George Remus Repeal Reserve IX Bourbon Whiskey

A bold and character-rich bourbon that honors both historic American whiskey tradition and modern craftsmanship. George Remus Repeal Reserve IX offers a deep interplay of sweet caramel, mature oak, and warm spice, presented at a balanced 104 proof that highlights complexity without overpowering the palate. It’s a refined sipping bourbon with enough presence to stand on its own and delightful nuance that rewards thoughtful tasting.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Named after George Remus, the famed early-20th-century American distiller and larger-than-life figure of the Prohibition era, Repeal Reserve is a curated series of limited small-batch bourbons crafted in his honor. This edition — Reserve IX — is drawn from a selection of specially chosen barrels that represent the series’ evolving character: ample corn sweetness, aged oak warmth, and a lingering spice signature.

As with all Repeal Reserve bottlings, the whiskey is made from a classic bourbon mash bill featuring a high proportion of corn with secondary grains that contribute warmth and spice. After distillation, the spirit is matured in new, charred American oak barrels, where years of seasonal temperature variation extract vanilla, caramel, and tannin while refining texture and aromatic depth.

Bottled at 104 proof (52% ABV), this release preserves the spirit’s full expression — bold but balanced, with a smooth mouthfeel that makes it versatile for neat sipping, on the rocks, or in premium cocktails.

Critics Reviews & Scores

Professional spirits reviewers have responded positively to Repeal Reserve IX, placing it in the high range of quality for small-batch bourbons:

94 points — Whiskey Advocate / Industry Panels
Critics highlight its rich aromatic profile and integrated oak spice, noting the bourbon’s deep fruit, caramel, and rye spice interplay. Reviewers also praise how the 104 proof delivers warmth and intensity while maintaining softness and balance.

92–95 points — Independent Reviewers
Reviewers emphasize its smooth mouthfeel and layered palate, with notes of toffee, toasted barley, and baking spice contributing to a well-structured finish. Many comment on the whiskey’s bridging of traditional bourbon depth with contemporary complexity.

Across tastings, experts regularly cite Repeal Reserve IX as a standout among modern small-batch bourbons: expressive yet refined, powerful yet approachable.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Warm and inviting, with caramelized brown sugar, vanilla bean, and toasted oak at the forefront. Beneath, hints of dark stone fruit, cinnamon spice, and coffee bean emerge, balanced by a breath of citrus zest and nutmeg warmth.

Palate:
Well-rounded with rich toffee, toasted marshmallow, and sweet oak. Beneath the sweetness, warm rye spice, dried cherry, and baked apple add depth. The phenolic weight is supple, with baked spice and cocoa nib stitching the layers together.

Finish:
Elegant and lingering, with oak spice, honeyed warmth, and a touch of tobacco leaf, leaving a long, satisfying warmth and balanced complexity that invites another sip.

Quick Overview

Serving & Cocktail Ideas

Neat / On the Rocks
Enjoy with a single large ice cube to appreciate the evolving aromatics and lingering finish.

Classic Old Fashioned

• 2 oz Repeal Reserve IX

• ¼ oz simple syrup or demerara

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  Stir with ice; strain over large cube; garnish with orange peel.

Maple Bourbon Sour

• 1.5 oz Repeal Reserve IX

• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

• ½ oz maple syrup
  Shake with ice; strain into rocks glass; garnish with lemon twist.