Redemption Adds Experimental Sur Lee Straight Rye to Specialty Series

Bourbon

August 22, 2024

Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey bottle in rickhouse

Redemption Whiskey announced the addition of Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey into its sought after Specialty Series. 

The whiskey draws inspiration from the French winemaking process, known as Sur Lie, to create a richer, deeper and more complex profile. Redemption’s take on the Sur Lie process, influencing winemaking for over 500 years, begins with Redemption’s classic pre-Prohibition rye mash bill that boasts an impressive 95% rye content. Breaking from conventional whiskey-making norms, Redemption adds the backset that comes off the still during distillation, called the “whiskey lees,” into the barrels before aging. 

By periodically rotating the barrels during the aging process, the “lees” and whiskey continually interact, naturally infusing the whiskey with even more character. The “Sur Lee” method intensifies the rye’s complexity to further enhance and develop the whiskey. Before bottling, Sur Lee is non-chill filtered to maintain optimal flavors and aromas.

“Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey represents a bold step forward in rye whiskey innovation,” Alan Kennedy, Redemption’s Master Blender, said in a news release. “By integrating the Sur Lie method, we’ve crafted a whiskey that not only honors our classic pre-Prohibition rye mash bill but also pushes the boundaries of what rye can be. I’m excited to offer fans a whiskey that truly redefines the category with its unexpected take on aging.”

“When I first conceived of Redemption Sur Lee, I was not sure what to expect,” Tom Steffanci, President of Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, which produces Redemption, said. “After tasting the first batch I was blown away and we expect the same excitement from Redemption fans as they get the opportunity to enjoy it. Sur Lee is unlike any rye whiskey on the market today and we’re so proud to share it with existing fans and new drinkers alike. I’m not sure we made enough, so get it while you can.”

Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled at 47% ABV and has a $59.99 SRP. Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey begins rolling out nationwide both in store and online at ReserveBar.com (with the exception of some states) in late August. 

The bottle design features a silkscreen label and metallic accents that visually convey Sur Lee’s groundbreaking process. For the wine-lovers looking to expand into the whiskey category or the whiskey connoisseur’s next acquisition – and everyone in between – Sur Lee is the perfect gift to unwrap.

Read more: Redemption Whiskey Names Kennedy Master Blender

Nearly lost for a century, modern drinkers are rediscovering rye’s spicy, rebellious nature, complex enough to be enjoyed neat, with a strong enough backbone to stand up in cocktails. It is a classic American comeback story, one that is only just beginning as Redemption continually pushes boundaries – and expectations – in whiskey innovation. Redemption was awarded a 2023 Growth Brands Spirits award in the Fast Track category from the Beverage Information Group/EPG Brand Acceleration, the 2022 World’s Best Bourbon (2022 San Francisco Spirits Awards) and is the 2021 Rye Whiskey Brand of the Year according to the NY International Spirits Competition. For more information, visit www.redemptionwhiskey.com.

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