Must Try

Remus Repeal Reserve Series X
Straight Bourbon Whiskey

53.5% ABV
$80
Website

We would like to thank Luxco and The Brand Guild for sending us a sample to review.

What the Distillery Says

For the last decade, the Remus Repeal Reserve Series has honored the repeal of Prohibition with an evolving annual blend inspired by the legendary “King of the Bootleggers,” George Remus. Series X is bottled at 107 proof and features a blend of three mash bills, the historic LBSV, LESV and the rarely seen LISV recipe — for the first time. A complex medley of multiple batches aged between 2008 and 2017, Series X is expertly blended by Master Distiller Ian Stirsman.

The nose offers French oak layered with vanilla, tobacco, and dark chocolate; the palate unfolds with almond croissant and vanilla alongside balanced oak and a subtle pistachio richness; and the finish is smooth and indulgent, carrying English toffee and candied almond.

“Series X captures everything the Repeal Reserve collection has stood for over the last ten years, pushing the boundaries of what a blended bourbon can be while honoring the history behind it,” said Ian Stirsman, Master Distiller at Ross & Squibb Distillery.

What Gary Says

Nose: French oak, cocoa, vanilla, tobacco, caramel and a hint of leather.
Palate: Rich mouthfeel with caramel sauce, almond cookie, vanilla, cinnamon, dried fruit, dark chocolate, oak with a hint of mint.
Finish: Moderately long, slightly drying with oak, caramel and bitter dark chocolate.
Comments: Lovely. I like the higher ABV, and this is well balanced with sweet, some savory and oak. I happened to have some Remus Repeal Reserve Series IX so did a side-by-side comparison, and this is slightly less sweet with a bit more oak. Based on the components, this has a slightly higher combined rye mashbill, as well as a bit more age. With a few drops of water, I got a bit of cherry on the nose, and the oak on the palate is tamped a bit while bringing more toffee forward. Overall, I preferred Series IX but this is still a really good bourbon.

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

Baker’s 13 Year Old Single Barrel (2026 Release)
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

53.5% ABV
$150
Website

We would like to thank Beam Suntory and SAVONA COMMUNICATIONS for sending us a sample to review.

What the Distillery Says:

Unapologetically unique, this thirteen-year expression honors the Baker family’s long history of whiskey making and celebrates what makes us different. Bottled at 107 proof and distilled for a minimum of thirteen years, this limited expression offers a distinctive rich and decadent flavor, owing to its longer aging period. Each release is made different, every bottle born from a single barrel, distinct and individual. A true original.

This extra-aged expression explores how time and location in the warehouse drives distinction from barrel to barrel. While the notes of every barrel of Baker’s offer a unique tasting journey, you can expect a few defining characteristics:

TASTING NOTES
Aroma: Fruit, vanilla and caramel.
Taste: Medium bodied with flavors of oak, toasted nuts, with vanilla and fruity notes.
Finish: Robust, medium long, and warmly rounded.

What Gary Says

Nose: Rich caramel, toffee, oak, vanilla, Beam peanut note, black cherry, a hint of leather and pipe tobacco.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, caramel, oak, cinnamon, clove, brown sugar, vanilla, dark chocolate turtle brownie and mint.
Finish: Long and drying with oak, caramel, cinnamon & pepper.
Comments: I have always a fan of Baker’s. I feel in love with it back when it was 7 years age stated and 107 proof (which is just a great proof). I won’t lie — this has some oak on it for 13 yrs old, and a bit hot with cinnamon hot-candy vibes. Good news is that it takes water well, bringing out some clove on the nose and thickening the palate nicely while bringing out some chocolate orange and honey notes.

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

Maker’s Mark No. 46 French Oaked Cask Strength 2023
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
Barrel Finished with Ten Virgin French Oak Staves

55.15% ABV
$65
Website

What the Distillery Says

This rare expression is uncut, bottled at cask strength to deliver layers of caramel, almond, fig and chocolate that reach the palate in waves. Not your typical barrel proof, it offers standout flavor and smoothness – the result of a singular, French-oak finishing.

My distillery team swore up and down I had to try Maker’s 46 at cask strength. It took some convincing—because 94 proof is my sweet spot for 46. It’s where that French oak finishing comes through with layers of caramel, vanilla and baking spice. But the intensified experience delivered at barrel proof opened up deeper and darker notes of chocolate and almond with a more complex finish. Well, they convinced me. And I think you will be convinced, too. This is a different kind of cask strength and a different side of 46.
BILL SAMUELS JR.
SON OF THE FOUNDERS, BILL & MARGIE

What Gary Says

Nose: Rich, chocolate turtle brownie, oak, vanilla, walnuts, cinnamon with a hint of graham cracker.
Palate: Thick mouthfeel, caramel, charred oak, cinnamon, cocoa, vanilla and cherry cola.
Finish: Moderate in length, drying with oak, cinnamon and pepper over brown sugar.
Comments: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is often a no brainer pickup for me. I know, it isn’t age stated (or even pretending to be that old), but it’s tasty as hell. This follows that tradition and doesn’t disappoint. Wish this wasn’t just an annual release. A bit of water tamps the cinnamon and thickens the mouthfeel further, bringing out more chocolate notes. Just a really solid bourbon.

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try