Rebel Bourbon, the official bourbon of Richard Childress Racing (RCR), is hitting the track with a new limited-edition release. On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the brand announced the rollout of the Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel 2026 Selected By Kyle Busch.
This marks the second consecutive year of the collaboration, with NASCAR champion Kyle Busch personally hand-picking every barrel alongside Master Distiller John Rempe.
The Product: “Rowdy” at 108 Proof
The 2026 release is designed to reflect both the brand’s wheated heritage and its racing partnership.
- Proof: Bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV). The number “8” is a deliberate nod to Busch’s No. 8 Chevrolet car number.
- Age: Aged for a full four years.
- Mash Bill: Uses Rebel’s original time-honored wheated recipe dating back to 1849.
- Tasting Notes: Described as having a “robust flavor and a velvety smooth finish with a hint of spice”.
- Price: Suggested retail price of $39.99 per 750mL bottle.
“Kyle and the RCR team stand out as real rebels, doing things their own way with a defiant attitude to drive to win,” said Philip Lux, Rebel Bourbon Brand Manager. “Every bottle of our new Rebel Single Barrel is a one-of-a-kind.”
The Bottle Design
Collectors will note the distinctive packaging for this release. The bottle features a gold label with a checkered flag pattern, bold RCR branding, and a graphic of the No. 8. Crucially, each label displays the bottle’s unique barrel details, including the barrel number and fill date, alongside Kyle Busch’s signature.
The Partnership: Racing & Whiskey
Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has been working with Rebel Bourbon for three years.
“For the third year now I’m proud to race with the Rebel brand… I’m proud to have my name and the No. 8 on every bottle,” Busch stated.
To support the launch, Rebel Bourbon plans to host bottle signings with Busch and Master Distiller John Rempe in key race markets throughout the 2026 season. Busch will also be driving the No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Chevrolet in select races, including the DuraMAX Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on March 1.
Other News
From the Racetrack to the Hardwood While Rebel Bourbon brings “Rowdy” energy to NASCAR fans, the NBA is serving up a slam dunk for tequila collectors. The Los Angeles Lakers have just teamed up with their official spirit partner, Cincoro Tequila, for a luxury bottle dressed in purple and gold. Check out the details on this limited-edition Añejo in our review of the Cincoro Tequila Lakers Edition Launch.
Why It Matters
This collaboration highlights the deepening ties between spirits brands and professional sports.
- Fan Engagement: By involving the athlete in the actual barrel selection process (rather than just slapping a name on a label), Rebel Bourbon creates an authentic product for NASCAR fans.
- Specific Proof Point: Bottling at 108 proof creates a unique “Easter egg” for fans of the No. 8 car, distinguishing it from standard Rebel releases.
- Affordable Collectibility: At $39.99, it sits at an accessible price point for the average race fan, encouraging volume sales rather than just high-end collecting.
FAQs
Where can I buy the Rebel Kyle Busch Single Barrel?
The special edition ships this month (February 2026) and will be available nationwide.
What is the proof of this bourbon?
It is 108 proof (54% ABV), chosen to honor Kyle Busch’s car number, 8.
Is it a new recipe?
It uses Rebel’s traditional wheated mash bill but is a single barrel expression aged for four years, meaning each bottle may have slight nuances unique to that specific barrel.
About Source86
Source86 is your premier source for spirits news and limited-edition releases. We track the celebrity collaborations, new bourbon drops, and industry trends that define the liquor shelf.
Whether you are a bourbon hunter or a NASCAR fan, Source86 keeps you informed. Contact us today to learn more.
