Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series 1 Straight Bourbon Review

 

There’s a science in distilling. Some things are tinkered with, but mostly, it is deliberately mapping out mashbills, working with yeasts, tried and true fermentation periods, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

 

Some curious distillers wonder what would happen if they took an unusual mashbill, yeast, or wood and let nature take its course. Most will do minimal runs because if it turns out awful, there’s not a colossal waste of resources.

 

In 2015, Ross & Squibb’s Master Distiller Ian Stirsman did an experimental barrel. It rested for nine years, and Ian believed this was worth sharing. He called it Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series 1, an (obviously) limited-edition Bourbon available only in AZ, CA, CT, KS, MA, MD, MO, NY, OH, TX, UT, WA, and WI. Remus Bourbon is Ross & Squibb’s premium Bourbon brand.

 

“The Experimental Series is our new creative playground, where distilling heritage meets bold innovation. Our goal is to make our chapter in the long legacy of Remus Bourbon one that’s worth reading. I look forward to bringing something new to bourbon drinkers year after year.” – Ian Stirsman

 

The Bourbon aged nine years in lightly charred, heavily toasted Seguin Moreau barrels with staves seasoned for 24 months. If you’re like me and are unfamiliar with Seguin Moreau, it is a 200-year-old French cooperage that, in 1994, opened a facility in Napa, California. Its oak barrels are used for Cognac, Bordeaux, and Bourgogne production.

 

Packaged at 53.5% ABV (107°), a 750mL carries a $79.99 price.

 

Before I #DrinkCurious and tell you if this is worth grabbing, I must thank Remus Bourbon for providing me with a sample in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review.

 

Appearance: I poured this Bourbon into my Glencairn glass to sip neat. It possessed a deep, orange color. The liquid formed a massive rim with gluey droplets and slow, tightly spaced tears.

 

Nose: A fruity aroma filled the room as I allowed it to breathe. When I brought it beneath my nostrils and inhaled, I found caramel, brown sugar, dried figs, plums, raisins, and cedar. I drew that air into my mouth and encountered rich vanilla and figs.

 

Palate: My first sip revealed a thin, viscous texture. A rush of flavors came and went so quickly that I couldn’t begin to nail anything down, and it warmed my mouth and throat. My subsequent attempt made things easier. The front of my palate found burnt marshmallows, plums, and black currants. Figs, dried cherries, and candied pecans were next in line. I tasted charred oak, dark chocolate, and leather on the back.  

 

Finish: The warmth carried from the start to the very end. It was a level temperature, and all the while, figs, dried cherries, black currants, candied pecans, and smoky oak remained. The duration was 2:29; I’d consider that quite long.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Most limited releases from George Remus are pricy. I’m not suggesting that $80.00 isn’t, but comparatively speaking, this nine-year, 107° Bourbon is attractive; that’s before considering how it even tastes.

 

While it drank several points above its stated proof, the warmth melded with the sweet notes almost perfectly, making it a fascinating sipper. If not but for that heat, it might have been regulated to a dessert whiskey.

 

I can easily understand why Ian found Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series 1 mesmerizing. It was a blissful experience, and I’m thrilled to have it in my whiskey library. It earns every bit of my Bottle rating. Cheers!

 

 

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you to do so responsibly.