As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to the question: Is Rebel Bourbon the same as Rebel Yell bourbon?
The short answer is yes, Rebel Bourbon is the same as Rebel Yell bourbon. However, there has been a recent change in the brand's name from Rebel Yell to Rebel. This change is still being implemented on retail shelves, so it is possible to find both the old Rebel Yell bottles and the new Rebel bottles in circulation.
In recent years, there has been a shift in consumer preferences and branding strategies. Luxco made the decision to rebrand Rebel Yell bourbon as Rebel bourbon. This change was made to give the brand a fresh look and appeal to a wider audience. The name change reflects a desire to move away from the historical connotations associated with the original Rebel Yell name.
It is important to note that while the brand name has changed, the bourbon itself remains the same. The recipe and production methods have not been altered. Rebel bourbon is still made using a blend of corn, wheat, and malted barley, and aged in charred oak barrels to develop its distinctive flavors.
As a personal anecdote, I have had the opportunity to taste both Rebel Yell bourbon and Rebel bourbon. In my experience, I found them to be very similar in terms of taste and quality. The transition from Rebel Yell to Rebel seems to be more of a rebranding strategy rather than a significant change in the product itself.
To summarize, Rebel Bourbon is the same as Rebel Yell bourbon. The recent name change from Rebel Yell to Rebel reflects a branding decision by Luxco to give the brand a fresh look and appeal to a wider audience. However, the bourbon itself remains unchanged, with the same recipe and production methods.