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In Kentucky bourbon terms, "sweet" is simple. Sweetness is a characteristic of corn and barrels add vanilla and caramel sweetness. Getting a bourbon that is a "liquid dessert" is very easy.
But for a seasoned palate, for a drinker who prefers a rye whiskey or a strong, high-proof drink, sweetness is not enough. Complexity and heat with some spice gives a bourbon that kicks back a little.
Enter the Revelette Single Barrel Crimson Label.
While being overshadowed by its sweeter counterpart, the Navy Label Whiskey, the Crimson Label is the unsung hero within the Revelette family. It is unanimously regarded as “The Drinker’s Bourbon,” being the bottle for those who feel that the whiskey itself must have some attitude.
Here are the reasons why this spicy, high-octane drama is worthy of a place in your collection.
Though Revelette doesn’t disclose their mash bill, the taste chart for the Crimson Label is High Rye all the way.
This isn't the soft, wheated characteristic found in a Weller or a Maker's Mark. This is a forced, spicy bourbon that smacks the mid-palate.
The Nose: It kicks off with a punch. Rather than an impression of soft vanilla, there's an impression of sharp cinnamon, baking spices, and toasted oak. There's always a hint of fruit, but imagine a darker, dried fig or plum skin rather than fresh cherry.
The Palate: “The proof,” which comes out to close to 116+, quickly establishes itself. You experience the essence of black pepper and nutmeg before being greeted by the dryness of the leather.
Long, dry, and warm. It's here that "Kentucky Hug" cements itself as truly enveloping. It has a lingering spiciness that calls to mind a high-end rye Whiskey, countered by the sweetness from the corn.
The Crimson Label is not for all, and that’s the point.
1. "The Four Roses Fan": If Four Roses Single Barrel or Obsidian is your daily pour of choice, you are already in pursuit of that floral/spicy yeast character. Crimson Label is that character dialed up to higher proof and viscosity.
2. Rye Convert: This is your transition dream if you are a Rye Whiskey person because you feel that bourbon is "too boring." It has the robustness of the former, but the kick of the latter.
3. Cigar Smoker: Because of its delicate dry, spiciness (but not sweet) nature of the Crimson Label, it will pair readily with a medium-to-full cigar because the spice complements the cigar smoke instead of canceling with it.
Although we are always in favor of premium single barrel whiskey straight, the Crimson Label is a beast.
With its high 116+ proof and strong spice element, it can be hot at first.
Our Suggestion: Add one large ice cube or a few drops of limestone water.
The Reason: The slight dissolving alters the surface tension of alcohol.
The Effect: The "heat" abates and suddenly the underlying flavors of dark chocolate and stone fruits make their presence known.
The Verdict: A Bourbon with Backbone. While everywhere else is filled with low-priced, watered-down 80-proofs, Revelette Crimson Label is a breath of fresh air for drinkers who refuse to settle. This whiskey is raw, it is bold, and it is spicy. If you need something that will grab your attention, find the Crimson.
Now that you know what makes the Crimson Label special, it’s time to put it on your shelf. Browse our current Single Barrel inventory online and have this high-proof powerhouse delivered straight to your door. Acquire your bottle here!
