Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 1 750ML

Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 1 750ML is a 9-year-old, 99% corn bourbon bottled at 53.5% ABV (107 proof) in a 750ml bottle. What makes this release remarkable is its origin story — a happy accident from a 2015 barrel experiment at Ross & Squibb Distillery that yielded whiskey compelling enough to launch an entirely new series under the George Remus brand.

Quick Facts: ABV: 53.5% (107 proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA  |  Age: 9 Years  |  Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery

Production & Heritage

Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana — one of America's most prolific bourbon-producing facilities — is the source behind this unconventional release. The Experimental Series No. 1 breaks sharply from the high-rye profiles that define the core George Remus lineup, deploying a 99% corn mashbill instead. The liquid was fully matured for nine years in lightly charred, heavily toasted barrels crafted by Seguin Moreau, a prestigious French cooperage renowned for producing oak barrels typically reserved for fine wine and Cognac aging. The staves were seasoned for 24 months prior to coopering, a detail that imparts layered wood character without aggressive char bitterness — a deliberate stylistic departure that defines this expression's personality.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Smoky toffee leads immediately, followed by strong floral vanilla and toasted oak. Deeper exploration reveals cedar, port wine, and dried fig — a nose that telegraphs the French oak influence clearly.

Taste: The entry is sweet and grain-forward, consistent with the near-total corn mashbill, delivering caramel and toasted marshmallow up front. The mid-palate introduces warming spice alongside tobacco leaf, almond, chocolate, and layered oak. At 107 proof, there is real density here without harsh heat.

Finish: Medium in length and decidedly sweet, closing with toffee, almond, and vanilla. Lingering notes of candied pecans, black walnut, and a whisper of leather add complexity as it fades.

How to Drink Remus Experimental No. 1

Neat or with a few drops of water is the ideal way to experience this bourbon — the French oak influence and unusual mashbill deserve full attention, and a splash of water opens up the floral vanilla beautifully. That said, its sweetness and 107-proof backbone make it a compelling cocktail ingredient. An Old Fashioned benefits from the toffee and dark fruit notes that stand up to bitters and sugar. A Boulevardier pairs well here, as the bourbon's port wine and fig aromatics complement Campari's bitterness. A Whiskey Sour works because the corn-driven sweetness balances citrus without becoming cloying.

Best For

• Bourbon collectors seeking limited experimental releases
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who values unusual mashbills and production methods
• Side-by-side tastings comparing corn-forward bourbons against high-rye expressions
• After-dinner sipping where the toffee and chocolate notes complement dessert

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Remus Experimental No. 1 taste like? It delivers a sweet, grain-forward profile dominated by caramel, toasted marshmallow, vanilla, and chocolate, with supporting notes of tobacco, almond, and oak. The finish is medium-length and sweet, closing on toffee, candied pecans, and leather.

How does Remus Experimental No. 1 compare to Remus Repeal Reserve? The Repeal Reserve blends use a more traditional high-rye Indiana bourbon mashbill, resulting in a spicier, more classic profile, while the Experimental No. 1's 99% corn mashbill and French Seguin Moreau barrel maturation produce a sweeter, more dessert-driven bourbon with prominent toffee and floral vanilla character. They are distinctly different expressions from the same distillery.

Is Remus Experimental No. 1 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the 53.5% ABV carries enough proof to deliver concentrated flavor without overwhelming heat, and the nine years of aging in heavily toasted French oak create a layered, contemplative sipper.

Where is Remus Experimental No. 1 made? It is distilled and aged at Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a historic distilling region along the Ohio River that has produced bourbon and rye whiskey for over a century.

What foods pair well with Remus Experimental No. 1? Dark chocolate truffles complement the bourbon's cocoa and toffee notes. Pecan pie mirrors the candied nut character on the finish. Aged Gouda or Gruyère match the caramel sweetness with savory depth. Smoked pork belly plays off the subtle smokiness on the nose. Fig and walnut crostini echo the dried fruit and black walnut found throughout the palate.

What sizes does Remus Experimental No. 1 come in? This expression is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Remus Experimental No. 1 worth the price? It positions as a premium limited release within the George Remus portfolio, justified by its nine years of age, unusual 99% corn mashbill, and maturation in specialty French cooperage barrels — production details that are genuinely uncommon in American whiskey at this price tier.

Why Remus Experimental No. 1?

The defining differentiator here is the combination of a 99% corn mashbill with full maturation in lightly charred, heavily toasted Seguin Moreau French oak barrels — a pairing virtually unheard of in mainstream bourbon production. This isn't a barrel finish or a secondary aging experiment; the entire nine-year maturation occurred in these specialty vessels, which were originally an unplanned deviation that yielded results too interesting to ignore. The result is a bourbon that sits in its own lane — sweeter and more dessert-driven than the typical Indiana high-rye profile, with a French oak elegance more commonly associated with Cognac than American whiskey. For drinkers looking beyond conventional bourbon flavor profiles, this expression represents genuine experimentation backed by nearly a decade of patience.