The Bourbon Resource: June, 2025
Redemption 18-year rare bourbon review, Proof and Wood, news
By Ray Marcano, The Bourbon Resource
We have a jammed newsletter this month, so let’s get to it:
The Bourbon Resource Review
Redemption 18-year-old Bourbon, Ancients Series collection
Redemption Whiskey provided the Bourbon Resource with a sample of this rare bourbon without consideration. The Bourbon Resource appreciates Redemption Whiskey and its parent company, Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits.
Proof: 103.4
MSRP: $399
Mash bill: 74% corn, 22% rye, 4% malted barley
Redemption 18-year-old Bourbon, Ancients Series collection
🛏 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn glass
👉🏻Nose: Pepper, oak, cinnamon, fragrant floral bouquet
👉🏻Taste: Oak, cherry, cinnamon, vanilla
👉🏻Finish: Long, leathery, pepper/spice, oak, vanilla, sweet cherry
Redemption 18-year-bourbon Ancients Series collection
An excellent pour that will quickly sell out even with the high price point.
Redemption 18-year-bourbon
HISTORY
The release of the 18-year bourbon follows on the heels of other ultra-premium releases, the Redemption 36-Year-Old Bourbon and 18-Year-Old-Rye. The non-chilled filtered release expands its highly coveted Ancients Series collection.
"Redemption 18-Year-Old Bourbon is one of the rarest and most complex expressions we've ever had the privilege to release," said Alan Kennedy, Master Blender at Redemption Whiskey, said in a press release. "Redemption is a brand about character and soul. Crafting a bourbon of this age and quality is incredibly rare, and when I tasted the liquid, I knew it deserved to be shared. It's a proud moment for both me and Redemption—and an opportunity to showcase the extraordinary potential of our oldest stock for Redemption fans, bourbon collectors and newcomers alike."
SUMMARY
Off the bat, I was struck by the lack of oak, which can be overpowering in bourbons aged nearly two decades. In this case, the oak takes a backseat to a cascade of flavors that include oak and cinnamon. It has a nice amber color and a thickness that coats the mouth. The tasting notes listed sweet cherry, but I didn’t get that until minutes (literally) after a taste. This bourbon has as long a finish as anything I’ve had, and the cherry does come through.
CONCLUSION:
Redemption, in its release, notes that this is a collectible bourbon, which makes sense since there are only 2,400 bottles available. You can order the bourbon via ReserveBar, which as of 5 p.m. Thursday, June 6, said it was taking backorders. Normally, I view high-priced whiskeys with suspicion because they’re generally not worth the price. This one is, for two reasons. First, it is a very good and the finish alone makes this a world-class pour. But it’s the rarity that stands out, with just 2,400 bottles, or about 400 cases. That likely means the 18-year bourbon will follow its Ancient Series collection brethren and steadily increase in value. I’d have a different take if there were 10,000 bottles available because that level of production would take away from the rarity and value proposition. Yes, I would buy one (though I have no hope of getting one.
PROOF AND WOOD REVIEWS BY THE BOURBON RESOURCE
The bourbons reviewed here were provided by Proof and Wood with no special consideration. The Bourbon Resource appreciates Proof and Wood.
ROULETTE RYE STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY
100 Proof
MSRP: $30
Roulette Rye Straight Rye Whiskey
A light rye with flavor for $30? Sign me up
History
Roulette Rye Whiskey is a sourced, small batch rye from MGP. aged and bottled by Proof and Wood, which has offices in New Canaan, CT, and warehouses in Kentucky. The blend contains mostly four-year bourbon, but has some as old as 6 years.
Roulette Rye Straight Rye Whiskey
Mash bill: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
Let’s taste it:
🛏 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn glass
👉🏻Nose: Mild pepper, baking soda, sweet orange candy, light ginger/garlic paste
👉🏻Taste: Pepper, sweet cherry, ginger,
👉🏻Finish: Medium, pepper, allspice, light ginger
Roulette Rye Straight Rye Whiskey
Summary
I should know never to form an opinion on anything before trying it. Recently, I had a meal in a restaurant that came to the table looking as if uncoordinated babies had been fingerprinting. Nothing looked awful, just not what you would expect. I did not expect that the Roulette Rye would be this good. Its engaging and approachable flavors make this a pour for rye and non-rye lovers alike. Don’t be fooled by the mashbill. It’s a smooth drinker and the opposite of The Senator, a Proof and Wood barrel proof rye we reviewed last month. Good on Proof and Wood for creating two ryes at the opposite end of the taste spectrum and providing something for everyone.
