The question of what alcohol is in Rebel is a common one because the name now represents a family of different products, each with a unique alcohol base. While many drinkers associate the brand with its historic Kentucky straight bourbon, the modern Rebel lineup has expanded to include a different category of malt-based hard coffee drinks, with the famous whiskey being just one of several options. This guide will clarify the distinct types of alcohol found under the Rebel name, helping you determine what you are drinking based on the specific product.
The Classic Rebel: Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon
For many years, the name Rebel Yell was synonymous with a specific type of American whiskey. This heritage continues today with the renamed Rebel brand, which is a classic wheated Kentucky straight bourbon. It's produced by Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, and uses a mash bill (the grain recipe) that relies on a higher proportion of wheat instead of rye as its secondary grain. This choice of grain gives Rebel bourbon a signature mellow and smooth flavor profile, often characterized by notes of vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch, with a softer finish compared to rye-heavy bourbons.
Core Rebel Bourbon Variations
- Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (80 Proof): The flagship expression, known for its mildness and accessibility. Its smooth character makes it an excellent choice for sipping neat, on the rocks, or as the base for cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour.
- Rebel 100 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (100 Proof): A higher-proof version for those seeking a more robust flavor and a stronger kick. The extra proof intensifies the classic caramel and vanilla notes.
- Rebel Small Batch Reserve (Small Batch): This expression offers a more complex and refined flavor profile. The exact specifications can vary, but it's often aged longer than the standard offering to develop a richer, deeper taste with more prominent oak notes.
- Specialty Finished Bourbons: The brand also periodically releases limited editions finished in special casks, such as the former Tawny Port Cask release, adding unique flavor dimensions to the wheated bourbon base.
The Modern Rebel: Hard Coffee & Lattes
In recent years, the Rebel name has been licensed for a very different kind of alcoholic beverage: the Rebel Hard Coffee line. These products, produced by Twelve5 Beverage Co., are not whiskey-based but are instead malt beverages with natural coffee and flavorings added. This is a crucial distinction. The hard coffee drinks are a completely separate category from the Rebel bourbon and contain a much lower alcohol by volume (ABV).
Rebel Hard Coffee Features
- Malt Beverage Base: The alcohol is derived from a fermented malt base, similar to many flavored hard seltzers or ready-to-drink canned cocktails, not distilled spirits.
- 5% ABV: The Rebel Hard Coffee series maintains a consistent and moderate alcohol content of 5% ABV across its various flavors.
- Flavor Variety: These ready-to-drink cans come in a range of popular latte flavors. Common options include:
- Mocha Hard Latte
- Vanilla Hard Latte
- Salted Caramel Hard Latte
- Maple Pecan Hard Latte
Specialized Rebel Liqueurs
Beyond the bourbon and hard coffee, there have been other Rebel-branded offerings, particularly under the older Rebel Yell name. One such example is the Rebel Yell Ginger Liqueur, a product that combines the base of Rebel Yell bourbon with fiery ginger flavoring. This type of product is a flavored whiskey liqueur and has a different ABV than the straight bourbon. It's important to remember that such specialty releases are separate from the core bourbon line and the modern hard coffee brand.
What Alcohol is in Rebel? A Comparison
To help differentiate the various products, the table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the primary alcohol types associated with the Rebel name.
| Product Category | Primary Alcohol Type | Producer | Typical ABV | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rebel Bourbon | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Lux Row Distillers | 40% (80 proof) and higher | Made with a wheated mash bill, aged in charred oak barrels. |
| Rebel Hard Coffee | Malt Beverage | Twelve5 Beverage Co. | 5% ABV | Ready-to-drink coffee-flavored can with a malt liquor base. |
| Rebel Root Beer Whiskey | Flavored Whiskey Liqueur | The Timber Creek Distillery | 35% (70 proof) | Infused with root beer flavor, based on Rebel bourbon. |
A Final Word on the Rebel Brand
The most important takeaway is that the 'Rebel' name is no longer exclusive to whiskey. Consumers should always check the product's label to understand exactly what they are purchasing. The classic wheated bourbon offers a smooth, traditional whiskey experience, while the hard coffee provides a lighter, ready-to-drink malt beverage. With the modern expansion of the brand, knowing the difference prevents confusion and ensures you get the product you expect. For more official information on the bourbon line, you can visit the Lux Row Distillers website.
Rebel's Rebranding and Product Differentiation
In recent years, the Rebel brand has undergone a significant evolution, shifting from the traditional 'Rebel Yell' name. The decision was driven by modern branding strategies, including the desire to appeal to a broader audience and move away from potentially problematic historical associations. While the heritage and original wheated mash bill recipe of the bourbon remain, the name change has allowed the brand to expand into new categories like the hard coffee market, catering to a new generation of drinkers with different preferences. This expansion and rebranding highlights the trend of alcohol companies diversifying their portfolios to capture new market segments, creating the product confusion that makes understanding the different Rebel offerings so important.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the alcohol found in products bearing the name Rebel is not a single type. The legacy product, Rebel bourbon, is a smooth Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. However, the hard coffee drinks are malt beverages, and flavored products like the older root beer whiskey are liqueurs based on the bourbon. The diversity of the product line means that reading the label is the only way to be certain what kind of alcohol you are consuming. Whether you are a bourbon enthusiast or a fan of ready-to-drink malt beverages, Rebel offers a variety of choices under its iconic name.
The Takeaway
- The Rebel brand now includes multiple, distinct product lines.
- Rebel bourbon is a wheated Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.
- Rebel hard coffee is a ready-to-drink, malt-based beverage.
- Specialty liqueurs may be flavored whiskey products.
- The brand was formerly known as Rebel Yell.
- Always check the product label to confirm the type of alcohol before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of alcohol is Rebel bourbon? Rebel bourbon is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, defined by its recipe that uses wheat as the secondary grain instead of the more common rye.
Is Rebel hard coffee the same as Rebel whiskey? No, they are two completely different products. Rebel hard coffee is a malt beverage with a 5% ABV, while Rebel bourbon is a traditional whiskey with a 40% (or higher) ABV.
Why was Rebel Yell renamed Rebel? The brand was renamed Rebel in 2020 by Lux Row Distillers as part of a modernization strategy to appeal to a broader audience and move away from the historical baggage associated with the name 'Rebel Yell'.
What does a wheated bourbon like Rebel taste like? A wheated bourbon typically offers a smoother, softer flavor profile compared to rye-heavy bourbons. Rebel, in particular, is known for notes of vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch, with a less spicy finish.
Where is Rebel bourbon made? Rebel bourbon is distilled and aged at the Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky. The distillery began producing it after the brand was acquired by Luxco.
Does Rebel hard coffee have a high alcohol content? No, Rebel hard coffee has a moderate 5% alcohol by volume, which is comparable to many standard beers.
What is the difference between an 80-proof and 100-proof Rebel bourbon? The difference is the alcohol content. An 80-proof Rebel bourbon has 40% ABV, while the 100-proof version contains 50% ABV. The higher proof results in a more intense and robust flavor.
