Vanilla | Fresh oak | Caramel | Faint cinnamon | Touch of cherry

White peppercorn | Vanilla | Yellow cake | Rye spice | Peppery oak

Spiced caramel | Cinnamon stick | Rye spice | Slightly dry oak | Lingering light spice

Last year, Lux Row Distillers partnered with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) to make Rebel Straight Bourbon the Official Bourbon of Richard Childress Racing. The announcement coincided with the release of a limited edition release of two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle “Rowdy” Busch selected single barrel bourbon. This year, the company is back with another release of the bourbon, and like last year’s release, the bourbon is proofed to 108 in honor of Rebel’s sponsorship of RCR and Busch’s No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Chevrolet.

With a focus on core bourbon flavors, Rebel Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel Bourbon comes across as average all around. While the flavors in this particular single barrel don’t elevate it, they also don’t hurt the sip it delivers either. The bourbon starts off delivering a more traditional aroma, which translates into a balanced, slightly sweet, and spicy midpoint. The peppery oak turns slightly dry in the finish and is joined with rye spice and cinnamon stick.

While every single barrel will taste different, I found this barrel to be middle-of-the-road average. That said, being priced at a reasonable $40, the bourbon delivers a nice value for those looking for a higher proof bourbon. Two years into the release, it’s clear that Kyle Busch’s bourbon won’t disappoint his fans.

The bourbon in review is from barrel number 86213.