Thomas Jefferson once said, “I hold to it, that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical.” This quote reflects the true nature of Thomas Jefferson, known for his curiosity and experimental spirit. Today, living on in his name, Jefferson’s Bourbon is a symbol for an experimental spirit. Of course, there are many different Jefferson’s bourbons but today, let’s talk about the Jefferson’s Ridiculously Small Batch. 

Jefferson’s Small Batch is a combination of up to four different Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys of different ages. By combining these different whiskeys, Jefferson’s achieves a complexity and balance while maintaining the consistency needed in a bourbon. They say that this Bourbon is perfect for both the connoisseur and someone who is just looking to get into whiskey. Jefferson’s goal is to create uncommon bourbon and they’ve succeeded. They are constantly seeking out new and aged barrels of bourbon from established distilleries that have already perfected their art for over hundreds of years.

Jefferson’s Small Batch is aged in a new charred oak cask and bottled at ABV 41.15%. It is light caramel in color and grainy yet fruity to the nose. It has a medium, full-bodied, slightly hot palate with a bit of sugar cane, but not as much sweetness as you’d think according to the aroma. It is sure to last a while in the finish with some bitterness, oak tannin, and charcoal that fades away with a bit of sweet and honey. Overall, this is simply a pleasant whiskey that looks good on the shelf.

We are excited about our new Jefferson’s barrels and will be premiering these barrels on August 26, 2017. This is a “no frills” whiskey that can pleasantly be drunk while hanging out, watching TV or reading a book. Stop by for a taste or reserve your bottle today, that is if you’re a curious soul like good ol’ Thomas Jefferson. Cheers!

If you are one who likes to “think about your drink”, are a spirit enthusiast, or just have an interest in the history of America, at one point or another you will be reading about bourbon. Once you start reading into the history of bourbon (its birth, near death, and revitalization), you will no-doubt hear the name, George Remus.

George Remus, who was given the title of “King of the Bootleggers”, was actually born in Germany before his family moved to Chicago when he was just a child. George followed his father’s footstep and became a pharmacist at the young age of 19, but left the trade in his mid-twenties to become a lawyer, focusing in criminal defense. With the passing of the 18th Amendment and the start of prohibition, George saw many of his criminal clientele grow, and become very rich making and selling bourbon. By using his background as a pharmacist, and his knowledge as a lawyer, George found loopholes in the law to make and sell bonded bourbon for “medicinal purposes” legally, but also organized to have his own product “stolen” by (his own) hijackers, where he then sold his product illegally. George soon moved to the Cincinnati area, where distilleries were plentiful and purchased several to help make his personal secret recipe, and to continue to grow his trade.  George grew a 40 million dollar empire where he was known for throwing some of the most extravagant parties people had ever seen.  Many believe that it is George Remus that inspired the character Jay Gatsby in the iconic F. Scott Fitzgerald book “The Great Gatsby”.

This bourbon is a 4 yr. old MGP release, their 2nd release under their own branding (last years Metze’s select was their first, a fantastic rye if you can find it), so you know it will be good. It is a 94 proof high-rye blend used to recreate the flavor profile of the iconic George Remus brands of days past.

Nose:  Fruit (orange and cherry) with soft rye spice hit up front. Following is a mix of sweetened wood, containing hints of maple and vanilla that present but don’t overtake.

Taste:  The sweet vanilla-maple notes from the nose quickly find the front of the tongue, before fading into more of a sweet corn as it walks the tongue towards the mid-pallet. This is where the rye spice grows, but never takes over as rye spice sometimes tends to do (possibly by the vanilla notes that never went away). Arriving late to the party are some subtle hints of chard caramel and notes of pepper, that starts sliding back down towards the front third of the tongue a bit, not so much to the back as in most bourbons, making this one a bit unique.

Finish:  A medium finish leaves you a bit unsure if you just enjoyed a sweet rye, or a spicy bourbon, but truth be told, you just enjoyed the best of both. There are some high-priced limited releases that are known for this complex mix of profiles, but are twice the price and in a side-by-side would not distinguish itself from this bourbon at half the cost.

Truth be told I think I would enjoy this bourbon even more then I already do if the proof were just a bit higher (100 proof would be a sweet spot IMO), but that said this is absolutely worth a purchase! I tend to lean towards a high proof, high rye kick to my bourbons, and this gives me just enough of both to keep me interested, yet still provides me a fun sweetness that keeps it in play as an option when I want something a bit softer. If you are into cocktails, I could see this working fantastically in a Old Fashion, so keep this in mind if cocktails is your jam.

Contact us today to reserve your bottle of George Remus Bourbon. Cheers!