Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII Straight Bourbon Whiskey

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII
Straight Bourbon Whiskey

50% ABV
$100
Website
Remus Repeal Reserve VII 2023 Straight Bourbon Whiskey
We would like to thank Luxco and BYRNE PR for sending us samples to review.

What the Distillery Says

Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman announced the upcoming release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII Straight Bourbon Whiskey in September 2023. The limited-edition bourbon is the seventh-annual offering of the distillery’s award-winning Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon collection. Bottled at 100 proof/50% ABV, Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII retails for a suggested $99.99 per 750-ml bottle and will be available in limited quantities starting in September 2023 in honor of National Bourbon Heritage Month.

Created by Stirsman and the distillery’s team of master distillers and master blenders, Series VII is comprised of barrels aged between 9-16 years from its 175-year-old Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distillery. Made in Ross & Squibb’s signature high-rye style, Remus Repeal Reserve features a new medley of bourbons each year, allowing Stirsman and his team to experiment with their various mash bills and aged reserves.

Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII is comprised of:

  • 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)

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.

“We believe we have some of the best whiskey in the world aging here at the Ross & Squibb Distillery. The Remus Repeal Reserve series allows our team the opportunity to showcase these great spirits, as well as showcase our expertise at blending our best barrels to create a special medley each year,” said Stirsman. “As the latest in this award-winning collection, Series VII is certain to be a highly sought-after and much-enjoyed member of the Remus Repeal Reserve family.”

What Gary Says

Nose: Caramel, maple syrup, raw walnuts, vanilla with subtle oak.
Palate: Thick mouthfeel, caramel, chocolate, raw honey, cinnamon, maple candies, cherries, pears and pepper.
Finish: Moderately long with vanilla, mint, pepper and cinnamon.
Comments: The Remus Repeat Reserve Series continues to impress me. This is a rock solid, complex, well balanced and spicy bourbon. In an age when other ‘limited edition’ offerings are going for twice the suggested retail price, I think this is on the same level making it a no-brainer for me. I enjoyed last year’s Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI just a tad less than the Series V, and while I don’t have any of the Series V left to compare it to – I like this more than last years.

Rating: Must Try

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Baker’s 13 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

/ / Bourbon, Review / ,

Baker’s 13 Year Old
Unfiltered Single Barrel
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

53.5% ABV
$130
Website
Bakers 13 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon
We would like to thank Beam Suntory and Multiply for sending us a sample to review.

What the Distillery Says

Baker’s® Bourbon is excited to announce the return of Baker’s® 13 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon, a limited-time offering highlighting the influence that extra-aging, warehouse and barrel storage location, and environment has on each and every unique bourbon barrel.

Originally released in 2019 when the brand reemerged as a single barrel product, Baker’s 13 Year Old is aged at least six additional years than the brand’s classic offering. While the single barrel bourbon showcases distinct nuances between each individual barrel, fans can expect to experience more robust vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak flavors in this special, extra aged expression.

“Baker’s Bourbon celebrates the individual characteristics in each and every barrel, and this 13 Year Old expression takes that experience even further as the distinct flavors from the barrel develop over time,” said Fred Noe, Seventh Generation Master Distiller. “We received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback the first time we released this 13-year-old edition, and I’m proud to bring it back for whiskey fans who appreciate something special from Baker’s as a true gem within our Small Batch portfolio.”

While the notes of every barrel of Baker’s 13 Year Old offer a unique tasting journey, you can expect a few defining characteristics:

● Proof: 107
● Age: Minimum of 13 Years
● Nose: Fruit, vanilla and caramel
● Palate: Medium-bodied with flavors of oak and toasted nuts, with vanilla and fruity notes
● Finish: Robust, medium long, warmly rounded
● Sipping Suggestion: A neat pour or on the rocks to taste the distinct nuances from each barrel’s individual aging experience

Fans can also learn more about what shapes the distinct tasting notes of their bottle by heading to the Single Barrel Journey page on the Baker’s website. After entering the serial number found on the bottle’s neck tag, Baker’s fans can follow along to see how weather, length of aging and warehouse location affected the barrel and liquid of their personal bottle.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Warm, vanilla, toasted crème brûlée, caramel drizzle, oak, hint of peanut brittle with some subtle fruit notes.
Palate:  Cream mouthfeel with caramel, vanilla, mixed nuts (some lightly salted, some cinnamon glazed), oak, bit of apple and raisins along with brown sugar.
Finish:  Moderately long and thick with caramel, oak and spice notes.
Comments: I’ve always been a Baker’s fan, and thought it was one of the most under-rated of the Beam small batch collection. I think part of that is the proof point of 107, which for my money – if you’re not going cask strength – this is a damn fine place to be. This is a really nice bourbon, and fans of Baker’s won’t be disappointed. As a single barrel, there is apt to be some variation but I can’t see the fine folks at Beam selecting barrels for this that would stray too far. The house style of Beam (that peanut/nutty note) comes through, and is balanced really nicely with oak and spice, while not approaching anywhere close to over-oaked. Another really nice addition to the Baker’s saga!

