The Story Behind the Bottle
The Remus Repeal Reserve series began in 2015 when then-Master Distiller Greg Metze launched “Metze’s Select Medley” at MGP’s Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery. After Metze’s departure in 2016, the series evolved into the annual Remus Repeal Reserve we know today—each release crafted to honor the repeal of Prohibition on December 5, 1933, and the larger-than-life bootlegger George Remus, “King of the Bootleggers.”
Now under the stewardship of Master Distiller Ian Stirsman at the renamed Ross & Squibb Distillery (formerly MGP), Series IX represents the ninth annual installment. For this edition, Stirsman and his team blind-tasted candidate barrels at multiple proofs before landing on 104 proof—the highest in the series’ history—believing it best showcased the unique barrel selection.
What makes Series IX particularly noteworthy is the transparency of its blend composition. Rather than hiding behind vague “blend of aged bourbons” language, Ross & Squibb published the exact recipe:
- 44% – 10-year-old bourbon, 21% rye mashbill (75/21/4 corn/rye/malt)
- 23% – 10-year-old bourbon, 36% rye mashbill (60/36/4 corn/rye/malt)
- 26% – 11-year-old bourbon, 36% rye mashbill (60/36/4 corn/rye/malt)
- 7% – 18-year-old bourbon, 21% rye mashbill (75/21/4 corn/rye/malt)
This yields a weighted average age of roughly 10.8 years and an average rye content of 28.35%—a high-rye bourbon by any measure, anchored by a whisper of 18-year-old oak. The 7% contribution of 18-year-old whiskey is the ghost in the machine: too small to dominate, but enough to lend seasoned oak depth and leather that younger stocks simply cannot provide.
This happened to be on Hokus Pokus’ Whiskey Wednesday tasting menu this week; after I tried it I asked them if they had another bottle. They did and I bought it on the strength of a half ounce pour. What I learned in that I will be on the lookout for future releases of Remus Repeal Reserve. I have to admit that given the plethora of bourbons that were released last fall it isn’t surprising that I missed this one. I also have to admit I like the art deco inspired bottling and labeling (as can be seen on the banner of this blog that I refreshed last summer.) Better late than never as far as adding this bottle to my bar.
In the Glass
Color: Medium amber—lighter than I’d expect from a blend carrying 18-year-old bourbon. I attribute this to gentle aging in a cooler corner of the Ross & Squibb warehouses, where lower temperatures slow extraction and preserve a brighter hue despite the age statement.
On the Swirl: A big, thick, oily film clings to the glass with substantial, slow-moving legs. This is an unmistakably rich, viscous bourbon—exactly what you hope for at 104 proof without chill filtration.
The Nose
Very traditional bourbon profile, beautifully balanced. Vanilla and caramel lead the charge, neither dominating the other. Behind them, a bouquet of floral notes—think orange blossom and honeysuckle—intertwines with herbal undertones (dried mint, a whisper of eucalyptus) and bright citrus zest (lemon peel, orange oil). There’s no harsh ethanol sting despite the proof; the integration is excellent from the first pour.
The Palate
The palate delivers on the nose’s promise—an old-school bourbon experience through and through. Vanilla and caramel remain the backbone, joined by a warm constellation of baking spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Citrus zest reappears (lemon, orange), cutting through the sweetness with precision. Candied cherries emerge mid-palate, sweet and syrupy, followed by a distinct black tea tannin note that adds sophistication. Black pepper provides a gentle prickle on the tongue, and dark chocolate appears on the back end—bittersweet, cocoa-rich, but never crossing into acrid or overly bitter territory. The mouthfeel is lush and coating, that oily richness from the swirl translating directly to weight on the tongue. Trying this a couple of more times there is a little bit of yeast funk that has developed but that fades with some swirls of the glass.
The Finish
Drying oak arrives first, assertive but not astringent—the signature of that 18-year-old component making its presence known. As the oak settles, candied cherries and cardamom rise to dominate the fade, an unexpected but delightful pairing: sweet-tart fruit alongside the citrusy, almost eucalyptus-like spice of cardamom. The finish is long, evolving minute by minute, with the oak and spice lingering longest. A touch of leather and tobacco smoke appears in the final moments, a quiet nod to the whiskey’s maturity.
Final Verdict
Remus Repeal Reserve Series IX is a masterclass in blending restraint. At a time when many limited releases chase ever-higher ages, ever-higher proofs, or ever-more-exotic finishes, Ross & Squibb delivered a bourbon that simply works—every component earning its place in the blend. The 7% of 18-year-old whiskey doesn’t shout; it whispers structure and seasoning. The high-rye barrels don’t overwhelm; they provide spine and spice. The result is a bourbon that feels both classic and considered, traditional yet precise. This bourbon is not a particular crowd pleaser, but for a connoisseur, this is a very interesting bourbon at the price point.
For the bourbon drinker who values balance over bombast, oak over sugar, and transparency over marketing, Series IX is an easy recommendation at its $100 price point. It drinks like a whiskey that knows exactly what it is: a tribute to Prohibition’s end, crafted by distillers who understand that the best blends are made for toasts, not the shelf.