Remus Distillers Vault Liquor Barn x Spears 9 Year Bourbon 750ML

Remus Distillers Vault Liquor Barn x Spears 9 Year Bourbon 750ML is a barrel-proof, single barrel bourbon aged nine years and bottled at approximately 115–117 proof (57.75–58.35% ABV) in a 750ml bottle. Selected from Master Distiller Ian Stirsman's private reserve of barrels set aside for the Distillers Vault program, this expression highlights one of the most distinctive high-rye mashbills coming out of Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~57.75–58.35% (barrel proof, varies by barrel)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA  |  Age: 9 Years  |  Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery

Production & Heritage

Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana — formerly known as the historic MGP facility and now owned by Luxco/MGP Ingredients — has produced bourbon and rye whiskey at this location since 1847. The Distillers Vault line represents hand-selected single barrels chosen by Master Distiller Ian Stirsman from among the distillery's most distinctive casks. This 9-year expression uses a high-rye mashbill of 49% rye, with the remainder consisting of corn and malted barley, aged in select charred new American oak barrels and bottled at barrel proof without chill filtration or added water, preserving the full character of the individual barrel.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The high-rye mashbill announces itself immediately with prominent baking spice — cinnamon, clove, and black pepper — layered over caramel and toasted oak. Beneath the spice, darker notes of dried fruit and leather develop as the whiskey opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is rich and full-bodied, delivering a wave of rye-driven spice alongside toffee and brown sugar sweetness. At mid-palate, charred oak tannins and dark fruit emerge, balanced by the natural heat of the barrel-proof strength. A few drops of water temper the proof and bring forward additional notes of vanilla and baked orchard fruit.

Finish: Long and warming, with persistent black pepper, toasted oak, and a lingering sweetness reminiscent of molasses. The tannic grip from nine years in charred oak carries through to the very end.

How to Drink Distillers Vault 9 Year

At barrel proof, this bourbon rewards patient sipping — try it neat first, then add a few drops of water to unlock additional complexity beneath the proof. The bold, spice-forward character also makes it a formidable cocktail ingredient. An Old Fashioned benefits from the rye spice cutting cleanly through sugar and bitters. A Boulevardier gains extra backbone from the barrel-proof intensity standing up to Campari and sweet vermouth. A Gold Rush (bourbon, honey syrup, lemon) lets the dark fruit and baking spice shine against citrus brightness.

Best For

• Bourbon collectors seeking limited single barrel selections from Ross & Squibb
• Tasting alongside other high-rye bourbons to explore the 49% rye mashbill at full proof
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who values barrel-proof, age-stated bourbon
• Building bold, spirit-forward cocktails where the bourbon needs to carry the drink

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Distillers Vault 9 Year taste like? This is a bold, spice-driven bourbon with prominent cinnamon, black pepper, toffee, and charred oak flavors, followed by dark fruit and a long, warming finish typical of a high-rye, barrel-proof whiskey aged nine years.

How does Distillers Vault 9 Year compare to Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered? Both are barrel-proof bourbons distilled at the Lawrenceburg, Indiana facility using MGP mashbills, but the Distillers Vault carries a stated 9-year age and a specific 49% rye mashbill, while Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered is a blend of barrels without a stated age. The additional aging and single barrel nature of the Distillers Vault expression typically yield deeper oak influence and more concentrated flavor.

Is Distillers Vault 9 Year good for sipping neat? Yes — its nine years of maturation provide enough depth and complexity to reward careful neat sipping, though a few drops of water can help open the bourbon given its barrel-proof strength above 115 proof.

Where is Distillers Vault 9 Year made? It is distilled and aged at Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a facility with roots dating back to 1847 and now operated by MGP Ingredients under the George Remus brand.

What foods pair well with Distillers Vault 9 Year? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the charred oak and spice. Dark chocolate with 70% cacao or higher echoes the deep tannins. Aged cheddar or Gruyère balances the rye heat with creamy richness. Pecan pie mirrors the toffee and brown sugar sweetness. Charcuterie with salami and dried fruits picks up the bourbon's darker fruit notes.

What sizes does Distillers Vault 9 Year come in? This expression is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Distillers Vault 9 Year worth the price? As a single barrel, barrel-proof, age-stated bourbon from one of America's most prolific distilleries, this expression positions in the premium tier and delivers meaningful complexity that justifies its placement above the standard George Remus range.

Why Distillers Vault 9 Year?

The Distillers Vault program exists to showcase what Ian Stirsman considers the most interesting individual barrels in the Ross & Squibb rickhouses — not a blended product designed for consistency, but a singular barrel with its own character. The 49% rye mashbill is among the spiciest bourbon recipes produced in Lawrenceburg, and nine years in charred oak gives it enough maturation to balance that inherent heat with deep tannin structure and developed sweetness. Bottled at barrel proof without dilution, it reaches the glass exactly as it came from the cask. For drinkers who want to taste what a single barrel of high-rye Indiana bourbon can achieve at nearly a decade of age, this expression makes a compelling case.