Category: Redemption

On a very technical level, the Redemption Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon is not a bourbon. I know, it doesn’t make sense when I say that right? But hang in for a second. The actual technical definition of bourbon does not allow for the use of used cooperage, to be a bourbon it can only ever employ new charred oak. A beautifully simple requirement that forces transparency.

Because, technically, bourbon is no longer bourbon once it touches used cooperage, and is essentially just American whiskey, it has forced cask disclosure so the term Bourbon can still be used in branding and marketing. That’s why every bourbon, or rye, finished in a cask other than new charred oak calls it out in the name. It legally has to because it’s no longer a bourbon. It’s both technically, and legally, a “Bourbon Finished in XXX casks”.

Yes, the liquid itself, the bourbon, doesn’t magically turn into something else; the spirit itself does not change the second it touches used oak. It does change from the cask influence, but it still started out as a bourbon. So it’s logical to still call it bourbon, but it’s not accurate on a technical or legal level. It’s a fun one to think about eh’?

Let’s get to drinkin’!

Redemption Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon Review – Details and Tasting Notes

Whiskey Details

Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Style: Bourbon (Straight, Finished)
Region: Indiana, USA
Distiller: MGP
Bottler: Redemption

Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak, ex-Cognac
Age: 4+ Years
ABV: 49.5%

Redemption Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon Review Price: $85*

Related Whiskey

Redemption Bourbon 9 Years Barrel Proof
Redemption High Rye Bourbon 10 Years Barrel Proof
Redemption Barrel Proof Bourbon
Redemption High Rye Bourbon Barrel Proof
Redemption Wheated Bourbon

Redemption Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon Review Tasting Notes

EYE
Pinkish amber

NOSE
Blackberry taffy, oak, copper, corn meal, baking spice, leather, and some anise.

Darkly sweet and slightly earthy, it’s a heavy aroma.

PALATE
Caramel corn, oak, blackberry taffy, copper, corn meal, baking spice, waxy vanilla and bits of leather.

Keeps pace with the aroma well and delivers a nice experience as it rolls through the senses.

FINISH
Med-long -> Oak, blackberry taffy, dried fruit and leather fade slowly.

BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Well-balanced, medium-full body and a warm velvety feel.

Redemption Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon Review – Overall Thoughts and Score

Sometimes finishing works, sometimes it doesn’t; this is a case of does. The finishing delivers a complimentary set of aromas and flavors and they matched the casks to the whiskey well.

It seems, all too often, the cognac is hidden so deep in the background of finished whisky you wonder why they even did it. But here it’s front and center, but balanced and mixing well. I’m a fan of this Redemption Bourbon Finished In Cognac Casks.

SCORE: 4/5 (good, definitely recommend ~ B+ | 87-89)

*Disclosure: The sample for this finished bourbon review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.

The post Redemption Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon Review appeared first on The Whiskey Jug.