Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey Joins Redemption Whiskey’s Specialty Series as a First-of-Its-Kind Release

by Phillip Galyean

Redemption Whiskey is thrilled to welcome the award-winning Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey into its highly sought-after Specialty Series. This innovative whiskey draws inspiration from the French winemaking process known as Sur Lie, creating a richer, deeper, and more complex profile. By blending tradition with innovation, Redemption pushes the boundaries of rye whiskey while honoring its legacy.

The Sur Lie process, which has influenced winemaking for over 500 years, is uniquely applied by Redemption. Starting with Redemption’s classic pre-Prohibition rye mash bill, which contains an impressive 95% rye, the whiskey-making process deviates from convention. Redemption incorporates the flavorful backset from distillation, known as “whiskey lees,” into the barrels before aging. Through periodic barrel rotation, the lees and whiskey interact continuously, infusing the spirit with added character. This method intensifies the rye’s complexity, further enhancing the whiskey. Before bottling, Sur Lee is non-chill filtered to preserve its optimal flavors and aromas, resulting in a whiskey with floral notes upfront, a nutty backdrop, and decadent, buttery hints of toasted marshmallow, maple, and nutmeg, balanced with a lingering spicy finish.

“Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey represents a bold step forward in rye whiskey innovation,” said Alan Kennedy, Redemption’s Master Blender. “By integrating the Sur Lie method, we’ve crafted a whiskey that honors our classic pre-Prohibition rye mash bill and also redefines the category with its unexpected aging process.”

Tom Steffanci, President of Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, which produces Redemption, shared, “When I first conceived of Redemption Sur Lee, I was uncertain about what to expect. After tasting the first batch, I was blown away, and we anticipate similar excitement from Redemption fans. Sur Lee is unlike any rye whiskey currently available, and we’re proud to share it with both longtime enthusiasts and new drinkers. I’m not sure we made enough, so get it while you can.”

Redemption Sur Lee is exceptionally smooth and best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. It pairs well with savory dishes such as steaks, aged cheeses, and roasted vegetables, as well as desserts like chocolate or hazelnut treats and classics like pecan or derby pie.

Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey | 47% ABV | $59.99 SRP

  • AROMA: Floral upfront with nutty, woody undertones
  • TASTE: Round, rich, and soft with nutty, buttery notes balanced with umami flavor
  • FINISH: Sweetness with hints of pie crust, sweet pine, vanilla, and dried fig

Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey will begin rolling out nationwide both in-store and online in late August, with a suggested retail price of $59.99 for a 750mL bottle. The bottle features a silkscreen label and metallic accents that highlight Sur Lee’s groundbreaking process. Whether you’re a wine lover venturing into whiskey or a connoisseur seeking your next acquisition, Sur Lee makes the perfect gift to unwrap.

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