Remus Repeal Reserve Series III

I’d like to thank the folks at MGP and Gregory + Vine for providing this review sample to me with no strings attached.

Way back in 2017, I took an in-depth look at the namesake of the brand, George Remus, in honor of the initial release of Series I of Remus Repeal Reserve, produced by MGP in Indiana. I just reread it and it’s pretty good, if I do say so myself. In fact, I think I did such a good job that I’m not going to go over the whole thing again. (I even did some research in the archives of the New York Times.) If you don’t have any inclination to go read that first year’s post, here is the gist. They named this whiskey after George Remus: a pharmacist, a bootlegger, lawyer and a murderer.

Like the previous two editions, Series III uses two of MGP’s bourbon mashbills: one is listed as “36% Rye” and the MGP Bourbon Product Guide says this one is made up of 60% Corn, 36% Rye and 4% Barley Malt, and the second is listed as “21% Rye” and is composed of 75% Corn, 21% Rye and 4% Barley Malt. 2019’s Series III is made of 12% 12-year-old “21% Rye”, 10% 11-year-old “36% Rye”, and 78% 11- year-old “21% Rye.” Series III is older than last year’s release (11 years old in 2019 vs 10 years old in 2018) and has the lowest percentage of the higher rye bourbon in the blend than any other year so far (10% in 2019 vs 35% in 2018 and 15% in 2017). Like last year’s edition 2019’s Series III is bottled at 100° proof.

Remus Repeal Reserve Series III

Purchase Info: This review sample was graciously provided to me for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $84.99 for a 750 mL bottle.

Details: Releases November 13, 2019. 50% ABV. 12% 12 year-old Bourbon (21% rye recipe), 10% 11-year-old Bourbon (36% rye recipe), 78% 11-year-old Bourbon (21% rye recipe)

Nose: Vanilla sugar, almond, cherry, dried oak.

Mouth: Sweet and oaky. Maple, oak, vanilla, cinnamon and a hint of campfire smoke.

Finish: Long and warm. Lingering cherry, cinnamon, oak tannins and hints of smoke.

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Thoughts: Once again, this is really good. I have yet to be disappointed with a bottle of Remus Repeal Reserve and usually end up picking up a bottle of my own each year. And once this releases in November, I hope to again.

It reminds me of the old 12- year-old Elijah Craig. Not quite as dry as that, but that level of oak. This is one to sip, savor, and share with good friends. I hope to get my hands on one as soon as it comes out.

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Chattanooga Whiskey: Tennessee High Malt Bourbons

I’d like to thank the folks at Chattanooga Whiskey for providing these review samples to me with no strings attached.

I’ve been playing a lot of the game Kerbal Space Program lately. Like 146 hours over the last month sort of a lot. I love this game. If you are unaware, the game takes place on a planet very similar to our own that is inhabited by a race of immensely cute small green creatures called Kerbals. As the name of the game suggests, these little creatures want to go to space. And the game uses fairly realistic physics to allow you to build and test various rockets to try to get them there. It was almost uniquely crafted to appeal to someone like me.

Like many kids, when I was a child, I wanted to be an astronaut. Unlike many kids, that dream never died as I got older. In fact, even though I realized that the dream of being an astronaut was highly unlikely I actively cultivated an interest in science, engineering and physics throughout high school. Unfortunately, I got distracted from my goal of an Astrophysics degree by the newly unlimited freedom I found while living away from home during my Freshman year of college. Distraction led to time off from school, getting married, having a family and deciding to explore my creative side when I finally did go back to school.

Now, I was aware of the game for many years. But for one reason or another, I never picked it up. It wasn’t until the most recent expansion caught my attention that I realized that I should probably give this thing a look. And boy, have I looked. Like I said I’ve played for over 20% of the time that has passed since I bought the game.

Now much like Kerbal Space Program, I have been aware of Chattanooga Whiskey company for many years. For the longest time, their main product has been whiskey that they sourced from other producers. I had read that they were looking to sell that while their own was aging but until recently, hadn’t seen any evidence of it coming to fruition (not living in their part of the country and all). So when they asked if they could send me samples of two new bourbons that they had distilled and aged for themselves, I said yes.

They call the new new bourbons Tennessee High Malt bourbons. They are made from a mash of yellow corn, malted rye, caramel malted barley and honey malted barley. Each was fermented for seven days and then aged for at least two years in 53 gallon barrels that have number three and number four levels of char (some in each kind of barrel, obviously). After primary aging, the bourbons for the 91 proof are finished in a charred, 4000 gallon Solera barrel before being non-chill filtered. The CASK 111 proof is unfiltered. All in all, an interesting mashbill and an interesting process. Let’s see if the final product is just as interesting.

