Compare
Redemption Bourbon vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Put Redemption Bourbon next to Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and you have a blender-built, high-rye bottling set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Redemption Bourbon | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | 12 years |
| Proof | 84 proof (42% ABV) | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) +6 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$25 – $32 ~$507 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 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.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Redemption Bourbon Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/3 spice: Redemption Bourbon 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
sweetness 5/8 sweetness: Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Redemption Bourbon 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
heat 3/3 heat: Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- 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.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Redemption Bourbon if you want an inexpensive, unambiguous example of the MGP high-rye style for mixing at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, highball (Redemption Bourbon); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).