Remus Experimental Series No. 2 Wheat Whiskey Unveiled
Ross & Squibb Distillery has unveiled Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 2, marking the Indiana heritage brand's inaugural venture into wheat whiskey. Distilled in 2017 and bottled at 113 proof, this limited release represents Master Distiller Ian Stirsman's continued exploration of the distillery's time-honored grain inventory, finished in a quartet of fortified wine casks including Tawny Port, White Port, Oloroso Sherry, and Ruby Port. The expression advances the brand's annual experimental program, which earned gold honors at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its debut installment.
Provenance and Production Details
This wheat whiskey draws upon Ross & Squibb Distillery's LKSV mashbill, comprising 95% wheat—a departure from the high-rye bourbon formulations that have long defined the Lawrenceburg distilling tradition. The spirit rested for nearly nine years before undergoing its fortified wine cask finishing regimen. Bottled at 113 proof (56.5% ABV), the whiskey arrives in 700ml format with nationwide distribution at a suggested retail price of $69.99. Quantities remain deliberately limited, befitting the experimental nature of the program. The Lawrenceburg facility continues to draw water from the Great Miami Aquifer, whose naturally limestone-filtered character has shaped the region's whiskey heritage for generations.
The Distillery's Craft Philosophy
Master Distiller Ian Stirsman conceived the Experimental Series as an annual platform for exploring unconventional grain varieties and barrel treatments beyond the distillery's established portfolio. The program grants the distilling team latitude to investigate heirloom grains and finishing techniques that fall outside traditional bourbon parameters. This second release follows the inaugural expression's gold medal performance, validating the approach of marrying technical precision with creative latitude. The wheat whiskey represents the first time Stirsman has deployed the 95% wheat mashbill within the Remus lineage, a brand historically defined by its high-rye bourbon character. The fortified wine cask finishing—employing both tawny and ruby port alongside oloroso sherry and white port—demonstrates the distillery's commitment to layered complexity achieved through carefully orchestrated wood influence.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Dark chocolate and almond praline
- Palate: Chocolate, malty sweetness, subtle earthiness
- Finish: Lingering warmth with chocolate and malt transitioning to gentle nuttiness
Historical Context and Legacy
The Remus brand carries forward the legacy of George Remus, the Prohibition-era figure known as the "King of the Bootleggers," whose operations were centered in the Cincinnati region adjacent to Lawrenceburg. Ross & Squibb Distillery itself stands as one of Indiana's most storied whiskey-making facilities, now operating under the MGP Ingredients portfolio following the 2021 acquisition of Luxco. Lawrenceburg's distilling heritage rivals Kentucky's bourbon corridor, particularly in the production of rye whiskey and high-rye bourbon expressions. The town's position along the Great Miami River provided both transportation access and the limestone-rich water that remains central to the distillery's character. This wheat whiskey release acknowledges that tradition while expanding the technical vocabulary of the distillery's capabilities, demonstrating that innovation and heritage need not stand in opposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Remus Experimental Series No. 2 different from traditional Remus bourbon?
This release represents Remus's first wheat whiskey, employing a 95% wheat mashbill rather than the high-rye bourbon formulations that define the brand's core range. The spirit underwent finishing in four different fortified wine casks—Tawny Port, White Port, Oloroso Sherry, and Ruby Port—creating a flavor profile distinct from conventional bourbon. Distilled in 2017 and bottled at 113 proof, it showcases the distillery's capacity for experimentation beyond its established bourbon heritage.
Where is Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series produced?
The whiskey is crafted at Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, under the direction of Master Distiller Ian Stirsman. The facility operates as part of the MGP Ingredients portfolio and draws water from the Great Miami Aquifer, whose naturally limestone-filtered character has shaped the region's whiskey-making tradition for over a century. Lawrenceburg holds a distinguished position in American whiskey history, particularly for rye whiskey and high-rye bourbon production.
How much does Remus Experimental Series No. 2 cost and where can I find it?
The suggested retail price stands at $69.99 for a 700ml bottle. Availability is limited nationwide, reflecting the experimental and small-batch nature of the annual series. Interested collectors should contact specialty spirits retailers or visit the Remus Bourbon website for distributor information in their region, as allocation will vary by market.
What is the proof and age of this wheat whiskey?
Remus Experimental Series No. 2 is bottled at 113 proof (56.5% alcohol by volume). The whiskey was distilled in 2017, indicating approximately eight to nine years of maturation before the fortified wine cask finishing process and bottling. This extended aging period contributes to the depth and complexity of the final expression.
Will there be future releases in the Remus Experimental Series?
The Experimental Series is designed as an annual limited-edition program, with each installment exploring different grains, barrel treatments, or finishing techniques. Master Distiller Ian Stirsman conceived the series as an ongoing platform for creative exploration beyond the brand's core bourbon offerings. Collectors can anticipate subsequent releases that continue to push the boundaries of the distillery's traditional portfolio, though specific details about future expressions remain undisclosed.