Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Proof: 104.9 proof (52.45% ABV),
Age: 15 years
Mashbill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley and the second, 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley
MSRP: $230
Discerning Enthusiasts Take Note: A Significant Sensory Experience
The historic Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, has a reputation that reaches far and wide. Under the Remus brand, their reputation is for releasing bold, well-aged bourbons. Their ultra-premium annual release, Remus Gatsby Reserve, pays homage to the lavish and indulgent spirit of the Roaring ‘20s, drawing inspiration from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
Now in its third edition, the 2024 release of Remus Gatsby Reserve continues the tradition of releasing some of the distillery’s finest reserves. This year’s expression is a 15-year-old cask strength bourbon, bottled at 104.9 proof (52.45% ABV), and is presented in a cool Art Deco-inspired bottle.
Gatsby Reserve blends two distinct bourbon mash bills: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley, and the second, 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley
The result is a bourbon that delivers on complexity and a flavor profile designed to impress.
With limited availability and a $230 MSRP, the 2024 edition is positioned in the ultra-premium category. How does it live up to its grand reputation? Let’s dive into the glass and find out.
Remus Gatsby Reserve 15-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.75/5
The Nose unfolds with layers of dark ripe cherry, rich caramel, and caramelized brown sugar, establishing a strong first impression and setting a high bar for what’s to come. As it opens up, waves of baking spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—add warmth and a layer of indulgence. Hints of leather linger in the background, rounding out a wonderful experience for the Nose.
Palate – 4.75/5
The first sip reveals an explosive and wonderfully rich blend of toffee, dark cherry, and sweet oak. Mid-palate, the rye influence asserts itself with a warm intensity and hints of black pepper. The mouthfeel is dense yet amazingly silky, with the high proof serving to amplify—not overpower—the layers of flavor.
Finish – 4.5/5
The Finish is nothing short of elegant, with lingering notes of oak and warm spice. Roasted nuts and a muted honey emerge, leaving behind a lasting warmth. With ultra-aged bourbons, we can sometimes experience dryness. Not here, the dryness is perfectly balanced, complementing the whiskey’s richness instead of overshadowing it.
Value – 4/5
Candidly, I approach premium bourbons with a significant degree of skepticism. With a hefty $230 MSRP, Remus Gatsby Reserve lands firmly in the premium purchase category. However, its 15-year age statement and 104.9 cask-strength proof justify the premium position. It’s the tasting experience that ultimately puts it over the top, solidifying its Value rating within the ultra-premium space.
Remus Gatsby Reserve 15-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review: The Verdict
Remus Gatsby Reserve 15-Year-Old Straight Bourbon is an intense and wonderful sensory experience. While the price point will limit its audience, the depth of flavor, extended aging, and cask-strength proof points make this expression a standout for serious enthusiasts.
Verdict – 4.5/5
Insiders, please pay attention to this don’t miss bottle!
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.