Remus Repeal Reserve IX Review (2025)
In-Depth Review
In recent years, the fabled MGP distillery located in Lawrenceburg, Indiana has undergone a massive identity change. Gone are the days of industrialized acronyms and focused contract distilling and enter the new(ish) Ross and Squibb Distillery. The rebrand of MPG has been accompanied by an expansion of its own proprietary line of expressions that include Rossville Union and Remus. At the premium end of the spectrum, they have the Remus Gatsby Reserve expression and at a slight step below that, the Remus Repeal Reserve.
This limited release Remus Repeal Reserve expression is now in its 9th iteration and continues to promise a strong value proposition with an MSRP that somehow still slips under the $100 price point. In a bourbon environment where brands are routinely asking consumers to pay hundreds of dollars to get high aged bourbon, this is a welcome change.
Remus Repeal Reserve IX now clocks in at 104 proof (a slight increase from previous years) and features a blend of 7% 18-year-aged bourbon, 26% of an 11-year-aged bourbon, and 2 different mashbills of 10-year bourbon. So does the great MGP still know best when it comes to old bourbon? Let’s dive in and see.
The distillery has graciously sent me the bottle for review, but my opinions and thoughts remain my own and I have received no compensation.
Age: Blend of 10-to-18-year straight bourbon whiskey
ABV: 52%
Cask: New Oak
MSRP: $99
Distillery Name: Ross & Squibb Distillery
Review Date: 8/27/25
Color: Dark Mohagany
Nose: Immediately on the nose I’m hit by how gentle and inviting this is – lots of cherry cordial, charred oak, and pipe tobacco mixed with a strong minty, herbal, zest that keeps it fresh and interesting. There’s a lot to like here – the strong oaky backbone undercurrent lets the other notes pop and gives a nice nod to the older barrels found in this blend.
Palate: The palate starts off with waves of orange blossom, black tea, and warm toffee cookie. After it moves towards the back of the tongue, notes of cardamon, dark chocolate, toasted oak and sour cherries make an appearance. The mouthfeel is medium bodied and viscous with the perfect level of heat from the 104 proof.
Finish: Long finish with a strong drying oak quality that gives way to black pepper and minty rye spice. The heavy oak can come off as bitter at times but is nicely balanced with its wood spiced character.
Final Thoughts: Remus Repeal Reserve IX serves as a reminder that Ross and Squibb Distillery (MGP) still seems to keep its best barrels for itself. This 9th iteration of the Repeal Reserve is an excellent blend of expertly aged bourbon that deftly balances the power of its 18-year-old influence with the strength of flavor from its younger components. The oak isn’t shy but never overpowers the rest of the experience. The nose blossoms into something great after a few minutes in the glass and the finish provides a nice balance of herbal spice to round out the experience. This is undeniably an immense value proposition. Where else can you get this type of age statement for under $100? It may be the perfect pour for those who are looking to upgrade their daily pour but still unsure of their oak tolerance. While it may not shatter any expectations for the category, Remus Repeal IX feels like a fantastic example of how Ross and Squibb (MGP) still has plenty of great bourbon tucked away for their own projects.
