Rebel 100 is the modern incarnation of a bourbon with deep Kentucky roots. Originally launched as Rebel Yell in 1936 by the Stitzel-Weller distillery under Pappy Van Winkle's stewardship, the brand was built around a wheated mashbill — using soft red winter wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain. That choice makes for a rounder, sweeter, gentler bourbon.
The brand is now owned by the Luxco family and produced at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, where it was rebranded simply as "Rebel" in 2020 to shed the Confederate associations of the old name. Rebel 100 is the bottled-in-strength entry, delivered at a hefty 100 proof.
The extra proof does the wheated recipe favours. On the nose, buttered brioche and vanilla bean step forward, with soft apple and honey close behind. The palate is creamy and round, all vanilla fudge and toasted wheat bread, then cinnamon roll warmth and a peppery nudge on the back end. The finish is unhurried, leaving baked bread and honey in its wake.
At its price point, Rebel 100 is one of the best value wheated bourbons on the market — approachable enough for newcomers, substantial enough to reward a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned.
