A little background

Created by Ross & Squibb Distillery master distiller Ian Stirsman and his team of master distillers and master blenders, Remus Reserve Batch VI Straight Bourbon Whiskey is comprised of five bourbons, aged between 8-14 years. The George Remus Bourbon brand is owned by MGP Ingredients out of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, which is now part of the Luxco brand family.

George Remus is an historical icon that created one of the most intricate, successful bootlegging operations of Prohibition. With the repeal of prohibition by the passage of the 21st Amendment this Repeal Series is a commemoration to a monumental moment in America’s history.

2% 2008 Bourbon: 75% Corn / 21% Rye / 4% Malted Barley
27% 2012 Bourbon: 75% Corn / 21% Rye / 4% Malted Barley
29% 2014 Bourbon: 75% Corn / 21% Rye / 4% Malted Barley
17% 2012 Bourbon: 60% Corn / 36% Rye / 4% Malted Barley
25% 2014 Bourbon: 60% Corn / 36% Rye / 4% Malted Barley

Location: Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Proof: 100 / 50% ABV
Retail Price: $79.99

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Marigold

Nose

Subtle vanilla, oak, sweet corn, with fresh baked bread and baking spices

Palate

Oily viscosity with toffee, oak, hints of vanilla and a Werther’s caramel candy

Finish

Well balanced with rye spice, clove, char, and oak

In closing

At first glance the whiskey is marigold in color which makes sense given the younger blend of whiskies in this years blend. The nose is light and airy with notes of freshly baked bread and some hints of baking spices that remind me of an old mom and pop bakery back home. The palate is creamy and oily with toffee toffee, oak, and just a hint of vanilla coating your mouth like maple syrup. Mid to back palate the toffee and vanilla begin to meld together for a Werther’s caramel candy leading into the finish. The finish is not overly complex and remains well balanced between rye spice, clove, char, and oak. The clove and oak combine to dry out the palate a bit inviting you in for another sip just as that beautiful caramel note comes back.

Overall I think this blend is well done and a solid buy for the price of $79.99 however the blend does not showcase some of the more complex and potent flavors I have become accustomed to with older MGP Bourbon.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Luxco. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.