Conclusion – Roulette Rye Straight Rye Whiskey
As noted last month, Proof and Wood products aren’t widely available, and you can see distribution points here. I’ll have to check Kentucky and Indiana stores because if there are any stocking the rye (and some others) it’ll be worth the drive to get, especially at $3. This is worth having and drinking.
Have you tried the Roulette Rye Straight Rye Whiskey? What do you think?
TUMBLIN’ DICE STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
100 Proof
MSRP: $35
Tumblin’ Dice Straight Bourbon Whiskey
I could drink this every day.
History
Tumblin’ Dice is a small batch blend of about 20 barrels soured from MGP.
Tumblin’ Dice Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mash bill: 60% corn, 36 % Rye, and 4% Barley
Let’s taste it:
🛏 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn glass
👉🏻Nose: Oak, caramel, vanilla,
👉🏻Taste: Sweet caramel, grain (more corn), a hint of banana, oak
👉🏻Finish: Long, pepper, caramel, vanilla
Tumblin’ Dice Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Summary
My bourbon buying philosophy is simple. When you find a winner at a reasonable price, keep going for it. A friend found three bottles of The Representative for me. I lucked into a couple of bottles of the Elijah Craig #C918 at just above retail (!). Now, can I luck into a couple of bottles of the Tumblin’ Dice? This pour appeals to bourbon lovers of all types because it’s got little heat and a long finish with sweet caramel that kisses your palate (stop for a second and take in that visual.) For people like me, who prefer the power of high-proof, the flavor complexity makes this interesting. It took me a while to figure out what flavor was subtly swirling around my glass and taste buds, and I finally got the banana.
Conclusion – Tumblin’ Dice Straight Bourbon Whiskey
For the price point, this is a solid pour. It’s the type of bourbon that you should have for casual drinkers and those who haven’t had a chance to explore Proof and Wood products. It doesn’t need ice. It just needs to pour into the glass.
Have you tried the Tumblin’ Dice Straight Bourbon Whiskey? What do you think?
DEADWOOD STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
81 Proof
MSRP: $25
Deadwood Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This is a Larry bourbon. Stay with me. (It’s all good.)
History
Proof and Wood called Deadwood Straight Bourbon Whiskey “American Table Whiskey.” The bourbon is a blend of about 20 batches, with whiskey that’s more than two years old.
Deadwood Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mash bill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Barley
Let’s taste it:
🛏 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn glass
👉🏻Nose: Oak, caramel, vanilla,
👉🏻Taste: Sweet caramel, grain (more corn), a hint of banana, oak
👉🏻Finish: Long, pepper, caramel, vanilla
Deadwood Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Summary
My friend, Larry, is in my bourbon private pick group, the 32 Staves Society. Anytime I announce we’re getting a cask strength bourbon, he squeaks like an angry cat who can’t get to the mouse that’s just out of reach. Larry, this bourbon is for you (and lots of people). It may be light, but it packs a lot of flavor. The viscosity surprised me, as did everything that’s going on in what I (wrongly) thought would be a thin bourbon. It’s not. It tastes bigger than 81 proof, which is good for me. In the interest of science, I did a taste test with the Wild Turkey 81 (good vanilla) and the Old Granddad 81 (good rye). The Deadwood Straight Bourbon Whiskey beats them both.
Conclusion – Deadwood Straight Bourbon Whiskey
The “table whiskey” description is a good one. It’s a very easy drinker that needs no water or soda. You can sip it during dinner, though I would save it for a nice chocolate dessert of some kind. If you have bourbon friends of a wide range of tastes, this is a good one to have for those who want something that tastes good but is at the lower proof point. As a bonus, the price is more than reasonable.
Have you tried the Deadwood Straight Bourbon Whiskey? What do you think?
PROOF AND WOOD: WHICH SHOULD I BUY?
In the April, May, and June editions, we’ve reviewed six Proof and Wood bourbons. Inevitably, I’ll get emails and calls from readers (thank you!) wondering which one(s) they should buy.
Here are some suggestions:
Three bourbons for everyone: Deadwood Straight bourbon, Roulette Rye Straight Whiskey, and The Representative. All three should cost just over $100 and provide a range of light bourbon, light and flavorful rye, and one barrel strength.
