Redemption Launches Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey, a First-of-Its-Kind Innovation

Published
11/09/2022 by

Continuing the brand's commitment to deliver rare and unique rye-forward offerings, Redemption Whiskey announces the release of the latest addition to the brand's highly sought after award-winning Specialty Series: Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey. Redemption Sur Lee was created utilizing a first-of-its-kind whiskey-making technique inspired by the French sur lie winemaking process and designed to add layers of complexity and roundness.

The resulting whiskey is an entirely unique expression of rye, with rich taste, buttery notes, a silky finish and a hint of rye spice.

This whiskey innovation begins with Redemption's award-winning classic pre-Prohibition rye mash bill, which boasts a rye content of 95%. Redemption then broke conventional whiskey-making norms by adding the flavorful backset that comes off the still during distillation, called the "whiskey lees," into the barrels before aging. By periodically rotating the barrels during the aging process, the "lees" and whiskey continually interact and naturally infuse the whiskey with even more flavor. The "sur lee" method invigorates the rye's complexity to further enhance and develop the whiskey. Before bottling, Sur Lee is non-chill filtered to maintain optimal flavors and aromas. The end result is a whiskey that's deep and complex with a floral upfront, nutty backdrop and decadent, buttery notes of toasted marshmallow, maple and nutmeg, balanced with a lingering spicy finish.

Said Tom Steffanci, President of Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, which produces Redemption: "At the beginning of our creation process, we were curious to see what flavors would be imparted if we applied a technique similar to the French winemaking sur lie process to our amazing classic rye mash bill. We spent a lot of time adjusting the approach to get it just right and we are delighted with the delicious outcome. I can't wait to hear from consumers once they have the opportunity to taste it." 

Redemption Sur Lee is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. The striking bottle design, featuring a silkscreen label and metallic accents, artistically explains Sur Lee's ground-breaking process, beautifully showcasing how the old-world winemaking process was applied to transform the whiskey.

Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey, a very limited release, is available in NY, DE, FL, CA, TX, and MA, from October 1st and while supplies last with a suggested retail price of $59.99/750 ML.

In addition to this newest release, the Redemption Specialty Series portfolio includes the award-winning Redemption Cognac Cask Finish, Redemption Wheated Bourbon, Redemption Rum Cask Finish, and Redemption High Rye Bourbon Single Barrel Select. Whiskey lovers are also invited to enjoy the award-winning Redemption Rye, Redemption High Rye Bourbon, and Redemption Bourbon classic whiskeys, and coveted Limited Edition Barrel Proof offerings.