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Ancient Age vs Redemption Bourbon
On paper Ancient Age and Redemption Bourbon are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$14 – $18 vs. ~$25 – $32) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Ancient Age | Redemption Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 84 proof (42% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 ~$13 less | ~$25 – $32 |
- Ancient Age does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Ancient Age
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Redemption Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Ancient Age Redemption Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/7 spice: Ancient Age 4 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 7 out of 10
oak 3/4 oak: Ancient Age 3 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 4 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Ancient Age 4 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10
heat 2/3 heat: Ancient Age 2 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Ancient Age 4 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10
sweetness 5/5 sweetness: Ancient Age 5 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- Ancient Age: The bottom rung of the Buffalo Trace ladder and priced accordingly. Thin and simple at 80 proof, but it is recognisably the Mash Bill #2 recipe and it does its job in a highball without complaint.
- Redemption Bourbon: Straightforward sourced MGP at a modest proof, and about as clear a reference sample of the high-rye MGP profile as you can buy. Thin neat, but a reliable and inexpensive cocktail base.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Ancient Age if you want the cheapest honest mixer in the lineup and you are not drinking it neat.
- Go with Redemption Bourbon if you want an inexpensive, unambiguous example of the MGP high-rye style for mixing.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball (Ancient Age); old-fashioned, cocktails, highball (Redemption Bourbon).