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Redemption Bourbon vs Ancient Age
On paper Redemption Bourbon and Ancient Age are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$25 – $32 vs. ~$14 – $18) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Redemption Bourbon | Ancient Age |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 84 proof (42% ABV) +4 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$25 – $32 | ~$14 – $18 ~$13 less |
- 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
Redemption Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Ancient Age
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Redemption Bourbon Ancient Age
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/4 spice: Redemption Bourbon 7 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
oak 4/3 oak: Redemption Bourbon 4 out of 10, Ancient Age 3 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
heat 3/2 heat: Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10, Ancient Age 2 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
sweetness 5/5 sweetness: Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10, Ancient Age 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Redemption Bourbon if you want an inexpensive, unambiguous example of the MGP high-rye style for mixing.
- Go with Ancient Age if you want the cheapest honest mixer in the lineup and you are not drinking it neat.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, highball (Redemption Bourbon); cocktails, highball (Ancient Age).