Low Down
In 1791, Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton proposed an excise tax on domestically produced distilled spirits. The tax was a part of Hamilton’s plan to centralize government and reduce the country’s increasing war debt. Farmers living west of the Appalachian Mountains in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, North and South Carolina, and Virginia were veterans and they distilled their excess grain and corn into whiskey and used it as a medium of exchange. For them (like in DC today where Rebellion was founded), the tax not only seemed too similar to the American Revolution, [taxation without (local) representation], but it was also a personal affront on their ability to make a living. They thought that Hamilton designed the tax, the equivalent to an income tax, to keep them poor and benefit the larger, wealthier distillers who lived east of the Appalachians and didn’t have to pay the tax. As tax officials set out to collect the tax in these areas, the farmers began to voice their defiance of the law and rioted. They rebelled. This Rebellion, which lasted until 1794, is widely regarded as one of the reasons for the birth of American Bourbon in this region.
Welcome to Rebellion…
Inspired by the Whiskey Rebellion of 1792 - 1794, Rebellion was established in Washington, DC in 2014 by two friends and United States Military Veterans who wanted to combine American history with two components of American culture – food and beverage. Since 2014, Rebellion has expanded locations, its team and whiskey selections, but what has not changed is its love for bringing people together for new and shared experiences over food and beverage.
While we love our bourbon whiskey, our name only tells half the story. Rebellion is unlike any other establishment in Historic Downtown Wilmington. We believe in giving you an upscale dining experience without the price. Our goal is to be your ideal lunch, brunch, happy hour, and everyday public house. We have bar, dining room and open air patio seating. Rebellion’s décor is warm, inviting, and comfortable and we embody all of the characteristics of the classic American Tavern, but with a modern, new-age feel.
We know that one of the secrets to success for any establishment lies in the food; it has to make you want to come back for more. Rebellion’s menu offers classic American comfort food with a Southern twist, but we won’t stop there. Every few months we’re going to change the menu to keep things fresh, but don’t worry we’ll keep your favorites.
Our expansive list of bourbon and whiskey has earned multiple Rebellion locations recognition as one of America’s Best Bourbon Bars by The Bourbon Review. We have over 330 selections sitting on our back bar today!
Not in the mood for whiskey, try a cocktail from our signature drink list or try one of our homemade barrel-aged cocktails. We also offer an excellent selection of wine, hand selected by our personal wine consultant. Wilmington is a beer town! So if beer is more your speed, we have the best craft selection in the neighborhood, with over 30 draft lines!
We’re not just any new tavern. We believe in family and want to be a part of yours. So come on, what are you waiting for? Come Join the Rebellion.