Red Pump Spirits operates out of Washington, PA, near the events of the Whiskey Rebellion of late 18th century fame. Like other distilleries in Western Pennsylvania, Red Pump claims this event and the regional whiskey history as part of their own heritage. Whiskey production in North America once centered in Pennsylvania, though largely disappeared by the Prohibition era. Subsequently, many of the state’s modern distilleries work toward establishing it as a whiskey destination once again.

Red Pump, per their website, belongs to the movement reviving Monongahela style rye whiskey. The distillery, near the actual Monongahela River, sources its grains from local farms and reportedly grinds the grains on the same day they begin the mashing process. Red Pump asserts Rebellion Rye as an ‘all rye’ whiskey. This implies a 100% rye mash bill, but isn’t explicitly stated. Neither the website nor the bottle carry an age statement, and the proof lands at 90 (45% ABV). With that, lets get to the Red Pump Spirits Rebellion Rye review!

Bottle and Appearance

Rebellion Rye presents as a nutmeg color in the bottle. Transitioning to the glass reveals a lighter hue, closer to that of a golden honey. Upon swirling, a noticeable coating forms on the sides. Tear drop beads slowly form, and reveal thick, strong legs upon descent. The bottle decal, perhaps in an homage to the hometown name and despite sending in the militia, portrays George Washington crossing the Delaware.

Nose

Lifting the glass to the nose initiates a warming effect, accompanied by a mildly sweet sensation. This eventually reveals itself as a sort of honeysuckle infused herbal tea. Forewarning a twist in profile, cranberry hints emerge at the tail end of the infused tea. Finally, and despite the initial sweetness, the bitter side of the cranberry comes to dominate in the form of a mild apple cider. Everything is nice, if not a bit random.

Palate

The whiskey warmly enters the mouth, and immediately provides a prominent dark chocolate profile. Cayenne wraps into the chocolate demonstrating some initial spice upfront. Eventually, hints of juniper start to emerge and the rye finally rears its head. Toward the back of the mouth, a distinct tobacco flavoring conspicuously settles in. The palate profile overall feels sharply high resolution as it trots through bold flavors.

Finish

Upon exit, the dark chocolate from the palate returns although this time carries notes closer to spicy gingerbread than the original cayenne. The tobacco from the end of the palate really never ceases to exist, and eventually becomes last man standing. It lingers on for some time, leaving a bit of an impression.

Drinkability

The intensity of the experience may slightly overwhelm for a daily drink profile. However, whether the distiller intended it or not, this rye demonstrates several logical conclusions found in the rye genre (namely chocolate and tobacco). Ice or water blends the experience, but does little to mute it. Best served on top of an old barrel trying to discern whether or not Monongahela rye has indeed returned from the dead.

Food Pairing

Serve up an old fashion Yankee pot roast! Done right, a pot roast projects both a fortified strength and a melted tenderness that works with Rebellion Rye’s feel and flavor.

Facial Hair Rating

Rebellion Rye gets the hulihee facial hair rating. The look itself requires a degree of intellectual boldness, and probably requires the wearer to smoke a tobacco pipe. Lets not hide the fact that this style is certainly out of date, if it ever even was to begin with. However, and this is key, it should stage a comeback. The world is ready.

Overall

To wrap up Red Pump Spirits Rebellion Rye review, did I just eat chocolate and smoke tobacco or drink whiskey? Although the whiskey comes through somewhat more in pops than steady stream, it does maintain a coherence. Its both unique and bold, and manages to walk a tightrope without falling off. The lack of an age statement implies a short ageing process, and some youthful exuberance betrays itself. However, it largely does hit the mark of Rebellion Rye’s original intention of reviving a Monongahela rye.

Grade: A-

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