Stands Out

Blue Note Crossroads
Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Toasted French Oak

50% ABV
$45
Website

We would like to thank B.R. Distilling Co and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

Finished with two types of toasted French oak staves, Crossroads sips like a lower proof bourbon but sits at a respectable 100 proof. Try it for yourself to see what’s so special about this offering.

Technical Details
Product Type: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Finish: Toasted French Oak
Proof & Filtration: 100 proof, unfiltered
Availability: Nationwide, Crafted in Memphis

What Gary Says

Nose:  Rich, light caramel, wood spices, French oak, raw honey, vanilla and dark fruits.
Palate:  Creamy mouthfeel, vanilla, caramel, honey, toasted marshmallow, dark fruit notes of raisins and a bit of cinnamon.
Finish:  Moderate in length, drying with oak, spice and honey.
Comments:  This is a really interesting pour! The dark fruit notes give it almost a sherried finish flavor. The mouthfeel from the lack of filtration is nice, and the higher proof also helps this one stand out. Have tried French oak finished bourbons before, but the toasting of the staves adds something different.

Rating: Stands Out

Remus Babe Ruth Reserve
Straight Bourbon Whiskey

55.5% ABV
$150
Website

We would like to thank Luxco and BYRNE PR for sending us samples to review.

What the Producer Says

ST. LOUIS (June 25, 2024) – The Bambino meets the Bootlegger. Remus Bourbon is proud to announce an official partnership with the estate of Babe Ruth that has culminated in the release of Remus Babe Ruth Reserve – a blend of three high-rye bourbons aged for six-to-seven years and offered at 111 proof (55.5% ABV). A limited supply of 10,624 bottles, one for each of the Babe’s plate appearances, will arrive at retail this July at a minimum suggested price of $149.99 per 750mL bottle. A QR code on the back label allows consumers to scan and find out what Ruth did in their bottle’s plate appearance.

“Remus Babe Ruth Reserve is a special collector’s release inspired by one of the most iconic figures in American history, the immortal Babe Ruth,” said Ross & Squibb Distillery Brand Manager Allison O’Brien. “Remus is inspired by the finest bourbon of the 1920’s, and partnering with the finest baseball player of the 1920’s gives bourbon and baseball fans a unique and memorable way to celebrate America’s pastime.”

To honor Babe’s famous #3, Remus Babe Ruth Reserve features a medley of three high-rye bourbon mash bills, which include specially selected barrels from 2016, 2017, and 2018, consisting of 49% rye, 44% rye and 36% rye bourbons, respectively. The result showcases the expertise of the Ross & Squibb Distillery in distilling and blending rye bourbons. Consumers can expect brown sugar and fig on the nose; some subtle mint, brown sugar, light fennel and candied pecans on the palate; and a warm rye spice with cinnamon on the finish.

Remus Babe Ruth Reserve is packaged in an ornate rectangular art deco-inspired glass bottle featuring an embossed baseball-diamond pattern and wooden-cork closure resembling the knob of a baseball bat. The front and back labels incorporate Ruth’s signature and elements of a baseball diamond.

Remus Bourbon is sending four lucky sweepstakes winners to Arlington, Texas, for the 2024 All-Star Game. Consumers also can be part of the excitement and celebration of the new release by participating in nearby launch parties the week of the big game. To learn more about Remus Babe Ruth Reserve and the rest of the Remus portfolio, visit RemusBourbon.com.

What Gary Says

Nose: Caramel, toffee, dried fig, oak, cinnamon and a hint of baked apples.
Palate: Vanilla, caramel crème, cinnamon, nutmeg, chocolate, hint of mint and brown sugar.
Finish: Moderate in length with cinnamon, subtle oak and caramel.
Comments: The design is a home run, with the baseball bat-inspired cork and diamond-themed accents creating a truly unique package and aesthetic. It’s a substantial bottle, certainly suitable to be used as a decanter when the original spirit has been shared and enjoyed. The attention to detail is commendable, from the QR code offering insights into Babe Ruth’s plate appearances to the individual bottling numbers. For anyone interested – my bottle number was 6,486 (which when you go to the site and enter that, gives you the date, number of plate appearances, what the Babe did and home it was against) was a Babe Ruth home run! Which 2,537 of the bottles represent it says. While the bourbon itself is pleasant (particularly at this proof level – wish this is where they released more things at!) the overall package positions this as a premium product likely to appeal most to dedicated baseball enthusiasts or collectors seeking a distinctive addition to their collection.

Rating: Stands Out