Chattanooga Whiskey: Tennessee High Malt Bourbons

Purchase Info: These bottles were graciously provided by Chattanooga Whiskey for review purposes. They are available in 750 mL bottles throughout the Southeast US for a suggested retail price of $34.99 for the 91 proof and $44.99 for the CASK 111 proof.

Chattanooga Whiskey 91

Details: 45.5% ABV. Non-chill filtered. Solera finished.

Nose: Caramel, cinnamon, malted rye

Mouth: Cinnamon red hots, toffee, red fruits, and nutty notes

Finish: Medium length and warm with notes of malted rye and a capsaicin-like spice.

Chattanooga Whiskey CASK 111

Details: 55.5% ABV. Unfiltered.

Nose: Deep rich butterscotch pudding. Reminds me of the gift shop at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center.

Mouth: Butterscotch pudding, capsaicin-spice, malted rye and nutty notes.

Finish: Long and warm with lingering notes of malted rye and red fruits.

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Thoughts: This is a very interesting bourbon (and not in the passive-aggressive Minnesota way that means you don't like it). I'm digging the way the malted rye flavor layers through the bourbons bringing an almost "brandy" feeling to it. It's probably the first whiskey to use malted rye that I’ve liked. These both work very nicely in cocktails (especially those using an Amaro) and are nice "change of pace" sippers. I’d guess that this is different enough from the standard bourbon profile that it could be pretty polarizing. People will either dig it or they will hate it. Overall, I like it. Maybe not as much as Kerbal Space Program, but enough so that if I am in Chattanooga I'll be stopping in for a visit.

IMAGE: Back label of Chattanooga Whiskey

BourbonGuy.com accepts no advertising. It is solely supported by the sale of the hand-made products and bourbon-related craft supplies I sell at the BourbonGuy Gifts store. If you'd like to support BourbonGuy.com, visit BourbonGuyGifts.com. And hey, if you are an iOS user, look for Bourbon Guy in Apple News. Thanks!

Remus Volstead Reserve

I’d like to thank the folks at MGP and Gregory + Vine for providing this review sample to me with no strings attached.

Every so often, like this weekend, my wife disappears for a weekend away with her mother. Leaving me home alone with the dogs to fend for myself. Not that I begrudge her that, her mother is getting up there in years and I certainly want my wife to make all the memories that she can while her mother is still with us. Of course while my wife is away, I tend to have a little fun myself. I may be “stuck” at home, but that’s honestly the place I like best. And besides when she isn’t here I get to lounge on the couch watching movies that she doesn’t like on the big TV, eating stupid amounts of pizza, and drinking the tasty drams from my shelf of fancy spirits without sharing. All in all, I’d say it is a bit of a win-win situation.

And I’d guess that tonight’s bourbon would probably have a spot on that shelf of fine bourbons, rums and brandys. This soon to be released 14-year-old, bottled-in-bond bourbon from MGP is seriously delicious. And considering the $200 price tag it would not be a bourbon that sits on the regular whiskey shelf. This would be one that I would set aside and go to only occasionally, allowing it to last. Of course, the odds that I need to make the decision of whether or not to shatter my personal price ceiling are low indeed. There will only be 6000 bottles of Remus Volstead Reserve released and I have serious doubts I will see it on the shelf.

But if I did…well…I might be sleeping on that couch I described above. Especially if my wife is not on board with the purchase. Because, I would probably purchase it. It’s really damn good.

Remus Volstead Reserve

Purchase Info: This review sample was graciously provided to me for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $199.99 for a 750 mL bottle.

Details: 14 years old, 50% ABV, Bottled-in-Bond, DSP-IN-15023, 6000 bottles will be released November 2019.

Nose: Cherry, tobacco, chocolate, apple, nutmeg

Mouth: Spicy with cinnamon, clove, leather, apple, vanilla

Finish: Long and warm with lingering clove, leather, vanilla

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Thoughts: The first sip made my eyes close in delight and it just kept getting better from there. The nose is rich. The mouth is warm, thick, and spicy. The finish is delightful. To quote my very (very) frugal wife: "If you have the means, splurge if you find it.'' I agree, I'm in love with this one. And whether or not I end up on that couch will depend on whether or not she feels we have the means if I were to find it.