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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Barrell Craft Spirits® Launches Sample Gift Box

/ / Gary's Blog

Barrell Craft Spirits® Launches Sample Gift Box

Just in Time for the Holidays, the Original Independent Blender Offers
100ml samples of its Core Whiskey Expressions and Newest Batched Bourbon

Barrell Craft Spirits Sample Gift Box

Louisville, KY (September 5, 2023) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013, today launched a gift box containing 100ml samples of its core Barrell products – Dovetail, Seagrass, Vantage – and its newest batch release, Barrell Bourbon Batch 035.

  • Barrell Dovetail
    • A blend of whiskeys finished in blackstrap rum, Port, and Dunn Vineyards Cabernet barrels. A uniquely delicious whiskey with a buttery texture and rich, spicy depth.
  • Barrell Seagrass
    • A blend of Canadian and American rye whiskeys finished in Martinique rum, Madeira, and apricot brandy barrels. Ripe, juicy fruit sits at the core of this whiskey, wrapped by layers of leather, grassy herbs, and rye spice.
  • Barrell Vantage
    • A blend of straight bourbons finished in three distinct expressions of virgin oak: Mizunara, French, and toasted American oak casks. The result is a warm, elegant bourbon that highlights the many dimensions of oak.
  • Barrell Bourbon Batch 035
    • A blend of 6, 7, 8, and 13-year-old bourbons. The resulting bourbon is peppery and intriguing on the nose, and sweet and long on the finish.

“Many consumers appreciate the opportunity to sample an ultra-premium whiskey before purchasing a 750ml bottle,” said BCS Founder Joe Beatrice. “Our sample gift box is the perfect way to try before you buy. It also makes an ideal holiday stocking stuffer for adult whiskey enthusiasts.”

Founded in 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky, BCS selects and blends products that explore different distillation methods, barrels, and aging environments, and bottles them at cask strength. BCS’s extensive stocks of high-quality casks mean it can craft extraordinary blends that maximize the nuances of each ingredient. Creative finishes, a liberated approach to blending, and a deep-seated commitment to releasing each whiskey at cask strength guides every product release.

Beginning October 1, the sample gift box is available for purchase online via the BCS website at barrellbourbon.com and in select retail locations across the U.S. for the suggested retail price of $69.99.

The award-winning line of Barrell Craft Spirits releases are currently sold in 49 US states. For more information, follow Barrell Craft Spirits® on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram or visit barrellbourbon.com.

 Barrell Craft Spirits®

Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits® is the original, pre-eminent independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength whiskey and rum. Recognized for our blending expertise since 2013, we skillfully design, produce, and launch leading, unique products that surprise and delight whiskey aficionados and novices alike.

Barrell Craft Spirits®, Barrell®, Barrell Bourbon® and Barrell Rye® are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.

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Four Roses 135th Anniversary Small Batch Limited Edition 2023

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Four Roses 135th Anniversary Small Batch Limited Edition 2023
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

54% ABV
$200
Website
Four Roses 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch 2023
We would like to thank Four Roses and The Brand Guild for sending us a sample to review.

What the Distillery Says

Four Roses Bourbon, the award-winning Kentucky-based bourbon brand, announced it will launch its 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch on September 15, 2023. The release will be the 16th in its series of annual limited-quantity special bottlings, showcasing the brand’s unyielding commitment to craftsmanship and quality bourbon.

Bottled at 108 proof, the 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch features four hand-selected bourbon recipes: A 12-year-old and a 16-year-old OESV recipe, which features notes of delicate fruit and caramel; a 14- year-old OESK recipe, with notes of baking spice; and a 25-year-old OBSV recipe that boasts delicate fruit and rye flavors. A key differentiator for the distillery, Four Roses combines two mash bills with five proprietary yeast strains to create 10 distinct bourbon recipes, allowing for Master Distiller Brent Elliott to not only create consistency across the brand’s core product line, but to innovate and achieve an endless range of flavor profiles.

“This release celebrates 135 years of meticulously crafted, high quality bourbon, and I’m excited to hear what our devoted consumers have to say about it,” said Brent Elliott. “In crafting this blend, I wanted to create an elegant bourbon worthy of the brand’s heritage. Each of the 12-, 14-, and 16-year-old batches possess individual characteristics that complement each other perfectly. Once the ideal balance of these three batches was achieved, I looked at several other batches of various ages and recipes to add an extra layer of nuance to the blend. Ultimately I selected the 25-year-old OBSV, which melds perfectly with the other batches and adds additional complexity and depth.”

