BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Ross & Squibb Distillery
• MASH BILL: A blend of two high rye bourbon recipes (26% and 31% Rye) from multiple years:
  • 6% 2007 Bourbon (21% Rye)
  • 26% 2013 Bourbon (21% Rye)
  • 26% 2013 Bourbon (36% Rye)
  • 21% 2014 Bourbon (21% Rye)
  • 21% 2014 Bourbon (36% Rye)
• AGE: Non-age stated but a blend of bourbons ranging from 9-16 years
• YEAR: 2023
• PROOF: 100 (50% ABV)
• MSRP: $100

DREW’S NOTES

SHARE WITH: That MGP lover in your life. There’s still a lot of bourbon (and even more rye) on the shelves that can trace its origins back to Lawrenceburg, Indiana, but much of it today is comparatively young (and also often mixed with something from Tennessee). Repeal Reserve is an opportunity to revisit those bygone flavor profiles that have been blended to present the very best that MGP, err Ross & Squibb, has to offer.

WORTH THE PRICE: Remus Repeal Reserve is consistently one of the best values for a super premium bourbon. The MSRP crept $15 north last year and holds steady this year at a C-note, which is probably about what you’ll expect to pay at your average, respectable retailer. That’s still a lot of money, but it’s a bargain compared to most other special releases this time of year.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle. While it’s not quite as dynamic as previous Remus Repeal Reserve releases, Series VII still checks all the boxes for a well-aged, easy drinking, and full-flavored bourbon.

OVERALL: Full disclosure, I’m a fan of Remus Repeal Reserve. I think they’re the best thing coming out of Ross & Squibb today. The last two releases were some of the better bourbons in their price point, outshining plenty of other limited editions at twice the cost. While the price has gone up a hair, and I’ve noticed plenty of store owners starting to gouge a bit, they remain comparatively well-priced for the quality. So how does this latest Repeal Reserve stack up?

The aroma is not immediately as big or complex as Series V or VI, requiring some time to suss out the nuance and depth. It doesn’t take long though before notes of dark caramel, black cherry, and pecan pie rise out of the glass, offering up a rich, classic bourbon bouquet. The palate is impressively round, perfectly balanced, and warming with an even peppery heat. Early notes of brown butter and caramel icing are enticing but not too decadent, giving way to brighter notes of Hot Tamales and cocktail cherry before fading into a mildly syrupy finish of Tootsie Roll, orange peel, and seasoned oak.

Uncomplicated was the one word that kept coming to mind as I tasted Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII. That’s not to say boring or simple. This is a big, flavorful bourbon. But it takes almost no effort to understand and really enjoy. Another excellent addition to the series and proof that the folks at Ross & Squibb have earned their place in the pantheon of coveted fall bourbon releases.

BRAND NOTES

Series VII leads with aromas of caramelized pecans, candied cherry and maple syrup. The taste begins with rich caramel, maple and candied raisin, leading to a candied cherry, barrel char and rich cinnamon body. The finish delivers intense cinnamon and peppermint spice, with lingering notes of vanilla, caramel and oak.

Click here for a video of Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman discussing this year’s release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.