BourbonGuy.com accepts no advertising. It is solely supported by the sale of the hand-made products and bourbon-related craft supplies I sell at the BourbonGuy Gifts store. If you'd like to support BourbonGuy.com, visit BourbonGuyGifts.com. And hey, if you are an iOS user, look for Bourbon Guy in Apple News. Thanks!

2019 Parker's Heritage Collection: Heavy Char Rye Whiskey

I’d like to thank Heaven Hill for providing this review sample to me with no strings attached.

We don’t get too many chances to purchase a bottle of Parker’s Heritage these days so it isn’t too surprising that I haven’t reviewed many of them. In fact there have been exactly three. 2011’s Barrel Finished which was my first barrel finished bourbon, 2013’s Promise of Hope of which I was able to buy two bottles, and 2014’s Wheat Whiskey which was the last time I’ve ever seen a limited edition bourbon release just sitting on a store shelf.

So it was with great interest when a package arrived from Heaven Hill shortly after this year’s Parker’s Heritage Collection was announced. Unlike most companies, Heaven Hill sends things unannounced which makes each shipment a little like Christmas morning. I’m always excited to see what they sent this time. I mean, I do this because I’m a fan of bourbon so I think it is more than fair to get excited when the UPS or FedEx person brings me free whiskey. As you might have guessed by now this package contained a sample of this year’s Parker’s Heritage Collection. This release marking the first Rye Whiskey in the line-up.

I’ll let Heaven Hill tell you what makes this special:

This 13th edition, however, further differentiates itself through its aging process. Instead of aging in Level 3 charred barrels, as is customary for most Heaven Hill products, this Rye Whiskey was aged in Level 5 charred barrels for eight years and nine months on the seventh floor of Rickhouse Y. Level 5 charred barrels are charred 50 seconds longer than the Level 3 barrels.

Additionally, this whiskey uses Heaven Hill’s usual rye whiskey mash bill of 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley. And as with previous versions of the Parker’s Heritage Collection, a portion of the proceeds of each bottle will go to support ALS research and patient care.

Parker's Heritage Collection: Heavy Char Rye Whiskey

Purchase Info: This review sample was graciously provided to me by Heaven Hill for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $149.99 for a 750 mL bottle.

Details: 8 years old, 52.5% ABV.

Nose: Caramel, hints of smoke, eucalyptus.

Mouth: Cinnamon Spice, mint leaves, vanilla, almond.

Finish: Warm and of medium length. Lingering cinnamon red hot candies, vanilla, almond.

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Thoughts: Nice, thick chewy mouthfeel with rich sweetness and strong flavors of fresh mint leaves. This is delicious. Flavors remind me of the bourbon / mint combo of a mint julep without the ice. Sadly they priced this out of my price range, but if it is in yours this is one to keep an eye out for. I like it a lot.

BourbonGuy.com accepts no advertising. It is solely supported by the sale of the hand-made products and bourbon-related craft supplies I sell at the BourbonGuy Gifts store. If you'd like to support BourbonGuy.com, visit BourbonGuyGifts.com. And hey, if you are an iOS user, look for Bourbon Guy in Apple News. Thanks!

Maker's Mark 101 Proof

I’d like to thank Maker's Mark for providing this sample to me with no strings attached.

When Maker’s Mark introduced a 101 proof version of their famed redheaded whiskey as a Travel Retail Exclusive last year, I was irrationally disappointed. For some reason I wanted it very badly (probably because I’ve been a fan of Maker’s Mark for as long as I’ve been a fan of bourbon). Eventually, I realized that this disappointment was a bit silly. I mean I can go down to any of the liquor stores in town and walk out with Maker’s Cask Strength any time I want. And if I want to, I can dilute that to 101 proof with just a little math and even less water.

But of course, rational is one thing that most bourbon lovers (myself included) are not. So when I saw that the 101 proof was going to be sold at the Maker’s Mark distillery starting this summer, I reached out to them to see if they might have a sample to spare. I mean, most of us might hesitate to take an international flight to get a $50 bottle of bourbon. But you should probably be taking a trip to the Maker’s Mark distillery if you are in the area anyway. And as long as you are there anyway, I figured it might be nice to see if this would make a nice souvenir.

Maker’s Mark 101 proof

Nose: Nutmeg, brown sugar, vanilla, toffee.

Mouth: Sweet, toffee, vanilla, baking spice.

Finish: Warm and medium length. Lingering nutmeg and caramel sweetness.

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Thoughts: If you are a Maker's fan, like I am, this is a must-have addition to your collection. It is sweet and loaded with baking spice flavors.

