Rebel Yell 100 Proof Bourbon 750ML

Rebel Yell 100 Proof Bourbon 750ML is a 100 proof (50% ABV) Kentucky straight wheated bourbon in a 750ml bottle. Built on the same wheated recipe as the original Rebel Yell but bottled at a higher strength, the 100 Proof expression unlocks richer oak, cocoa, and dark fruit character that the standard 80 proof version can only hint at.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey  |  Distillery: Heaven Hill (distilled), Luxco (bottled)

Production & Heritage

Rebel Yell has roots stretching back decades as one of Kentucky's recognizable wheated bourbon labels. The liquid itself is distilled at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, and bottled by Luxco. The mashbill — 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley — places it squarely in the wheated bourbon tradition alongside names like Larceny and Maker's Mark. The bourbon enters medium #3 char oak casks at 125 proof before being brought down to its bottling strength of 100 proof. That wheat-forward grain bill replaces the rye found in most bourbons, delivering a softer, rounder backbone that the higher proof amplifies without overwhelming.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Roasted peanuts and dried cherry arrive first, followed by toffee, cocoa powder, and a thread of nutmeg. A light biscuity quality sits underneath, along with subtle oak and dark fruit that deepen as the bourbon opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry carries warm caramel and vanilla, quickly layering into darker honey, brown sugar, and charred wood at the mid-palate. Cocoa, cinnamon, and musty corn notes develop alongside a peanut-butter richness, with dried orange peel and a faint minty quality adding unexpected complexity. The wheat softens what could otherwise be aggressive heat at this proof.

Finish: Medium in length, winding down through peanut butter and jelly, oak tannins, and lingering toffee. A dry, gently spiced close leaves the palate clean and invites another sip.

How to Drink Rebel Yell 100

At 100 proof, this bourbon stands up well when sipped neat or with a single ice cube — the extra strength gives it structure the 80 proof version lacks when consumed straight. A few drops of water open the sweeter caramel and fruit notes without collapsing the body.

• Old Fashioned: The dark fruit and toffee character melds naturally with bitters and a sugar cube, and the proof holds its own against dilution from ice.
• Bourbon Smash: The wheat-driven softness and brown sugar sweetness pair well with fresh lemon and mint for a refreshing warm-weather serve.
• Paper Plane: The cocoa and dried cherry notes complement Aperol and Amaro Nonino, adding depth without overpowering the cocktail's balance.

Best For

• Wheated bourbon fans exploring higher-proof expressions at an accessible price point
• Building a home bar with a versatile, cocktail-friendly 100 proof bourbon
• Side-by-side tastings comparing wheated versus high-rye bourbon styles
• Introducing a friend to the wheated bourbon category beyond Maker's Mark

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rebel Yell 100 taste like? Rebel Yell 100 Proof leads with roasted peanut, caramel, and dark fruit, supported by cocoa, cinnamon, and brown sugar. The wheat-heavy mashbill keeps it smooth despite the higher proof, finishing with toffee and a dry, oaky close.

How does Rebel Yell 100 compare to David Nicholson 1843? Both are 100 proof wheated bourbons bottled by Luxco using the same Heaven Hill wheated mashbill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. The primary differences come down to aging and barrel selection choices, with many reviewers finding them closely related in profile — making a side-by-side comparison a worthwhile exercise.

Is Rebel Yell 100 good for sipping neat? Yes — the bump from 80 to 100 proof gives the bourbon enough body and flavor intensity to reward neat sipping, where the 80 proof version is generally regarded as better suited for cocktails.

Where is Rebel Yell 100 made? The bourbon is distilled at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, one of the largest bourbon producers in the state. It is bottled and marketed by Luxco, now a subsidiary of MGP Ingredients.

What foods pair well with Rebel Yell 100? The toffee and cocoa notes pair naturally with dark chocolate or pecan pie. Smoked pork shoulder complements the charred oak and brown sugar character. Aged cheddar or Gouda echoes the nutty, caramel profile, and a simple charcuterie board with dried fruit highlights the bourbon's dried cherry and dark fruit qualities.

What sizes does Rebel Yell 100 come in? The standard and most widely available size is the 750ml bottle. A 1.75L handle format may also be found in select markets.

Is Rebel Yell 100 worth the price? Rebel Yell 100 Proof positions as a budget-friendly wheated bourbon, typically sitting well below most 100 proof competitors in the same category. For a bourbon sharing its mashbill DNA with more expensive labels like Larceny, it represents strong value in the entry-level tier.

Why Rebel Yell 100?

The real argument for this bourbon is straightforward: it uses the same Heaven Hill wheated mashbill found in pricier bottles, delivered at a proof point that lets the grain character actually show up on the palate. Where the original 80 proof expression can feel thin when sipped straight, the 100 proof version has enough weight and complexity — the roasted nut, dark fruit, and cocoa layers — to stand on its own without ice or a mixer. For anyone building a wheated bourbon collection or looking for an affordable 100 proof workhorse that handles both neat pours and cocktails, Rebel Yell 100 earns serious consideration relative to what it costs.