George Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon Series VIII 750ML

George Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon Series VIII 750ML is a limited-edition, non-chill-filtered bourbon blend aged 10 to 17 years, bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV). It stands as the oldest Repeal Reserve release to date, continuing a series that earned 98 points from Tasting Panel magazine (Series V) and Double Platinum at the 2023 ASCOT Awards (Series VI).

Quick Facts: ABV: 50.5% (101 proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA  |  Blend of 10- to 17-year-old bourbons  |  Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery

Production & Heritage

Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana — one of the largest bourbon-producing facilities in America, historically known as MGP — is the source of all three components in this blend. Series VIII combines a 17-year-old bourbon with a 21% rye mashbill (9% of the blend), a 10-year-old bourbon with a 21% rye mashbill (24%), and a 10-year-old bourbon with a higher 36% rye mashbill making up the dominant 67%. The distilling team blind-tasted the final blend at multiple proofs before settling on 101, and returned to non-chill filtration specifically to preserve viscosity and mouthfeel. The higher proportion of the 36% rye recipe marks a deliberate shift from previous releases, pushing the spice character further forward than earlier series entries.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Opens with ripe cherry and candied pecans, followed by a surprisingly racy wave of red pepper, baking spice, and mint. Deeper breathing reveals dried fruit with a pruny intensity and soft leather undertones.

Taste: The entry is rich with maple syrup sweetness and caramel, quickly met by dark cherry and fig on the mid-palate. As it develops, cinnamon and baking spice rise alongside vanilla, while the high-rye backbone drives a layered complexity that builds through each sip. The 101 proof carries substantial weight without overwhelming heat.

Finish: Long and warming, with vanilla and oak anchoring lingering baking spice. A subtle dryness from the extended aging keeps the finish from becoming overly sweet, leaving a clean, spice-driven close.

How to Drink Repeal Reserve Series VIII

This bourbon rewards neat drinking — the non-chill filtration retains oils and texture that unfold at room temperature, and a few drops of water can open up the dried fruit and mint notes further. At 101 proof, it also holds its own in spirit-forward cocktails.

• Old Fashioned: The cherry and maple notes harmonize naturally with bitters and a sugar cube, requiring minimal sweetener.
• Manhattan: The high-rye spice plays the role many reach for rye whiskey to fill, creating a structurally balanced cocktail with sweet vermouth.
• Boulevardier: The bourbon's vanilla and dried fruit stand up to Campari's bitterness without losing definition.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon collector who values age-stated, limited-edition releases
• Side-by-side tastings comparing Series VIII against earlier Repeal Reserve entries
• Celebratory pours marking a milestone — the oldest blend in the series suits the occasion
• High-rye bourbon enthusiasts exploring well-aged expressions at barrel-strength-adjacent proof

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Repeal Reserve VIII taste like? It delivers a rich profile of maple syrup, dark cherry, and fig, framed by cinnamon and baking spice from its high-rye mashbill. The finish is long with vanilla, oak, and warm spice.

How does Repeal Reserve VIII compare to Smoke Wagon? Both source bourbon from the same Lawrenceburg, Indiana facility (formerly known as MGP), but Series VIII leans into significantly older stock — 10 to 17 years — giving it deeper oak influence and dried fruit character than most Smoke Wagon expressions, which tend to use younger barrels.

Is Repeal Reserve VIII good for sipping neat? Yes — the non-chill filtration preserves a full-bodied mouthfeel, and the 101 proof delivers intensity without excessive burn, making it well-suited for neat drinking.

Where is Repeal Reserve VIII made? It is distilled and blended at Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a facility with deep roots in American whiskey production and one of Indiana's most prolific distilling operations.

What foods pair well with Repeal Reserve VIII? Pecan pie complements the candied nut and maple notes. Smoked brisket matches the oak and spice intensity. Dark chocolate truffles echo the dried fruit and vanilla. Aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness with savory depth. Cinnamon-dusted apple tart mirrors the baking spice and fruit character.

What sizes does Repeal Reserve VIII come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the primary format available for this limited-edition series.

Is Repeal Reserve VIII worth the price? It positions as a premium limited-edition bourbon, justified by the 10- to 17-year age range, non-chill filtration, and the meticulous blending process behind it. Within the context of well-aged Indiana bourbon, the price-to-age ratio represents strong value compared to single-barrel releases of similar maturity.

Why Repeal Reserve Series VIII?

The defining fact is age: this is the oldest Repeal Reserve blend ever assembled, anchored by a 17-year-old bourbon component that few American whiskey brands can access at scale. The decision to weight 67% of the blend toward the 36% rye mashbill gives Series VIII a spicier, more assertive personality than its predecessors, while non-chill filtration — reintroduced specifically for this release — preserves the textural richness those barrel years developed. Previous entries in the series have earned critical recognition including 98 points and Double Platinum medals, establishing the Repeal Reserve line as one of the more consistently awarded annual bourbon releases. Series VIII pushes the ceiling higher with its oldest and most rye-forward composition to date.