But ok, even if you are in the area, do you really need to make a trip to Maker’s? Can’t you just do what you mentioned above and dilute your Maker’s Cask Strength? Well I made a special trip to the liquor store so we can find out together.

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength (diluted to 101 proof)

Nose: Not as sweet on the nose, still has nutmeg.

Mouth: Thinner mouthfeel, less sweet.

Finish: Warmer finish, not as baking spice forward.

Thoughts: Contrary to my initial suspicions, you can't just "water down" Maker's Cask Strength and get Maker's 101. There is a distinct difference when comparing head-to-head. Both in sweetness and mouthfeel. Both of these are very good bourbons and I will certainly be adding a stop at the Maker's Mark distillery to my next Kentucky trip to see about getting a couple more bottles. And even after that, I will still be drinking my Cask Strength with a small piece of ice (which honestly probably brings it down to lower than 101 proof). Honestly, they are both great and I hope to have both on hand as much as possible.

BourbonGuy.com accepts no advertising. It is solely supported by the sale of the hand-made products I sell at the BourbonGuy Gifts store. If you'd like to support BourbonGuy.com, visit BourbonGuyGifts.com. And if you are an iOS user, look for Bourbon Guy in Apple News. Thanks!

My Wandering Eye: A. de Fussigny Cognac Collection

My Wandering Eye is a series reacting to the crazy rising prices in the bourbon world. We’ve reached a place where even average products have hit the range where they compete price-wise with other types of aged spirits. If I’m going be asked to drop $40 to $70 on a mid-range bourbon, I might as well see what else I can get for that money. My hope is to see if another spirits category offers something that is downright tasty in that price range. The goal isn’t to find cheap spirits, but to maximize the quality, I’m getting at a particular price point. And one thing to remember is that these reviews will all be written from the perspective of a bourbon drinker.

As we are coming up on the Autumn Whiskey Release season, I think it is just about time to clear out the last of the items I bought the last time my eye wandered down the brandy aisle at Total Wine. It was a while ago as I was, once again, looking for a Christmas gift for my Korbel Brandy loving father. Often times, I will get him a cognac or an armagnac for Christmas as a treat. But of course, when I look for a gift for him, I often walk out with at least one gift for me as well.

The thing I found interesting about this gift set was that the company that produced it apparently bottled brandies from each of the regions they produce in separately. So conceivably you could taste the terroir of each region. It reminded me of a daydream I had many years ago of buying five barrels of new make whiskey from the same batch at the same distillery and aging them each in different climates to see what the differences were. Needless to say, that idea was too expensive for me. But if you want to do that feel free, just be sure to send me a sample of each when they are done.

A. de Fussigny Cognac Collection

Petite Champagne VSOP

Nose: Delicate floral notes along with light wintergreen and dried fruit.

Mouth: Cinnamon, dried fruit, white sugar.

Finish: Fairly bitter.

Thoughts: Not a fan of this one. Can't get past the bitter finish. This is a distant number 5 of 5. We are not starting out well.

Borderies VSOP

Nose: Subtle. light notes of baking spice.

Mouth: Sweet, Floral, nutty and peppery.

Finish: Black pepper and caramel sweetness.

Thoughts: Nice pepperiness to it. Took me by surprise. It’s ok, but I wouldn’t seek it out. I rank this number 4 of the 5.

Fins Bois VSOP

Nose: Carmel covered raisins.

Mouth: Sweet and spicy, dried fruit, baking spice.

Finish: Caramel and baking spice.

Thoughts: Sweet. Very bourbon-like finish. This is where we enter the ones that we actually liked. Number 3 of the 5.

Organic VSOP

Nose: Lemon lime soda, light notes of baking spice

Mouth: Citrus, baking spice, almond.

Finish: Candied Almonds.

Thoughts: Delicate but quite tasty. This is a close number 2. I really like this one.

Grande Champagne VSOP

Nose: Dried fruit with a lime-like tartness.

Mouth: Lime, clove, mint, dried fruit.

Finish: Citrus and baking spice.

Thoughts: Refreshing. I like this one quite a bit. It reminds me of my favorite summer white wines with how crisp and refreshing it is. I liked this enough to look up the price. Total Wine has it for about $70 for a 750 mL. I may have to pick a bottle up next time it is in stock. I think it’s worth it.

BourbonGuy.com accepts no advertising. It is solely supported by the sale of the hand-made products I sell at the BourbonGuy Gifts store. If you'd like to support BourbonGuy.com, visit BourbonGuyGifts.com. And if you are an iOS user, look for Bourbon Guy in Apple News. Thanks!