Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon Review

By Randall H. Borkus

Rating: B

Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon
(Credit: Randal Borkus)

George Remus Bourbon brand, named after the legendary “King of the Bootleggers,” is crafted by MGP Ingredients in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, in its 170-year-old distillery. This particular expression debuted in 2017, and was as the first of two products released under the Remus label after MGP acquired it so as to have their own whiskey line.

“Remus Repeal Reserve is our most complex release to-date, and you can taste it in the glass,” stated Andrew Mansinne, Vice President of Brands for MGP Ingredients.

Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon is a blend of three different MGP bourbons from two different distillation years.  85% of this whiskey is made up of a 21% rye mashbill bourbon, 50% of that from 2005 bourbon and 35% from a 2006 bourbon, leaving the remaining 15% from a 2006 Extra-High 36% rye bourbon.  The mashbill specifics are 75% Corn, 21% Rye, and 4% Malted Barley for the first two and 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley. There’s no age statement but we know it’s technically 10-11 years old, bottled  94 proof.

The Bourbon
The whiskey is a dark copper color, with nice oily legs clinging to my glass. The nose is full of caramel, and smells leathery with hints of tobacco and char.

The mouthfeel is warm and flavorful boasting caramel, buttery sweet corn, toffee, baking spices with a bite of burnt honey and rich candied fruit. My palate picks up cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, dark fruit, well-done buttery cornbread and a light honey glaze. The finish medium to long, warm and spicy with oak spice, buttery sweet toffee and a hint of canned cherries.

Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon is well-balanced, middlingly complex bourbon that shows the potential of MGP and what they can do when they make their own barrel picks. The aroma is nice and easy to drink if you like sweet cornbread and high-rye cinnamon spice on the back of your palate. I have always enjoyed high rye whiskey and this Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon will not disappoint you. This is unquestionably a good option after a long day either at the office or working out in winter weather.

The Price
This bourbon retails for $59.00 – $74.99 per 750-ml bottle in Chicago.