Oak | Brown sugar | Nutmeg | Cinnamon | Rye bread | Faint ethanol

Sharp oak | Rye spice | Black peppercorn spice | Vanilla | Faint caramel

Graham cracker | Faint honey | Sharp oak | Black peppercorn spice | Short

Redemption Bourbon may look different to consumers lately, due to a packaging overhaul by the company. With their bourbon now bottled at a higher 92 proof compared to 88, Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits is upfront about a trademark dispute with a competitor a few years ago was the catalyst for this change. The company is going all-in on embracing this new look, stating, “dramatic and symbolic, the refreshed packaging features an eagle in mid-flight, formed from rye with its wings spread wide. More than a design evolution, the eagle represents courage and ambition—leaving the safety of the ground for the unknown horizon. It embodies Redemption’s refreshed brand philosophy: Choose Redemption. Rise Above.”

Redemption Bourbon is a straightforward affair. The sip is on the simpler side, focusing on classic flavor notes and scents. The bourbon opens with a familiar scent profile and a hint of ethanol, which is surprising for the proof it’s bottled at. The rest of the sip carries forward pepper and oak notes along with vanilla and honey. Notable is the theme of sharp oak and black peppercorn spice that appears at the midpoint and carries through to the short finish. It’s simple, yet leaves you wanting more from what it actually delivers.

A bourbon priced at $30 feels like a bargain nowadays; however, there are still some solid finds available that cost the same or less. In particular, several of the Benchmark Bourbons cost almost a third less and deliver a slightly elevated sip. While the new packaging is appreciated, the next step the brand needs to take to elevate its core bourbon product to meet modern consumers' expectations will be even more important.