assion, commitment, and honor were all infused into the “rebel yell” making it one of the most endearing legends in our country’s history. The “rebel yell” instilled fear in the hearts of many a Federal soldier. Some accounts say it was more intimidating than the sound of gun fire and cannons pounding in the distance.

The practice of a yell, or war cry, certainly predates the Civil War. Civilizations since the beginning of time have contrived similar tactics to intimidate their opponents and make their ranks seem larger than life. Sounds like this are so effective they even work to defend against attacking animals.

Confederate soldiers would scream the war cry as they engaged in battle, or whoop and holler in joyous victory. Other times it was used as a chant along the trail to boost moral and unify the ranks. Troops would hear it lofting in the breeze as other militiamen marched across the fields in the distance. One account states General “Stonewall” Jackson came out of his tent, leaned on a fence and said “that’s the most beautiful sound in the world”.

Creativity, enthusiasm and adrenaline encouraged a myriad of variations of the “rebel yell”. A 1952 Time magazine article claimed it sounded like “Eee-Yow!” Historian James Street claimed “Rrrrrr-yahhhhhhhh-yip-yip-yip-yip-yip” was the correct pronunciation. Throughout history other less notable sources described it as “Yuhhhhh-woooooooo-eeeeeee-UH!”, “Yeeeeeeeeeee-ahhhhhhhhhhh!”, or “Eeeeeeee-YUH-haaeeeeooooooo!” It would be our guess to say they are all probably correct. Hollywood has also had its influence. Movies depicting the Civil War include stylized versions of the “rebel yell” in their scripts.

Yelling was not foreign to rural southern life. Some believe the rebel yell easily evolved from life on the farm. Yelling for young’uns to come for supper, to attract livestock to feed, or bellowing over the riotous chorus of a mess of hunting dogs was commonplace. For the most part these were not quiet, reserved folks, but enthusiastic and emotional characters.

Today Rebel Yell Bourbon represents the same passion, commitment, and honor to its heritage that our forefathers exhibited with their rebel yells.

Maybe you to can use a little “yell” to your advantage. Next time while out on the town, partake in some Rebel Yell Bourbon and belt out your “rebel yell” in victorious celebration. Who knows, it might inspire a night suited to creating your own legend.