Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery—Lawrenceburg, ID
Proof: 104.0 (52.0% ABV)
Age: Blend of Ten to Eight Year Years
Mashbill: Blend (See below)
MSRP: $100
Celebrating 1933 with Spice, Oak, and Leather
Each fall, Ross & Squibb releases its Remus Repeal Reserve series to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. The 2025 installment, Series IX, continues the tradition of highlighting a high rye bourbon blend. Selected for the blend were barrels aged from 10 to 18 years containing two different rye-forward mashbills in proportions that showcase both maturity and rye spice.
The blend itself is built from four distinct components:
- 7% of an 18-year bourbon with 21% rye
- 26% of an 11-year bourbon with 36% rye
- 23% of a 10-year bourbon with 36% rye
- 44% of a 10-year bourbon with 21% rye
Assuming a 4% Malted Barley for all of those, we can calculate the percentages and arrive at an implied mashbill of:
- 67% – 68% (Corn)
- 28% – 29% (Rye)
- 4% (Malted Barley)
That high rye proportion is especially notable—before we pull the cork, we can assume it will push the expression toward spice-driven notes while still retaining the corn sweetness to remain rooted in the Remus bourbon style.
Remus Repeal Reserve Series IX Bourbon (2025 Release) Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.3/5
Burnt sugar. Slightly overripe dark cherries right around when they split open. Old saddle leather. Pipe tobacco.
Strengths: The Nose makes an immediate statement that makes you know this is going to be good. The sweetness of burnt sugar is quickly met by the dark cherry notes. Taking all the above notes, this combination delivers a rich profile that feels both complex and inviting.
Why It’s Not Higher: The brighter notes—particularly the cherry—requires patience and time in the glass to emerge. Without that breathing room, the leather and tobacco notes tend to dominate.
Rating Justification: The Nose sets the stage with richness and maturity. It leaves just enough behind to keep you wanting another pass under your nose.
Palate – 4.4/5
85% Dark chocolate. Grilled orange. Cracked black pepper. Pipe tobacco.
Strengths: The 85% dark chocolate delivers a powerful first impression–a dense and almost chewy sweetness. The balance of dark sweetness, citrus, and assertive spice makes the Palate both complex and distinctly memorable.
Why It’s Not Higher: As the rye spice spikes, it narrows in on the mid-palate, briefly overshadowing the sweetness and eliminating the depth of flavors. While that’s not a flaw, it makes the flow of the flavors feel a bit disjointed.
Rating Justification: Overall, it is a drinking experience that reveals new things with each sip. The balance of sweetness, spice, and oak provides plenty of dimension to keep the most discerning drinker happy. There’s just enough tension from the rye to keep the Palate lively.
Finish – 4.2/5
Espresso bean. Baking spice. Bitter cocoa. Well-worn leather belt.
Strengths: The Finish leans firmly into espresso bean and baking spice, offering a lingering and unmistakable rye-driven boldness. Notes of bitter cocoa and strangely enough, a leather belt showoff the maturity of the blend. This is a Finish that screams well-aged bourbon.
Why It’s Not Higher: The Finish is medium. While it lingers, it’s not nearly long enough.
Rating Justification: A Finish that emphasizes spice, oak, and maturity with satisfying length. While it stops short of being elegant, it leaves a memorable impression.
Value – 4.3/5
At $100, Remus Repeal Reserve IX sits in a significantly competitive space. The transparency of its blend is worth noting—that level of detail offers enthusiasts confidence in its authenticity.
When compared to other annual limited releases, this one strikes middle ground: not priced into the ultra-premium tier yet containing age statements (10–18 years) that many competitors holdback for far more expensive bottlings. For enthusiasts who appreciate high rye bourbon character with genuine maturity, the Value is clear. It is not a collectible bottle—rather, it’s one that has its rewards in the opening and drinking.
Remus Repeal Reserve Series IX Bourbon (2025 Release) Review: The Verdict
The IX release demonstrates consistency across the Nose, Palate, and Finish—no single note undercuts or dominates the overall profile. While it doesn’t quite ascend into the most complex territory, it accomplishes what it should: honor the tradition of repeal, rewards enthusiasts with a thoughtful blend, and justifies its spot on the shelf year after year.
Verdict – 4.3/5
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.
