Remus Gatsby Reserve 2024 Review: A 15-Year Bourbon to Chase?

Drew Beard -

BOTTLE DETAILS

DREW'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: MGP fans (which I guess we really need to start calling Ross & Squibb fans now). Old bourbon lovers. Friends who party like it's the Roaring 20's.

WORTH THE PRICE: Ross & Squibb kept the pricing steady at a healthy $200 for the first two Gatsby releases, but the 2024 edition saw a $30 increase in MSRP. That's not an insignificant jump, and there wasn't any attempt to justify it (an older age statement wouldn't have hurt). It's still in line with some of the store markups I've seen, so some consumers may not even notice. And if you're a collector or gift shopping for that rare bottle that tastes as good as it looks on the shelf, that extra $30 might not matter much.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar first, bottle for some. I personally enjoyed the 2022 and 2023 Gatsby releases a little more than this one. It's still a very solid bourbon that drinks well above its age statement (more on that below), but it's also quite different from previous releases. Try it at your favorite watering hole first (hopefully for a reasonable pour price) before pulling the trigger.

OVERALL: Fans of Remus Gatsby Reserve may recall the last two releases were bottled at an uncommonly low cask strength (hovering around 98 proof) which gave those bottles a surprising approachability and concentration of flavor. That's still the case for the 2024, but this latest Gatsby showcases a little more octane and a lot more barrel influence that makes it drink considerably older than its age statement.

The nose is brooding and burly with notes of worn leather, damp basement, and black licorice. It's not punchy or overly astringent, but the wood influence is pronounced. With time to unwind, the oak softens considerably, revealing exotic notes of incense, pipe tobacco, and Oolong tea with a subtly sweet lacing of cocktail cherry syrup. The palate, in contrast, leans heavy on spice and oak even with a lot of time to breathe. Top notes of clove and tart berries give way to baking chocolate, barrel char, and pecan shells on the midpalate before a fading wave of fresh baking spice, dried herbs, and wet oak. It's soothing and layered but also dusty and a little funky; a departure from other Gatsby releases, but one that should find fans among those who enjoy older bourbons.

BRAND NOTES

“Our 2024 Gatsby Reserve is a rich and beautiful expression that contains some of our distillery’s finest 15-year-old reserves of straight bourbon whiskey,” said Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman. “This year’s release is a testament to crafting exceptional bourbon and showcasing the best we have to offer.”

Created by Stirsman and his team, the 2024 edition of Remus Gatsby Reserve features two bourbon mash bills (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% barley malt; and 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% barley malt) and is offered at cask strength. This year’s expression brings forward notes of antique leather and tobacco on the nose followed by an initial sweetness of cherry syrup mingling with the earthy richness of walnut and oak on the palate. Remus Gatsby Reserve culminates with a finish that lingers, revealing hints of walnut, fig and roasted almonds.

“We’ve produced exceptional bourbon whiskey over the years at Ross & Squibb – and we worked to elevate our Gatsby Reserve even further to create a truly legendary pour that pays homage to the distilling craft and the spirit of the Roaring ‘20s,” said Stirsman. “This 2024 edition delivers on every point and is likely to become the most highly sought-after member of the Remus Bourbon family.”

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.