Two new Remus whiskey's to be released in November

I’ve had a lifetime fascination with bootleggers.

I think it dates back to college, whereas a bartender in Tucson, Arizona, I met and served Bill Bonanno, son of the Bonnano crime family patriarch. That was around the same time I got fascinated by the stories of Jewish gangsters, Arnold Rothstein and Meyer Lansky. Lansky’s legend began in the world of bootlegging, something I found utterly fascinating.

Dare I say, I have a soft spot for the bootleggers.

This is why I’m also fascinated by the whiskey’s being released under the brand that remembers one of the best in the business, George Remus, the legendary “King of the Bootleggers.” This November, the Remus portfolio will grow to two, with the release of Remus Volstead Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a one-time rare, reserve Bourbon, in November 2019.

The new release coincides with the 100th anniversary of the start of National Prohibition – under the Volstead Act – that enforced the 18th Amendment outlawing the production and distribution of alcoholic spirits in the U.S. First ratified on January 16, 1919, and enacted one year later, the 18th Amendment ended in 1933, earning historic status as the only constitutional amendment to be
entirely repealed.

“Prohibition launched an era of social change which created legends such as George Remus, King of the Bootleggers, and a speakeasy culture that persists to this day,” says Andrew Mansinne, Vice President of Brands, MGP Ingredients. “Remus Volstead Reserve is made from our finest 14-year aged reserves and has spent the same time in the barrel as this country spent under Prohibition. Like this singular historic era, our Volstead Reserve is one-of-a-kind.”

Bottled at 100-proof, Remus Volstead Reserve has rich aromas of dried candied fruit, caramelized pecans, oak, char, and tobacco.

Robust and rich oak flavors dominate the forward palate and body of this bourbon. Balanced cherry and caramel touches complement the oak in the body, and intensify in the bourbon’s finish. Pleasant notes of
leather and spice round out the finish, and oak and barrel char notes linger until the next sip.

Available as of November 2019, Remus Volstead Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey may not be on everyone’s bar, as it retails for a suggested $199.99 per 750-ml bottle. The packaging is designed for collectors with a high-end glass bottle and a commemorative box.

No more than 500 9-liter cases will be available for markets where George Remus Bourbon is currently sold.

Also… a second November Remus release is in play. Remus Repeal Series I was first released on November 13, 2017, followed by Series II in 2018. Remus Repeal Reserve Series III will release on November 13, 2019, with a full release by December 5, the anniversary of Prohibition
Repeal Day.

This is an annual, limited-edition release made from MGP’s select reserves including a medley of two mash bills from the 2007/2008 vintages: 12%, 2007 Bourbon (21% Rye); 78%, 2008 Bourbon (21% Rye); and 10%, 2008 Bourbon (36% Rye).

Flavor profile: maple with caramel, candied fruit, chocolate, baking spice, smoke and leather with a harmonious palate of caramelized brown spice and a hint of rye on the finish. A very complex medley.