Big Boys: The Representative (about 116 proof), The Cabinet Barrel Proof Blend of Straight Whiskeys (112.5), and The Senator Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey (117). This is for drinkers who like big whiskeys to enjoy over time. You get a bourbon, a blend of straight whiskies, and a rye that would make a nice tasting. All three should cost about $240.
If I can only buy one: If it’s a rye, Roulette. There’s not a thing wrong with The Senator (I prefer it). But in thinking of the readership, I think most would gravitate toward the tremendous value of an excellent product. If it’s a bourbon, Tumblin’ Dice, for many of the same reasons I mentioned with the rye. It’s a drink for everyone at a good price, given the quality.
What would I do? I’d buy one of each.
THE BOURBON RESOURCE BIG NEWS
Sazerac has launched Legacy de Forge, a site for rare spirits made available through auction or purchase. The first auction started May 28 and ends on June 11th, and features bottle No. 1 and No. 2 of the Last Drop's 27-year-old Buffalo Trace Bourbon, (north of $6K each) The Last Drop 32YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey ($2.5K), and Mister Sam blended whiskey ($200). All prices are high bids as of this writing. You can also buy select offerings, like the Sazerac de Forge Grande Champagne Cognac Vintage 2000 for $450. You’ll need to sign up for their newsletter to receive news of the latest auctions. Bravo to Sazerac for making these rare products available. Some, like the BT Last Drop, will be out of reach for most people (but you could get a group together for one hell of a tasting). But others, like Mister Sam, aren’t outrageous and as of now and cheaper than the $300 MSRP (though I don’t know what batch it is). If you decide to bid, make sure to check the shipping exclusions.
MORE BOURBON RESOURCE NEWS
Binder’s Stash, a force in the ultra-premium bourbon world, has forged a partnership with Willet Distillery. Binder’s gets access to Willett's inventory that includes limited barrels and experimental mash bills. You can read the press release here. I’m speculating here, but it sounds like the partnership gives Willet another avenue to sell some of its more expensive products, like the Family Reserve line. We’ll see.
The Florida-based Horse Soldier Bourbon plans to open its $200 million distillery in Somerset, Kentucky, on July 4, 2026, according to Fox13 in Tampa. It’s fascinating that the company is continuing with such a massive investment as the bourbon industry slows. Who knows, maybe things will look different next year. Regardless, here’s hoping the new venture takes off. I like Horse Soldier’s depth of flavor and consider the barrel proof (my favorite) a fantastic buy at $89. Our friends at BourbonObsessed like it as much as we do.
Michter’s 10-year rye will be released this month, according to a press release. The 92.8 proof product has an MSRP of $210. I have not had this (yet), but hope to report back soon. (In a future edition, we’ll explore bourbons over $200 and which one you should have in your bar for special occasions.)
Proof and Wood took home three “Best of Category” wins at the 2025 American Distilling Institute International Spirits Competition. Blame Canada – 22-Year-Old Canadian Rye Whiskey (LOVE the name), Seasons 2024, Extraordinary North American Whiskey, and Tumblin’ Dice Rye Whiskey Single Barrel were all honored. Check out our THREE Proof and Wood reviews below.
Penelope has released its Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 American Whiskey. According to a press release, the whiskey has “crafted for the ultimate medium-bodied cigar pairing is the first in a series of releases to enhance the complexity and enjoyment of cigar occasions.” It’s a blend of straight bourbon, 100% American single malt, and American light whiskey, and carries an MSRP is $79.99 for a 750 ML bottle. The tasting notes show “milk chocolate, vanilla, and candied apple on the
nose; with chocolate, dried peach, tobacco, and warm caramel on the palate. The finish imparts flavors of toffee, dark fruit, and light oak.” I’m hoping for a review bottle soon,
That’s it for this month! I hope you enjoyed The Bourbon Resource. Please visit our friends at Bourbon Obsessed, the best source of distillery reviews around.
Ray Marcano writes and publishes the Bourbon Resource monthly, and he’s president of the 32 Staves Society. He’s a bourbon lover and long-time journalist who freelances for some of the country’s largest media brands. He’s the former national president of the Society of Professional Journalists, a two-time Pulitzer juror, and a Fulbright fellow.