Rebel Root Beer Whiskey: The comeback pour fans asked for

Rebel Root Beer Whiskey—Wheated Bourbon Meets Soda-Shop Swagger

Rebel Root Beer Whiskey is back, and this is the kind of unapologetically fun release I like to see land on shelves when everyone’s palate starts craving something a little different. Rebel Bourbon has officially reintroduced Rebel Root Beer Whiskey to its award-winning lineup, taking its time-honored wheated recipe and giving it a nostalgic, soda-fountain twist. Rebel Root Beer is Rebel Straight Bourbon Whiskey infused with bold, creamy root beer flavor—an unconventional mash-up that still respects the bourbon backbone.

There’s also real heritage behind the attitude. Rebel Bourbon’s wheated mash bill traces back to an original recipe dating to 1849, invented at the Stitzel-Weller distillery, and today it’s distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, by Lux Row Distillers Master Distiller John Rempe. That lineage matters because it’s what keeps Rebel Root Beer from feeling like a gimmick—it’s playful, sure, but built on serious bourbon DNA.

Rebel Root Beer Whiskey: Flavor notes that hit like sassafras and vanilla

From the first pour, Rebel Root Beer Whiskey leans into classic root beer aromatics—sassafras and vanilla lead the charge, layered over the scent of aged bourbon whiskey. On the palate, Rebel Root Beer delivers sharp, familiar root beer notes of sassafras, vanilla, licorice, and molasses, then swings back into whiskey territory with caramel and honey tones that keep it grounded. The finish lingers with sweetness and a spicy sassafras kick, which is exactly what you want from something that’s designed to drink easy without tasting flat.

In the glass, the best part is how versatile Rebel Root Beer feels depending on temperature. Neat gives you the fullest expression of that wheated bourbon base. Chilled tightens everything up and turns the root beer character crisp and bright. And when you lean into simple mixing—especially in a cola cocktail—you get that dessert-meets-dive-bar energy that makes this bottle a legit crowd-pleaser. Rebel Root Beer is also bottled at 70 proof (35% ABV), which reinforces the whole point here: flavor-forward, approachable, and built for casual pours.

Rebel Root Beer: Price, availability, and the “Shoot the Root” vibe

Rebel Root Beer is available nationwide this month, which is the kind of distribution note that matters if you actually plan to stock the home bar instead of just bookmarking the announcement. Pricing is equally approachable: the minimum suggested retail price is $19.99 for a 750mL bottle, and $0.99 for a 50mL bottle—perfect if you want to try it first, tuck a few minis into a cooler, or keep a quick pour option for game-day hangs.

The brand messaging is leaning hard into its mischievous personality, and honestly, it fits. As Rebel Bourbon brand manager Philip Lux put it, “We listened to the real trailblazing rebels out there, and brought back Rebel Root Beer. It’s available in a variety of size options for enjoying neat, chilled, in cola cocktails, and more. Rebel Root Beer is fun and tasty, but doesn’t have any rules – on purpose.” The packaging matches that energy too, with a label illustration that pairs a frothy mug of root beer with a bourbon barrel—simple, bold, and instantly readable from across the shelf.

On-premise activations are also part of the rollout, including merch giveaways like stickers, coasters, t-shirts, and hats, all stamped with the unmistakable “Shoot the Root” branding. Add in shot machines designed to serve chilled pours of Rebel Root Beer Whiskey, and you can see the play: this is a whiskey meant to live in bars, at parties, and in that space where nostalgia and good taste overlap. Rebel Root Beer doesn’t try to replace your favorite neat-sipping bottle. It’s here to give you another lane—and it does it with confidence.

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