The 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch bourbon offers delicate aromas of allspice, vanilla and elegant oak, mingled with a hint of cinnamon and clove. The palate boasts rich layers of honey and rye spice, balanced out by the taste of ripe berries and pear that lead to a long mellow finish. The result is an exceptionally smooth bourbon made for sipping, and sharing with friends and family.

The release comes on the heels of the Four Roses’ recent brand refresh. Fans will see the new packaging details on the limited edition bottle, including the brand’s updated logo and an engraved rose cluster on the cork of the bottle.

Four Roses will distribute approximately 15,060 hand-numbered bottles of 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch at a suggested retail price of $199.99.

Recipes:
12-year-old OESV
14-year-old OESK
16-year-old OESV
25-year-old OBSV

What Gary Says

Nose: Oak, salted caramel, cherries, allspice, vanilla, mint, cinnamon, clove with a hint of worn leather.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel with caramel, oak, honey, berries, bit of pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of dark chocolate.
Finish: Moderately long, slightly syrupy with oak, honey, berries and pepper.
Comments: Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition has always had a special place in my heart, as it was one of the first limited edition bourbons I purchased retail. The 125th anniversary was actually one of the last ones I was able to buy (and I still have that empty bottle, with Jim Rutledge’s signature, on a shelf). I have never tasted a Four Roses Small Batch LE that I didn’t think was pretty damned tasty, and this doesn’t break that streak. A very nice older bourbon, balanced well given its age between the oak and spice. A bit of water brings out some more fruit on the nose (grapes, pears and a subtle citrus vibe) while cutting the pepper back on the palate. While my sweet spot for bourbon is a bit younger than this, the single-story rickhouses that Four Roses uses allows for some older barrels that don’t get over-oaked. Every year what is selected for the Small Batch Limited Edition varies, but they have been consistently high quality, well balanced, nuanced, and delicious.

Rating: Must Try

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Barrell Rye Batch 004

/ / Review, Rye Whiskey /

Barrell Rye Batch 004

57.85% ABV
$90
Website
Barrell Rye Batch 004
We would like to thank Barrell Craft Spirits and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Blender Says

10-year-old Indiana Rye barrels with notes of brown sugar and a touch of smoke had 5 and 6-year-old barrels layered in for fruit and spice character. 14-year-old Canadian barrels were added for their dry herbal notes. The result is fruit-forward rye with layers of depth.

BLEND COMPONENTS:
Indiana: 5, 6, & 10 years old
Tennessee: 5 years old
Kentucky: 6 years old
Canadian: 14 years old

  • A blend of straight Rye Whiskeys
  • Bottled in Kentucky
  • 115.7 proof cask strength bottling

DERIVED MASH BILL:
Rye: 89%
Corn: 7%
Malted Barley: 4%

FLAVOR NOTES
This rye blend highlights rye’s earthier side, featuring notes of tobacco, leather, and mole poblano. Its stewed fruit and wilder savory character recall the syrahs of France’s Rhône valley: blackberry and tapenade on the nose followed by flavors of bresaola and black pepper.

Neat
Appearance: Copper penny with pumpkin highlights.
Nose: Blackberry, dried apricot and Concord grape lead off. The grape introduces woodsy tones of blonde tobacco, birch oil and dandelion root. Rye lends its familiar bouquet garni, lemon verbena, and peppermint aromatics. Meanwhile an unhurried maturation has produced cashew, tahini and nocino.
Palate: The first impression mirrors the nose but here grape soda is joined by a dark amber maple syrup. Burnt marshmallow leads into rich espresso and black licorice. There’s a deep umami presence of leather, black olive, and grilled onion. The oak here is strong and extractive yielding clove, coconut oil, and pine needle.
Finish: A burst of blanche armagnac and rosewater volatiles make way for the piquant heat of mole poblano and black pepper on the tongue. The lingering impression is of juniper, thyme, and wormwood.

With a splash of spring water

What Gary Says

Nose:  Fruity with blackberries, grapes, lemongrass, mint, mandarin orange and a hint of cedar.
Palate:  Thick mouthfeel chockful of fruit notes including grapes, apricots, orange and a hint of lemon, bit of maple syrup and cinnamon.
Finish:  Moderately long, drying with pepper and savory herbs.
Comments:  This is a lovely, savory and herbal rye – ideal in my mind for cocktails. I’m still jealous of the mad skills the folks who do their tasting notes possess, but just as impressed with the blending chops that BCS employs. This is a really nicely balanced whiskey, subtly sweet but more savory with herbal and spice notes. Not typical for a rye, but definitely has that rye-vibe going on, and is a must-try for true rye whiskey fans out there..

Rating: Must Try

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