Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery (formerly MGP)—Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Proof: 107.0 (53.5% ABV)
Age: Blended (See review for details)
Mashbill: Combination of two mash bills (See review for details)
MSRP: $80
Remus Bourbon Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 1: Well Known Distillery—Highly Innovative Release
Ross & Squibb Distillery (formerly MGP) is a well-known name to bourbon enthusiasts. While its name does not often appear on bottle labels, their distillate finds its way into the bottles of some of the most respected labels in the whiskey world as “Distilled in Indiana.” Following the recent launch of Remus Gatsby Reserve, the launch of the Remus Bourbon Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 1, Ross & Squibb is taking another step into the spotlight—this time with an innovation on its Remus house blend.
The first release in the Experimental Series shifts away from traditional maturation. The distillery has a reputation for its high-rye mashbills and consistent barrel aging program. This new expression is an oak experiment. Specifically, the use of Seguin Moreau, a French-American cooperage best known for supplying barrels to the wine and cognac industries.
This decision is particularly interesting when you consider that the majority of American distilleries—especially those in Kentucky—rely on Independent Stave Company (ISC) for their barrels. During a recent visit to ISC, I learned they produce the majority of the heavily charred barrels used in standard bourbon aging, and their process is geared toward consistency and volume. My research shows Seguin Moreau, on the other hand, is known primarily for precision toasting and customized barrel profiles which is aimed at coaxing out flavor nuances in more delicate spirits.
Ross & Squibb’s use of lightly charred but heavily toasted Seguin Moreau barrels, indicates their aim to set this expression up for a distinctly different oak influence during the maturation process. As we all know, heavily charred barrels tend to produce robust caramel, vanilla, and charred oak notes in bourbon. Heavily toasted barrels, on the other hand, tend to draw out deeper baking spice, roasted nut, and fruit-driven notes. It’s an aging strategy more commonly seen in wine and craft brandy, and its application to a high-rye bourbon is deliberate departure from the norm.
Beyond the barrel difference, the whiskey is a constructed blend. The bourbon features a dual mashbill: 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley blended with 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley.
While Remus Gatsby Reserve established itself as Ross & Squibb’s premium offering, the Experimental Series charts a new course—testing cooperage selection and oak science influence on the traditional Remus profile.
Remus Bourbon Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 1Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.25/5
Notes of light toffee, maple, and toasted pecan lead the way, with layers of oak and baking spices. There’s an earthy sweetness beneath it that hints at maple sugar and roasted almond. The Nose is complex; one that creates significant enthusiasm for the Palate.
Palate – 4.5/5
The first sip reveals a texture that is full and dense, with notes of caramelized brown sugar and cocoa. The rye spice presents a slightly citrus acidic note that is quite endearing but quickly softened as it takes a backseat to flavors of pinenuts, sweet orange peel, and a hint of clove. The toasted oak finish brings forward a sweet oak goodness not typically found in traditional high-rye bourbons.
Finish – 4.75/5
The finish is medium to long, with gentle pepper and charred oak that fades into vanilla bean and cinnamon. While not overly bold on the back end, the toasted barrel carries through, leaving a wonderfully smoky-sweet impression as its final act.
Value – 4.5/5
While the MSRP is $80, this is a market-specific limited release which will likely make retail pricing vary depending on the retailer and market demand. Regardless, this release sits firmly in the premium tier. For a 9-year-old bourbon with a unique barrel treatment and significant quality on the Tasting Notes, the price is reasonable. The experimental aspect may frighten away some purists, but those who appreciate barrel-finishing nuance and the innovative oak experiment will find significant value in this bourbon.
Remus Bourbon Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 1 Review: The Verdict
Remus Bourbon Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 1 is a bold experiment. While the distillery has made its name by producing consistent, high-quality whiskey for others, this release proves they are willing to take creative risks.
It may not become your everyday pour, but for seasoned bourbon drinkers and enthusiasts who appreciate the impact of cooperage and finish techniques, this is a bottle that delivers on its promise.
This isn’t just a new bottle—it’s a peek behind the curtain at how shapes the final whiskey in the glass.
Verdict – 4.5/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.5 – 5
- Gold – 4 – 4.5
- Silver – 3 – 4
- Bronze – <3
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.