but I agree with you. The spice here is great—it’s not just alcohol burn, though there is a little ethanol. It reminds me of the moment fall hits, and everything suddenly tastes like spice cake or pumpkin roll. There’s cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, all wrapped in a sweet Luxardo cherry note. It’s definitely oak-heavy, but it doesn’t go too far into Robitussin territory, which can happen with cherry and oak together. Really well done.
Finish
Bob: On the finish, I got waves of flavor. It’s a bit ethanol-heavy, but the oak and cherry linger beautifully. It’s consistent, which I appreciate—it’s not the most complex whiskey we’ve had, but every note shows up from start to finish. 8/10
Brad: For me, the finish drops off just a little bit. It turns into more of a cherry syrup, and the vanilla gets a bit lost in the shuffle. It’s still a good finish, though, just not quite at the heights of the palate. 7.5/10
Balance
Brad: The balance here is excellent. You get everything you want out of a Rebel product, with the addition of that dusty oak note from the extra aging. This is exactly what I’d hope for from a six-year-old Rebel. 8/10
Bob: I gave this a 9/10 on balance. I think it’s incredibly consistent, which is important for a product like this. It’s not the most complex whiskey we’ve ever had, but for what it is, the consistency across the nose, palate, and finish deserves to be rewarded.
Value
Bob: Value is where things get interesting. I’ve seen this priced anywhere from $50 to $65. At $50, this feels like a solid value; at $65, it’s a bit tougher to justify. I gave it a 7/10 because while it’s good, it’s not quite a no-brainer purchase at the higher end of that range.
Brad: I’m right there with you at 7/10. If this were priced around $45 or $48, it would be a different story—probably closer to a 9/10 for me. As it stands, it’s very good, but I wish it was just a bit cheaper.
Final Scores
Bob: I’m coming out to a 40.5/50 on this one. It’s a fantastic whiskey for what it is, and it crosses into that “excellent” territory where I’d recommend it without hesitation.
Brad: I’m just one point behind you at 39.5/50. This is right on the edge of being something really special. At $60, it’s a flavorful, fun representation of one of our favorite brands, but I think it would truly shine in that $45–50 range.
Conclusion
Rebel 100 Six-Year Bourbon is a strong addition to the Rebel lineup, offering a more mature and oak-forward take on the Rebel 100 we know and love. With a final score of 40/50, it crosses into “excellent” territory, making it an easy recommendation for fans of the brand or those looking to explore budget-friendly bourbons with a bit more age. While the price might keep it just shy of spectacular, this is still a great whiskey and a testament to the quality that Lux Row brings to the table.
If you’re a fan of Rebel products, this one is worth seeking out—just don’t forget to grab a bottle of Rebel 100 while you’re at it. It remains the king of value in the lineup.
