At a recent evening event at The Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn, Redemption Whiskey celebrated the launch of its latest innovation, Sur Lee. The atmosphere was lively, with gourmet food stations offering a variety of dishes that perfectly complemented the whiskey. My friend Akira and I explored the food offerings, which included grilled vegetables dressed in rare vinegar or exquisite soy sauces, dried fruits, an assortment of cheeses, and a beautifully prepared rare beef filet. Each station was staffed by gourmet advisers who provided insights into how the food paired with the whiskey. The highlight was the rare beef filet, which paired exquisitely with the whiskey’s rich oak flavors.
Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey
Guest at the Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn (left) and Master Blender Alan Kennedy
The real star of the night, however, was Master Blender Alan Kennedy, who captivated the room with his deep knowledge and passion for whiskey. He guided us through the Sur Lee process with a charismatic blend of entertainment and expertise. Alan explained the unique Sur Lee aging technique, typically borrowed from winemaking, and how it enhances the whiskey’s complexity by allowing it to rest on residual yeast after fermentation. Kennedy explains,“By integrating the Sur Lie method, we’ve crafted a whiskey that not only honors our classic pre-Prohibition rye mash bill but also pushes the boundaries of what rye can be. I’m excited to offer fans a whiskey that truly redefines the category with its unexpected take on aging.”
He invited us to sip Redemption’s offerings neat, including the Sur Lee Whiskey, to better appreciate the multi-layered flavors masterfully crafted into each of Redemption’s distinctive whiskies.
The Sur Lee Whiskey itself is a revelation. Combining rye spice with the added depth from the sur lie aging process results in a bold yet balanced whiskey. Tasting it, I noticed a burst of spicy rye, mellowed by creamy vanilla undertones and subtle hints of fruit, particularly when paired with the cheeses from the event. The beef, on the other hand, accentuated the whiskey’s rich oak and caramel notes. Sur Lee is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, a testament to Redemption’s commitment to pushing boundaries while honoring the craft of whiskey-making.
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