George Remus Highest Rye 6 Year Bourbon 750ML

George Remus Highest Rye 6 Year Bourbon 750ML is a 109-proof, 6-year-aged bourbon from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, bottled at 54.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Its defining characteristic is a mashbill that stretches rye content to the practical ceiling for bourbon — 39% rye — while maintaining the legally required 51% corn minimum, with 10% malted rye rounding out the grain bill.

Quick Facts: ABV: 54.5% (109 Proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA  |  Age: 6 Years  |  Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery (formerly MGP)

Production & Heritage

Ross & Squibb Distillery — better known to many enthusiasts by its former name, MGP — has operated in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, since 1847, making it one of the oldest continuously operating distillery sites in the United States. The facility is renowned for producing a wide portfolio of bourbon and rye whiskey mashbills, many of which have appeared under various sourced whiskey labels. The Highest Rye expression pushes the rye component to 39%, paired with 10% malted rye, delivering a grain profile that straddles the line between bourbon and rye whiskey. Aged a full six years in new charred oak barrels and bottled at barrel proof strength of 109 proof, this release foregoes chill filtration dilution typically used to bring spirits down to standard 80–90 proof ranges, preserving the full intensity of the barrel character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with rich fruit syrup and a slight maple sweetness before revealing deeper layers of caramel, vanilla, and barrel char. Secondary notes of mint, cinnamon, fig, almond, and saddle leather emerge with time in the glass, creating a complex and inviting bouquet.

Taste: The entry is immediately robust, leading with candied fruit and caramel that coat the palate. At mid-palate, sweet cream and honey develop alongside vibrant rye-driven heat, while oak, mint, and cinnamon build toward a full-bodied peak. The 109-proof strength delivers density without harshness, though a splash of water opens up additional vanilla sweetness.

Finish: The finish is long and layered, anchored by spicy cinnamon, subtle nutmeg, and lingering dried fruit. Saddle leather and oak tannins persist well after the sip, leaving a warm, peppery trail that underscores the rye-heavy grain bill.

How to Drink Highest Rye

At 109 proof, this bourbon rewards neat sipping in a Glencairn or rocks glass — a few drops of water help unlock the fruit and cream notes hiding beneath the rye spice. Its bold proof and high rye character also make it an excellent cocktail backbone. A Manhattan benefits from the natural spice and leather tones, which stand up to sweet vermouth without getting buried. A Boulevardier gains depth from the candied fruit and cinnamon profile, adding warmth against the Campari's bitterness. An Old Fashioned built with this bourbon requires minimal sweetener, as the inherent caramel and maple notes carry the drink with little assistance.

Best For

• Rye whiskey fans exploring bourbon with maximum rye influence
• Barrel-proof enthusiasts seeking a 6-year expression with full-bodied intensity
• Cocktail nerds building spice-forward Manhattans and Old Fashioneds
• Gifting someone who appreciates MGP-sourced whiskey with a distinctive mashbill

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Highest Rye taste like? It delivers bold candied fruit, caramel, and honey upfront, followed by aggressive rye spice — cinnamon, mint, and cracked pepper — with a long finish of saddle leather and oak. The 109-proof strength amplifies every flavor without tipping into harsh territory.

How does Highest Rye compare to Smooth Ambler Old Scout? Both are sourced from the same Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery (Ross & Squibb/MGP), making them natural comparison points for high-rye bourbon drinkers. Highest Rye pushes the rye content higher at 39% and carries a stated 6-year age and 109-proof bottling strength, while Old Scout expressions vary in age and proof depending on the batch.

Is Highest Rye good for sipping neat? Yes — the 6 years of aging provide enough oak integration and complexity to reward neat drinking, though a few drops of water tame the 109-proof heat and reveal additional sweetness and fruit character.

Where is Highest Rye made? It is distilled at Ross & Squibb Distillery (formerly known as MGP) in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the most prolific bourbon and rye distilleries in the United States, operating on the same site since 1847.

What foods pair well with Highest Rye? Smoked brisket complements the leather and oak tones. Dark chocolate truffles mirror the caramel and fig sweetness. Aged cheddar or Gruyère matches the bourbon's intensity without being overwhelmed. Pecan pie echoes the nutty, sweet barrel notes. Charcuterie with spiced salami aligns with the rye-driven cinnamon and pepper.

What sizes does Highest Rye come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Highest Rye worth the price? Highest Rye positions within the mid-premium tier for American bourbon — its 6-year age statement, barrel-proof strength, and distinctive 39% rye mashbill deliver a level of specificity and intensity that justifies the step up from entry-level offerings in the George Remus lineup.

Why Highest Rye?

The 39% rye mashbill is not marketing shorthand — it represents the practical maximum rye content a bourbon can carry while still meeting the legal requirement of at least 51% corn. That distinction produces a whiskey that genuinely tastes different from standard high-rye bourbons hovering around 20–25% rye content. Six years in new charred oak at Ross & Squibb's Lawrenceburg facility adds mature structure without over-oaking, and the 109-proof bottling preserves the barrel's full contribution. For drinkers who want the spice and complexity of rye whiskey with the corn-driven sweetness and body of bourbon, this expression occupies a narrow and rewarding middle ground that few competitors match as directly.