I’d like to thank the folks at MGP and Gregory + Vine for providing this review sample to me with no strings attached.
Way back in 2017, I took an in-depth look at the namesake of the brand, George Remus, in honor of the initial release of Series I of Remus Repeal Reserve, produced by MGP in Indiana. I just reread it and it’s pretty good, if I do say so myself. In fact, I think I did such a good job that I’m not going to go over the whole thing again. (I even did some research in the archives of the New York Times.) If you don’t have any inclination to go read that first year’s post, here is the gist. They named this whiskey after George Remus: a pharmacist, a bootlegger, lawyer and a murderer.
Like the previous two editions, Series III uses two of MGP’s bourbon mashbills: one is listed as “36% Rye” and the MGP Bourbon Product Guide says this one is made up of 60% Corn, 36% Rye and 4% Barley Malt, and the second is listed as “21% Rye” and is composed of 75% Corn, 21% Rye and 4% Barley Malt. 2019’s Series III is made of 12% 12-year-old “21% Rye”, 10% 11-year-old “36% Rye”, and 78% 11- year-old “21% Rye.” Series III is older than last year’s release (11 years old in 2019 vs 10 years old in 2018) and has the lowest percentage of the higher rye bourbon in the blend than any other year so far (10% in 2019 vs 35% in 2018 and 15% in 2017). Like last year’s edition 2019’s Series III is bottled at 100° proof.
Remus Repeal Reserve Series III
Purchase Info: This review sample was graciously provided to me for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $84.99 for a 750 mL bottle.
Details: Releases November 13, 2019. 50% ABV. 12% 12 year-old Bourbon (21% rye recipe), 10% 11-year-old Bourbon (36% rye recipe), 78% 11-year-old Bourbon (21% rye recipe)
Nose: Vanilla sugar, almond, cherry, dried oak.
Mouth: Sweet and oaky. Maple, oak, vanilla, cinnamon and a hint of campfire smoke.
Finish: Long and warm. Lingering cherry, cinnamon, oak tannins and hints of smoke.
Thoughts: Once again, this is really good. I have yet to be disappointed with a bottle of Remus Repeal Reserve and usually end up picking up a bottle of my own each year. And once this releases in November, I hope to again.
It reminds me of the old 12- year-old Elijah Craig. Not quite as dry as that, but that level of oak. This is one to sip, savor, and share with good friends. I hope to get my hands on one as soon as it comes out.
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