Brian’s George Remus Cask Strength Single Barrel Review:
reviewed 2023, July 01
GEORGE REMUS CASK STRENGTH SINGLE BARREL REVIEW:
George Remus Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon (George Remus CS SiB) offers a complex flavor profile with plenty of fresh rye, a unique mix of fruity sweetness, spices, and a hint of cocoa on the nose. The mouthfeel is smooth yet prickly owing to its higher proof, but the flavor of buttercreamed graham and Kraft caramels delight. The bourbon showcases seasoned oak, and a touch of leather, providing a sophisticated and rich experience for the senses with a long and dry spicy finish. Pour me another.
GEORGE REMUS CASK STRENGTH SINGLE BARREL VITAL STATS:
Category: Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon
Region: G. Remus Distilling Co., Atchison, KS
Distillery: G. Remus Distilling Co. (DSP-IN-15023, Ross & Squibb Distillery)
Mash Bill: unpublished … Believed to be a blend of one or more MGP high-rye mash bills*
Barrel Char: unpublished, although likely a heavy char
Barrel entry proof: unpublished
Age: over 4 years (nas)
ABV: 57.1% (114.2 Proof)
NABCA CSC #: 18410
Price: $59.95 (Spring 2023 Idaho)
New bottles feature “REMUS SINGLE BARREL BOURBON” on the label.
*(Single barrels are privately selected; mashbills may differ.)
Ideal for bourbon lovers and collectors, Remus® Single Barrel Bourbon is an annual release offered at barrel strength in three mash bills – with each featuring its own unique, high proof flavor profile.
Each year, barrels are selected by participating retailers from our historic Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. With no two retailers’ barrels tasting alike, Remus Single Barrel offers a new sipping experience in every bottle.
Learn more at Remus Bourbon.
ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:
Alternate pours, equaling about four ounces, were added into a Weck jelly jar and two Glencairns. My daughters and I enjoyed the bourbon neat for this review; I drank from the Weck.
For other assessments on this product, click to read Hannah’s and/or Elora’s reviews.
GEORGE REMUS CASK STRENGTH SINGLE BARREL NOSE:
The first waft of George Remus CS SiB is straight up rye freshness. The aroma carries an inviting scent of dark sherry barrel tannins. As I nose on, roasted corn and dusty grain add a rustic touch, while ripe berries, apricot, and gourmet raisins provide a subtle fruity sweetness. Then come faint notes of allspice, cinnamon, and white pepper which deliver warmth, along with a surprising touch of cocoa. Additional inhales bring suggestions of light vanilla, caramel corn and simple syrup which add to the richness. Seasoned oak and toasted wood drift in and then damp sawdust and a hint of leather contribute to the bourbon’s earthiness, adding a small dose of delicate sophistication.
GEORGE REMUS CASK STRENGTH SINGLE BARREL PALATE:
The first sip of George Remus CS SiB surprises the taste buds with its complex and unique flavor profile. Each sip warms the mouth with a foundation of wood, dusty grain, whiskey-soaked dark cherries while dried figs offer a dark richness. A touch of bitter woodiness and dark cinnamon add depth, and the pronounced rye presence provides a spicy kick. As I sip on, stale Graham crackers contribute a baked feeling, with buttercream frosting infused with rich vanilla and Kraft caramels melted over hazelnuts add a luscious, nutty dimension. As I swallow, damp sawdust, seasoned oak, hazy toasted wood, and the leather notes sensed on the nose add depth to this remarkable bourbon.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
Sips of George Remus CS SiB are easy to hold, yet prickly after the swallow, giving the underside of the tongue a good tickling. I suspect (though unpublished) the barrels used in aging had a heavy char, owing to this bourbon’s oily mouthfeel as this bourbon puts the salivary glands in overdrive. Although on the woody side of the spectrum, there is plenty of sweet and spice in the mix as well. As the whiskey rests in the Glencairn between sips, a long-lasting solid crown breaks to form clinging droplets, allowing long clinging legs to drain back the liquid to the carrot colored pool.
GEORGE REMUS CASK STRENGTH SINGLE BARREL FINISH:
George Remus CS SiB’s finish is long and lingering, with a gradual build-up of heat in the throat. Dusty grain contributes to its dry character, while subtle barrel tannins and dark cinnamon add depth. The solid rye foundation persists, offering a spicy complexity and while not in any traditional sense, the sensation of sweetness in the finish is accompanied by persistent hazelnuts. Seasoned oak and hazy toasted oak feature in the finish as well, along with hints of barrel char and leather for a sophisticated conclusion. And upon downing the last drops, the empty Glencairn smells of wood chips strewn over the workshop floor after a long day of wood turning lathe work.
MY RATING: 91/100
Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
Remus Single Barrel is released by the distiller each spring.
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.
Click 91/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
This is an impressive bourbon and one not to be passed over. If you see a George Remus Cask Strength Single Barrel in your store, bring it home.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Remus Bourbon.
WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
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