Redemption 9 Year Barrel Proof Bourbon 750ML

Redemption 9 Year Barrel Proof Bourbon 750ML is a cask-strength bourbon bottled at 109.2 proof (54.6% ABV) after nine years of aging in new charred American oak. It earned 93 points and a Tried & True Award at the 2021 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, reinforcing its standing as one of the more compelling barrel-proof releases in its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 54.6% (109.2 Proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA  |  Age: 9 Years  |  Distillery: MGP Ingredients

Production & Heritage

This bourbon is distilled at MGP Ingredients in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the most prolific contract distilleries in the American whiskey landscape. The mashbill runs 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley — a grain recipe that sits well above the rye content of most traditional bourbons (typically 8–15%), lending a pronounced spice character that distinguishes it from softer, wheated or low-rye expressions. After maturing for a full nine years in new charred American oak barrels, the whiskey is bottled at barrel proof with no chill filtration, preserving the full range of flavor compounds and natural texture developed during aging.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Madagascan vanilla and caramel toffee arrive first, followed by darker notes of roasted coffee and lavender honey. A thread of toasted oak and baking spice emerges as the bourbon opens up in the glass.

Taste: The entry is surprisingly smooth for its proof, unfolding with rich caramel, brown sugar, and a pronounced cinnamon warmth. Mid-palate, the 21% rye asserts itself through white pepper, hops-like bitterness, and a subtle minerality reminiscent of wet river stone. Dried fruit and charred oak build toward the peak, supported by a backbone of maple sweetness and smoked-meat savoriness.

Finish: Long and warming, with crème brûlée sweetness giving way to light Habano tobacco smokiness and lingering oak spice. The rye brightness persists well after the last sip, keeping the finish lively rather than heavy.

How to Drink Redemption Barrel Proof

Neat with a few drops of water is the ideal starting point — water tempers the 109.2 proof and unlocks the dried fruit and honey layers that can hide behind the initial heat. A single large ice cube also works well, gradually opening the bourbon without diluting it too quickly.

For cocktails, the cask-strength intensity holds its own in spirit-forward builds. An Old Fashioned benefits from the concentrated caramel and oak, standing up to bitters and sugar without fading. A Boulevardier pairs the rye-forward spice against Campari's bitterness for a deeply layered drink. A Kentucky Mule lets the bourbon's white pepper and cinnamon notes amplify the ginger beer's heat.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who gravitates toward full-proof, non-chill-filtered releases
• Side-by-side tastings comparing MGP mashbills or barrel-proof bourbons
• Building a home bar shelf of serious, age-stated American whiskeys
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cigar

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Redemption 9 Year Barrel Proof taste like? It leads with rich caramel, brown sugar, and toasted oak before a wave of cinnamon, white pepper, and dried fruit from the high-rye mashbill. The finish carries crème brûlée sweetness and a subtle tobacco smokiness.

How does Redemption 9 Year Barrel Proof compare to Redemption 10 Year High Rye Bourbon? Both are MGP-sourced barrel-proof expressions, but the 10 Year High Rye uses a mashbill with an even greater proportion of rye, resulting in a spicier, more grain-forward profile. The 9 Year Barrel Proof leans more toward classic bourbon sweetness — caramel, vanilla, and oak — with the rye playing a supporting rather than dominant role.

Is Redemption 9 Year Barrel Proof good for sipping neat? Yes, it is an excellent neat-sipping bourbon, though a few drops of water help tame the 54.6% ABV and reveal additional complexity in the dried fruit and honey notes.

Where is Redemption 9 Year Barrel Proof made? It is distilled at the MGP Ingredients facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a renowned distillery that has produced bourbon and rye whiskey since the mid-19th century under various owners.

What foods pair well with Redemption 9 Year Barrel Proof? Smoked brisket or pulled pork highlights the bourbon's savory, charred-oak character. Dark chocolate truffles complement the caramel and coffee notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère mirrors the richness and toasty depth. Pecan pie echoes the maple and brown-sugar sweetness. Blue cheese with honey plays off the bourbon's lavender-honey aromatics.

What sizes does Redemption 9 Year Barrel Proof come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Redemption 9 Year Barrel Proof worth the price? It positions as a mid-to-upper-shelf barrel-proof bourbon, and the combination of a nine-year age statement, no chill filtration, and a 93-point rating from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge places it competitively among cask-strength expressions from larger heritage brands.

Why Redemption 9 Year Barrel Proof?

The 93-point, Tried & True recognition from the 2021 Ultimate Spirits Challenge validates what the liquid delivers: nine years of maturation at full barrel strength with nothing stripped away by chill filtration. The 21% rye mashbill walks an interesting line — high enough to inject real spice and complexity, yet balanced by sufficient corn sweetness and oak influence to remain firmly in bourbon territory. Among the growing field of MGP-sourced barrel-proof bourbons, this release distinguishes itself with an age statement that many competitors in the same range lack. For drinkers seeking transparent sourcing, proven maturity, and uncompromised proof, it represents a straightforward, well-documented bottle.