Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon is a blend of three different MGP bourbons from two different distillation years. The 21% rye mashbill makes up 85% of this whiskey with 2005 making up 50% of the whiskey and 2006 making up 35%, leaving their super-high 36% rye bourbon to fill in the last 15% (also distilled in 2006).
In G. Remus Distilling’s Words: Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon
“Crafted to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition on December 5, 1933, Remus Repeal Reserve is a limited release crafted with a medley of bourbons from 2005 and 2006.
2017 This limited edition bourbon features a buttery toffee and honeyed smoothness that leads to a bold spiciness, finishing with notes of raisin, fig and toffee. In short, Remus Repeal Reserve is the best we make. Or as George Remus himself might have said, “some damn fine giggle water.” Enjoy!”
Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon is the first of two products released under the Remus label which MGP acquired as a way to release their own whiskey. 100% distilled by the legendary Greg Metze this is indeed “some damn fine giggle water” and so long as they didn’t steel tank any of this it’s at least a 10-year-old bourbon. Maybe an 11 depending on when the individual barrels were distilled and dumped.
Backstory done, let’s get on with the Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon review!
Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon Info
Region: Indiana, USA
Distiller: G. Remus Distilling (MGP)
Blend: 50% – 2005 21% Rye + 15% – 2006 36% Rye + 35% – 2006 21% Rye
Mashbills: 75% Corn, Rye: 21%, Malted Barley | 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: NAS (10-11 years if no steel tanks were used)
ABV: 47%
Batch: 1 (2017)
Price: $45*
Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon Review
EYE
Copper
NOSE
Caramel, toasted corn, oak, cinnamon heavy baking spice and a light bit of floral honey and dark fruit.
PALATE
Oak, vanilla, nutmeg-heavy baking spice, caramel, dark fruit, biscuits, cornbread and a light bit of honey and peanut oil.
FINISH
Long fade of spice, oak and toffee.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Good senses of balance, medium body and a warm spicy feel.
OVERALL
Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon is good bourbon that shows the potential of MGP and what they can do when they pick barrels for themselves. The aroma is rather basic but nice with a crisp clean delivery; the stars of the show here though are the palate and finish. The palate carries more oak and spice and the finish carries that wonderful combo on and on and on.
I’m a fan of high rye whiskey and the Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon definitely fits that bill with a nice strong oaky delivery. The best thing about this whiskey is how the spice evolves and grows as you let it sit and breathe. The sweetness was powerful at first, but after about 20 minutes the spice took over and expanded in complexity and I found myself wanting another sip and then another and then another…
This is definitely a whiskey I’ll be reaching for after work. It’s a well-crafted whiskey, MGP has always made good stuff, and for my palate it hits everything I want in a good quality daily drinker. Oak, spice and a bit of sweetness; Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon has it all. A bit more complexity and it would be taking up residence in my “must have” shelf.
SCORE: 87/100 (B+)
*Disclosure: This Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbonwas graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
