George Remus Picking Process

 

George Remus Picking Process

Had a chance to participate in a Remus single barrel pick for a local group called Subourbon Dads Ultimately, none of these were picked up by the group for fears that these picks tend to stick around for a while and I’m inclined to agree. That being said, these were awesome examples of bourbon whiskey.

Subourbon dads is an awesome group to be a part of and if you’re a dad, I recommend you join us.

Here are my thoughts on these barrels:

Scoring: 5 scores per sample(1-10). A 5 in any category automatically disqualifies the pick. 10 is as good as I can hope for given the brand and price. The nose has two scores. One initial impression (initial score) second is more thoughtful and after actual reflection.

IS = Initial score based on nose

NS = Nose score

PS = Palate score

FS = Finish score

Unique = unique score

R1

Nose: IS: 9

Dense with darker flavors of molasses and dry fruit connections. Red Apple skins, candied tangelo rind, and mangoes lead to a light ethanol burn further down in the glass. Underneath all that you find herbal notes. Predominately wintergreen.

NS: 9

Palate:

Delightful baked goods and industrial adhesive or spray paint.

PS: 8

Finish:

Almost peaty. Unexpectedly Smokey or savory flavor. The herbal notes come through very nicely and some sort of berries lurk underneath. At the trail end, over the crazy circus leaves, you are left hanging out with fried mangoes.

FS: 9

Unique: 10

Total: 45/50

R2: 

Nose: IS 6

This one hits hard with cornbread right of the bat. It smells like it may have oxidized a little. Very unique. Light cinnamon piecrust, cherry Coke, and bananas hug the cornbread core of it. It doesn't hide its youth but it grows on you.

NS: 8

Palate: 

Sweet banana cornbread

PS: 7

Finish:

Oh man that's good! It like gave me a hug on its way out. Piecrust came through first; followed by banana. Lasts a good while and treats you to some honeydew at the end. Not dry at all. Not much oakiness.

FS: 10

Unique: 9

Total: 40/50

R3:

Nose: IS: 7

Delicate nose that begs a second whiff. Have to get pretty close to the glass for it to kick in but a lot happens in that small radius. The very top is strawberry hard candy. Side to side in the middle reveals apples, pears, and cantaloupe. Deeper still you get toasted berry pie lattice and as well as rose petals, jasmine, and mint.

NS: 9

Palate:

Cantaloupe, bubble gum, and apples. Medium body and coats well.

PS: 8

Finish:

Starts with industrial flavors and quickly dissolves into dry tannins. Char, oak, ash, and tobacco. Very mellow fruit shines through. It's a little tropical but muted. Like dragon fruit tends to be.

FS:7

Unique: 8

Total: 39/50

That was a fun tasting.

On a side note, do yourself a favor and search George Remus' life. It is a wild story.