Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV (2020 Medley)

Served neat after a neck pour. Butterscotch and cherry burst from the aroma. Then some delightful sweet oak joins in with a hint of black pepper. Wonderful cinnamon and allspice notes. I'm really enjoying this scent. Initially, it seemed just sweet, but richer, darker flavors emerged with more time. The oak is quite prominent, but in a pleasing way. It's a really pleasant oak characteristic. I can't remember an MGP product with oak this satisfying. The texture is very smooth and rich, I enjoy the mouthfeel. It excites my palate with brown sugar and cinnamon sweetness. Cherry notes are also quite present. That sweet oak is dominant again, a truly great oak expression. More butterscotch, more cherry. Then cherry continues through the finish and lingers in the legs. Deliciously good. More fruit appears as I let it sit, peaches and nectarines. This is absolutely amazing. It's worth every penny of the $85 price. This blend is overpowering the low-rye MGP mash bill, bringing forth delicious fruit and dessert flavors with such a bold oak presence. The oak is so distinct, creamy, and sweet. Remus batches 2 and 3 were just alright for me. I previously felt it was worth an additional $20-$40 for a 12-year MGP single barrel. I will repurchase this at $85. Perhaps MGP is finally learning how to release their own spirits.

Aroma: Vanilla, stewed peaches, caramel drizzle. The aroma isn't as intense as batch III and carries a slightly stronger alcohol presence. Taste: Dominated by vanilla and caramel, with pleasant spices like nutmeg and allspice. I perceive it as spicier, which is unexpected given that this batch primarily uses lower rye content than the previous one. While I appreciate the spice, I miss some of the fruitier notes, such as the fig and plum found in the earlier version. Batch III appears more subtle in its spice, whereas batch IV is undeniably spice-forward – this is a matter of personal preference, not a criticism. The anise note I enjoyed in batch III is absent for me here. Finish: A touch drier than batch III and possibly a bit more woody. This isn't a negative, but it's certainly a different finish. Similar to wine preferences, some prefer a dry red, others a fruitier white. This comes down to individual taste and not a reflection on the craftsmanship. Overall, the finish is pleasant and full-bodied, retaining its vibrancy. Conclusion: I remain a devoted fan of batch III. While I genuinely enjoy batch IV and find it worth the asking price, batch III is more to my liking. Where batch IV is a triple in my estimation, batch III achieves even more. I believe the blenders at MGP have succeeded again! Another high-quality, limited edition available for under $100. It's perplexing why these remain on the shelves.

Guess I'm skipping the gym tonight, but this is a fine drink! Nose - With 21 and 36% rye, you can expect SPICE. This delivers that MGP rye spice, along with an overwhelming sweetness. It has a peculiar dusty quality. Numerous fruity notes are present, but no single fruit stands out. Earthy vegetable notes, intense caramel and vanilla, and surprisingly subdued yet wonderful oak. Baking spices emerge as it airs, enhancing its appeal. A true MGP showcase. Taste - Comparing this briefly to other offerings, I'll just say this is a SWEET BOMB. It features spearmint, apple spices, cinnamon, vanilla, and it's absolutely fantastic. Incredibly rich and complex, with a finish that lasts for ages. However, it's not batch III. Simply a wonderful, wonderful bourbon. I'm rating it 3.25; it's a remarkable blend of flavors, but for now, 3.25. Batch III is noticeably better, and while this is very enjoyable and a must-buy at $85, it doesn't quite reach the level of $150-$200 scotches typically found in those higher score ranges.

Premium MGP is becoming increasingly costly and difficult to obtain. This is a 12-year-old iteration composed of two distinct high-rye mash bills, information clearly displayed on the front label. The proof is 100. I appreciate the openness. Intense oak aromas erupt from the glass. I enjoy smelling this immensely. The flavor mirrors the aroma but lacks significant complexity. Make no mistake, this is a very good bourbon, but it's simply good, not worth a premium price. I've sampled three products from Remus in recent months and enjoyed them all. I believe the single barrel, bottled at barrel proof, is slightly superior and costs less. The standard version, at 94 proof, rivals this one. Numerous readily available bourbons in the $40-$50 range are just as good or better. I'm thinking of options like Rare Breed and Four Roses Single Barrel.

This iteration of the Remus Repeal Reserve comes remarkably close to a perfect score for a bourbon I've ever encountered. I have a strong preference for high rye mash bills, and this combines MGP's 21% and 36% rye mash bills in a 3:1 ratio, all aged a minimum of 12 years - and I appreciate that this information is clearly displayed on the packaging! It presents a classic bourbon character with a superb balance of sweetness and spice that coats the palate, concluding with a lasting oak dryness and rye spice. I have been a dedicated admirer of RRR since its initial release (which now seems underwhelming compared to subsequent versions), and this most recent batch is the finest yet!

Nose: Boozy apple juice, smoky charcoal, roasted walnuts, and tipsy cherries. Palate: Caramel, cherries, brown sugar, a hint of menthol, and strawberry appearing very late. Finish: Some astringent wood, fresh red fruit, a touch of pepper on the back of the tongue, and the walnuts return. With water: It becomes very smooth, retaining the flavor profile but losing some intensity. Best consumed neat for detailed analysis, but excellent with one large ice cube for casual enjoyment. It sips smoothly for its proof. I found the mouthfeel a bit thin. Overall, a good bourbon.