George Remus Repeal Reserve IV Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: MGP Ingredients (George Remus Repeal Reserve brand website)
• MASH BILL: 77%, 2008 Bourbon (21% Rye) and 23%, 2008 Bourbon (36% Rye)
• AGE: Blend of 12 year old bourbons
• YEAR: 2020
• PROOF: 100 (50% ABV)
• MSRP: $84.99
• BUY ONLINE: Will be available in limited quantities as of September 2020.

POPS' REVIEW OF GEORGE REMUS REPEAL RESERVE IV

NOSE: Caramel | Butter | Candied Fruit | Leather

TASTE: Caramel | Baking Spices | Oak

FINISH: A trailing finish heavy of oak tannins, baking spices and a hint of rye spice.

SHARE WITH: Don't waste this one on guests that want to drink it on the rocks or in a cocktail. Save it for those that are into bourbon and appreciate all that it has to offer on its own.

WORTH THE PRICE: $84.99 for a 100 proof, well balanced blend of 12-year old bourbons from MGP? No question. It's worth the price.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Once again this gets a bottle rating from me. If I can find a few for my home bar I won't hesitate to snap them up.

OVERALL: I always look forward to MGP's release of George Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon and was thrilled when they announced they would be getting it to market a few months earlier than usual. If you're a fan of previous releases, you're going to want to start making plans now to grab yourself a bottle of Series IV.

The nose on this one is strong. Unlike last year's release which had an unexpected orange aroma, this year's release returns proudly to its expect MGP form. Big caramel notes lathered in butter accompanied by sugary fruit (darker than last year's orange) and a slap of leather explode from the glass when poured.

Sipping it brings about more caramel but this time surround by lively baking spices and a strong hit of oak tannins. It's less nuanced when compared to Series III but just as enjoyable and worthy of another pour. A trailing finish of heavy oak tannins, more baking spices and a hint of rye greet you on the back end of each sip. The oak is a bit more tannic than I prefer but it stays in balance and will be a welcome flavor to those that like tasting a strong barrel influence.

Series IV lives up to reputation of previous Remus Repeal Reserve releases and is more than different enough compare to last year's release to gain and keep your attention. While it's still not the barrel proof profile that so many of us love from MGP, it's a great way to experience the artistry and expertise of one of America's legendary distilleries.

BRAND NOTES

CRAFTED WITH A MEDLEY OF 12-YEAR-OLD BOURBONS.

Introducing Remus Repeal Reserve® Series IV, the latest edition of the award-winning collection. Comprised of a medley of 12-year-old bourbons, Series IV is carefully crafted to honor the repeal of Prohibition on December 5, 1933.

Hitting shelves during National Bourbon Month in September, the 2020 limited edition of Remus Repeal Reserve features layers of rich caramel, candied fruit, spice, and toasted oak. The finish offers baking spices and oak, as the rye lingers slightly longer.

Learn more about previous George Remus Repeal Reserve releases:

Repeal Reserve Series I Review

Repeal Reserve Series II Review

Repeal Reserve Series III Review

MGP TO RELEASE REMUS REPEAL RESERVE SERIES IV IN SEPTEMBER 2020

Special tastings and events will take place through Prohibition Repeal Day, December 5, to commemorate the 4th anniversary of this limited reserve bourbon release

June 16, 2020 (Lawrenceburg, IN) – MGP (Nasdaq: MGPI) will debut Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV Straight Bourbon Whiskey in September 2020. Produced to commemorate Prohibition Repeal Day, Series IV is a limited annual release, and reaches full distribution by Prohibition Repeal Day, December 5. In response to growing demand, Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV is planning an early fall release (timed with National Bourbon Month in September), and will roll out with a series of consumer tastings and events with special focus on the birthdate of George Remus (November 13) and Prohibition Repeal Day (December 5).

“Now in its fourth year, our Remus Repeal Reserve program has exceeded expectations and allows us to showcase the character of our extensive, aged bourbon reserves and blending expertise,” says Andrew Mansinne, Vice President of Brands, MGP. “Series IV delivers a bold, high-rye character and a beautifully balanced profile that reflects 12 years of age. We’re delighted to offer our next release earlier this fall to respond to consumer demand, and will also support an extensive tasting and education effort throughout our growing distribution network.”

Named after the legendary “King of the Bootleggers,” Remus Repeal Reserve is an annual series from George Remus® Bourbon, crafted at MGP’s historic, 173-year-old distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Made in a signature high-rye style, the medley changes each year allowing the distillery team to experiment with their various mash bills and cask-aged reserves. Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV showcases a medley of two mash bills from 2008. It is comprised of 77% Bourbon (21% Rye) and 23% Bourbon (36% Rye). Series IV shows layers of rich caramel, candied fruit spice and toasted oak. The palate offers baking spices and oak, with a lingering finish of rye spice.

Highly anticipated, previous releases of Remus Repeal Reserve have achieved some of the highest recognition in the Bourbon category, including a Double Gold in the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 98 points from Tasting Panel Magazine for Remus Repeal Reserve Series III.

Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV retails for a suggested $84.99 per 750-ml bottle and will be available in limited quantities as of September 2020. It is bottled at 100 proof/50% ABV.

Disclaimer: MGP Ingredients provided Bourbon & Banter with a sample of their product for this review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.