Rebel Bourbon Kyle Busch Single Barrel 2026 Release
Rebel Bourbon has released its second annual collaboration with NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, unveiling the Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel 2026 Selected By Kyle Busch. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion personally hand-selected every barrel for this limited-edition release alongside Rebel Bourbon Master Distiller John Rempe. Bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV) to honor Rebel's sponsorship of Richard Childress Racing, this wheated bourbon will be available nationwide starting this month at a suggested retail price of $39.99 per 750mL bottle.
Key Details
The Rebel Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel represents a continuation of the partnership between Rebel Bourbon and Richard Childress Racing, now in its third year. Each bottle features several distinctive characteristics that set this release apart:
- Bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV), reflecting the connection to RCR sponsorship
- Aged for a full four years using Rebel's traditional wheated mash bill
- Produced according to Rebel's original recipe dating back to 1849
- Each barrel personally selected by Kyle Busch with guidance from Master Distiller John Rempe
- Distinctive gold label featuring checkered flag pattern, RCR branding, and Busch's No. 8 graphic and signature
- Individual barrel details including barrel number and fill date printed on each label
- Nationwide availability beginning February 2026 at $39.99 MSRP
Rebel Bourbon plans to host bottle signing events with both Busch and Rempe in key NASCAR race markets throughout the 2026 season, providing fans opportunities to meet the collaborators behind this limited release.
What This Means
This release demonstrates the growing intersection between premium spirits and motorsports marketing, a trend that continues to gain momentum across the bourbon industry. By positioning Kyle Busch not just as a brand ambassador but as an active participant in barrel selection, Rebel Bourbon creates authenticity that resonates with both NASCAR fans and bourbon enthusiasts. The 108-proof designation cleverly ties product specifications to sponsorship branding, creating a memorable connection point.
The annual nature of this release establishes it as a collectible series rather than a one-off collaboration, encouraging repeat purchases from fans who want to complete their collection. For collectors, the unique barrel information on each label adds traceability and individuality that single barrel releases are prized for. At under $40, the price point remains accessible to casual fans while the limited-edition status and celebrity connection create urgency. This approach mirrors successful strategies from other bourbon brands partnering with cultural figures, though few have maintained multi-year consistency with active racing sponsorships.
Tasting Notes
While specific tasting notes were not provided in the release announcement, Rebel Bourbon describes the Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel as delivering:
- Profile: Robust flavor resulting from four years of aging
- Finish: Velvety smooth with a hint of spice
- Character: Wheated mash bill contributes to softer, smoother character compared to high-rye bourbons
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy Rebel Bourbon Kyle Busch Single Barrel?
Rebel Bourbon Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel is available nationwide starting February 2026 at a suggested retail price of $39.99 per 750mL bottle. You can use the product locator at RebelBourbon.com to find specific retail locations near you that carry Rebel Bourbon products. Availability may vary by state and retailer, and as a limited-edition release, bottles may sell out quickly in some markets.
What makes this bourbon different from regular Rebel Bourbon?
The Kyle Busch Single Barrel differs from standard Rebel Bourbon offerings in several ways: it's bottled at a higher 108 proof (versus the standard 80-90 proof range), it's aged for a full four years, and every barrel was personally hand-selected by Kyle Busch working with Master Distiller John Rempe. Each bottle is from a single barrel rather than a batched product, meaning flavor profiles may vary slightly between bottles. The limited-edition nature and distinctive packaging featuring Busch's signature and the No. 8 graphic also make it a collectible item.
Is this the first collaboration between Rebel Bourbon and Kyle Busch?
No, this is the second annual release of the Rebel Kyle Busch Single Barrel bourbon, following a successful launch in 2025. Rebel Bourbon has been the official bourbon of Richard Childress Racing for three years, with Kyle Busch driving the No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Chevrolet in select NASCAR Cup Series races. The ongoing partnership includes racing sponsorship, annual limited-edition bourbon releases, and promotional events in race markets throughout the NASCAR season.
What is a wheated bourbon and why does it matter?
A wheated bourbon uses wheat as the secondary grain in its mash bill instead of rye, which is more commonly used. Rebel Bourbon follows its original wheated recipe dating back to 1849 from the historic Stitzel-Weller distillery. Wheated bourbons typically offer a softer, smoother, and slightly sweeter flavor profile compared to high-rye bourbons, with less spicy bite. This makes them appealing to bourbon drinkers who prefer a mellower, more approachable character, which aligns with Rebel's "defiantly smooth" positioning.
Will there be opportunities to meet Kyle Busch and get bottles signed?
Yes, Rebel Bourbon has announced plans to host bottle signing events with Kyle Busch and Master Distiller John Rempe in key NASCAR race markets throughout the 2026 season. Specific dates and locations will be announced on Rebel Bourbon's social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) and at RebelBourbon.com. Kyle Busch will be racing the No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Chevrolet at select NASCAR Cup Series events, including the DuraMAX Grand Prix on March 1, 2026, in Austin, Texas.