“Cask-strength Remus is a treat … this superb bourbon is the result of impeccably honed technical capabilities from one of the largest and oldest distilleries in the country.”
— K&L Spirits Buyer Andrew Whiteley on the Remus Cask #222

George Remus “K&L Exclusive” Barrel #222 Single Barrel Barrel Proof Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($59.99)

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: October 05, 2022

Cask-strength Remus is a treat, but it can vary enormously from barrel to barrel, in part because it doesn’t have a consistent mashbill for the single-barrel program. This unusual cask features 51% corn and 49% rye—10% of which is malted. Made at MGP (now known as Ross & Squibb when selling their own distillate under the Remus and Rossville Union brands), this superb bourbon is the result of impeccably honed technical capabilities from one of the largest and oldest distilleries in the country. Arguably, no distillery has done more for the bourbon boom of the last two decades than MGP. Let’s taste. Liquid amber in color. The nose is a combination of sweet butterscotch and freshly cracked pepper. Sweetgrass, with its signature vanilla and herbal scented leaves, is prominent. A dusting of cocoa powder and baked apples is also present in the bright and lively aroma. The palate has tremendous kick to it. At 57.1% ABV, it’s not really a surprise, but damn is it spicy at first. It reminds me a little bit of some extra spicy Russell’s rye barrels. As you continue to taste, that spice first moves from herbal tones into more savory sawdust and then finally into the sweeter barrel components—vanilla, more butterscotch, caramel, and the like. The finish is medium length when it comes to flavor, but the texture of the whisky sticks around for a long time, leaving your mouth primed for whatever comes next. With the addition of a splash or two of water, the spice profile really takes a back seat, and much more fruit comes out. A little red fruit, mixed in with a lot more sweet, baked apples and brioche, comes forward on the nose. The softened palate feels gentle and welcoming compared to the up-front intensity at full proof. It’s an enticing pour for cocktail applications, because it sweetens up so much with just a little dilution but doesn’t entirely lose that beautiful rye backbone. The creative bartender will find that this can pop in many different ways based on how you use it.

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