Redemption Rye 750ML

Redemption Rye 750ML is a non-chill filtered straight rye whiskey bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof) in a 750ml bottle. It earned 96 out of 100 points at the 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge and was named Rye Brand of the Year at the 2021 New York International Spirits Competition — recognition that places it among the most lauded rye whiskeys in its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 46% (92 proof)  |  Origin: Indiana, USA  |  Straight Rye Whiskey  |  Distillery: MGP (Midwest Grain Products), Lawrenceburg, IN

Production & Heritage

Redemption Rye is distilled at MGP's historic facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana — a distillery originally founded in 1847 as Ross & Squibb and later acquired by Seagram in 1933. The mashbill runs 95% rye grain and 5% malted barley, pushing well past the legally required 51% rye minimum and producing an aggressively grain-forward spirit. After distillation, barrels are trucked to Bardstown, Kentucky, for bottling. Critically, this expression is non-chill filtered, preserving the natural oils and fatty acids that contribute to its fuller mouthfeel and more complex flavor delivery.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens big and spicy with toasted oak, caramel, and allspice leading the way. Deeper investigation reveals spearmint, herbal dill, light floral and citrus notes layered over dark spices and cracked black pepper.

Taste: The palate enters with soft grain and rye spice, building quickly into spearmint and nutmeg at mid-palate. Toasted pecans, red apple, and a hint of sweet pie crust emerge alongside young leather and oak. Touches of orange and lemon citrus weave through the heavier spice notes, adding brightness.

Finish: The finish is medium-long with a distinct spearmint coolness that lingers alongside dry oak and a whisper of almond. The non-chill filtered texture keeps the mouthfeel slightly oily and satisfying through the close.

How to Drink Redemption Rye

At 92 proof, this rye has enough structure to stand up neat or with a single large ice cube — the slight dilution can unlock additional citrus and floral notes. It also performs exceptionally well in cocktails:

• Manhattan: The 95% rye mashbill cuts through sweet vermouth with authoritative spice and keeps the drink from turning cloying.
• Sazerac: Spearmint and allspice notes harmonize with absinthe rinse and Peychaud's bitters for a textbook rendition.
• Whiskey Sour: The bold rye character and citrus undertones punch through fresh lemon juice and simple syrup without disappearing.

Best For

• Building a home bar with a versatile, high-rye foundation bottle
• Gifting a cocktail enthusiast who makes Manhattans and Sazeracs at home
• Side-by-side tastings comparing MGP-distilled ryes from different brands
• Transitioning from bourbon to rye whiskey with a full-flavored but approachable expression

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Redemption Rye taste like? Redemption Rye leads with bold spearmint, allspice, and toasted oak, followed by nutmeg, toasted pecans, and citrus. The non-chill filtered process gives it a fuller, slightly oily mouthfeel with a cool mint finish.

How does Redemption Rye compare to Bulleit Rye? Both use the same MGP-sourced 95% rye and 5% malted barley mashbill, making them natural comparisons. Redemption Rye is bottled at a higher proof (92 vs. Bulleit's 90) and is non-chill filtered, which generally delivers a richer texture and more pronounced grain character.

Is Redemption Rye good for cocktails? Its 95% rye mashbill and 92-proof strength make it one of the more cocktail-friendly straight ryes available, punching through mixers and modifiers without losing its spice-driven identity. It excels in spirit-forward drinks like the Manhattan and Sazerac.

Where is Redemption Rye made? Redemption Rye is distilled at the MGP (Midwest Grain Products) distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a facility with roots tracing back to 1847. After aging, barrels are transported to Bardstown, Kentucky, where the whiskey is bottled.

What foods pair well with Redemption Rye? Smoked brisket or pulled pork — the rye spice complements smoky, fatty meats. Aged cheddar or Gruyère — the toasted oak and nutmeg echo the nuttiness in aged cheeses. Dark chocolate truffles — the allspice and mint notes play well against bittersweet cacao. Apple tart or pecan pie — the whiskey's red apple and toasted pecan flavors mirror the dessert directly.

What sizes does Redemption Rye come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle at 46% ABV (92 proof).

Is Redemption Rye worth the price? Redemption Rye positions as a mid-range straight rye that punches above its weight, backed by a 96-point score from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and multiple Double Gold medals. For a non-chill filtered, 95% rye mashbill whiskey at 92 proof, it represents strong value within the category.

Why Redemption Rye?

The combination of a near-pure 95% rye mashbill with non-chill filtration is uncommon at this price point and produces a whiskey with noticeably more texture and grain complexity than many competitors sharing the same MGP source distillate. Its 96-point score from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and Rye Brand of the Year honors at the 2021 New York International Spirits Competition confirm that critics see more here than a commodity sourced whiskey. The 92-proof bottling strength strikes a practical balance — enough muscle for cocktails, enough restraint for neat sipping. For drinkers who want the full expression of American rye grain without barrel-proof intensity or a premium age-statement price tag, this bottle consistently delivers.