Remus Highest Rye Bourbon – Breaking the Boundaries of Bold Bourbon

Updated → September 2025

At 49% rye content, Remus Highest Rye Bourbon pushes bourbon's legal limits with the maximum possible rye grain while maintaining its bourbon classification. This 6-year-aged, 109-proof powerhouse delivers an intense spice-forward profile that challenges traditional bourbon expectations.

The Mathematical Marvel Behind Maximum Rye

When you examine Remus Highest Rye Bourbon, you're looking at a mathematical boundary pusher in the bourbon world. Federal regulations mandate that bourbon must contain at least 51% corn in its mashbill. This leaves exactly 49% for other grains, and Remus maximizes every percentage point with rye. The mashbill consists of 51% corn, 39% traditional rye, and 10% malted rye, creating what industry experts call a "barely legal bourbon" – just two percentage points away from being classified as rye whiskey instead.

This precise formulation represents years of experimentation at MGP's Lawrenceburg facility, where master distillers pushed the boundaries of what bourbon could be. The inclusion of both traditional and malted rye creates layers of complexity that standard high-rye bourbons simply cannot achieve. The malted rye contributes enzymatic properties that aid fermentation while adding subtle chocolate and bread-like notes that complement the spicier traditional rye grain.

Prohibition Heritage Meets Modern Innovation

The story of Remus Highest Rye Bourbon begins with George Remus himself, the legendary "King of the Bootleggers" who operated during Prohibition. Remus was a pharmacist-turned-lawyer who exploited legal loopholes in the Volstead Act to build a bourbon empire. His operation was so sophisticated that he controlled over 35% of all medicinal whiskey in America during the 1920s. Today's Remus brand pays homage to this larger-than-life figure while utilizing modern distilling techniques that would have amazed even the King himself.

The bourbon emerges from the historic Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a facility that traces its whiskey-making roots back to 1847. The distillery's location along the Ohio River provided ideal water sources and transportation routes that made it a whiskey powerhouse long before Prohibition. Modern equipment now fills these historic walls, but the commitment to quality that made Indiana whiskey famous during the Jazz Age remains unchanged.

Breaking Down the 51-39-10 Mashbill

Understanding the significance of this unique mashbill requires examining each component's contribution to the final product. The 51% corn provides the essential sweetness and body that defines bourbon character, offering notes of caramel, vanilla, and that distinctive corn sweetness bourbon lovers cherish. The 39% traditional rye grain introduces bold spice notes including black pepper, cinnamon, and mint, while contributing a distinctive grassy freshness that brightens the entire profile.

The 10% malted rye component deserves special attention as it represents a relatively uncommon choice in bourbon production. Unlike malted barley, which is more typically used, malted rye brings its own unique characteristics. The malting process converts starches into fermentable sugars while developing complex flavors reminiscent of dark bread, chocolate, and nuts. This creates a bridge between the sweetness of corn and the spiciness of traditional rye, resulting in a more integrated and sophisticated flavor profile.

Ross & Squibb Distillery's Indiana Legacy

The Ross & Squibb name honors two historic distilleries that shaped Lawrenceburg into "Whiskey City USA." George Ross founded the Rossville Distillery in 1847, establishing a reputation for exceptional rye whiskey that would endure for generations. The Squibb Distillery, founded in 1869, was later purchased by George Remus in 1921, becoming a cornerstone of his bootlegging empire. Today's facility, while modernized, continues this dual legacy of innovation and tradition.

MGP Ingredients, the parent company, has become one of the most influential yet understated forces in American whiskey. Their distillate appears in dozens of prestigious brands, though many consumers remain unaware of MGP's role. With Remus Highest Rye Bourbon, they're stepping into the spotlight with their own branded products that showcase their distilling expertise directly to consumers.

The Tasting Journey: From Sweet to Spice

Pour a glass of Remus Highest Rye Bourbon and you'll immediately notice its deep amber color with mahogany highlights, a visual testament to its six years of barrel aging. The nose opens with an intriguing balance of sweet and savory elements. Rich fruit syrup and maple sweetness greet you first, followed by vanilla and caramel notes that confirm its bourbon DNA. But then the rye influence emerges with mint, cinnamon, and a distinctive saddle leather quality that adds sophistication.

The palate delivers on the nose's promises while adding unexpected dimensions. The initial sweetness of candied fruit and caramel quickly gives way to an explosion of spice that builds across the tongue. Black pepper, cinnamon stick, and even hints of chili oil create a warming sensation that's both challenging and rewarding. Mid-palate brings surprising notes of cherry, apricot, and other stone fruits that provide relief from the spice assault. The finish lingers impressively, with oak tannins finally making their presence known alongside persistent cinnamon and nutmeg notes.

Why 109 Proof Makes Perfect Sense

The decision to bottle Remus Highest Rye Bourbon at 109 proof (54.5% ABV) represents careful consideration of flavor delivery and drinking experience. This proof point sits in the sweet spot between standard 90-proof bourbons and cask-strength monsters. It's high enough to carry the intense rye spice without dilution compromising the flavor integrity, yet approachable enough that experienced bourbon drinkers can enjoy it neat without overwhelming heat.

The elevated proof also makes this bourbon exceptionally versatile in cocktails. Classic whiskey cocktails like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds benefit from spirits that can stand up to dilution and mixing. At 109 proof, this bourbon maintains its character even when combined with vermouth, bitters, and ice. The intense rye spice cuts through sweet mixers while the higher alcohol content ensures the bourbon remains the star of any cocktail creation.

Comparing Against High-Rye Competition

In the crowded high-rye bourbon category, Remus Highest Rye Bourbon stands apart through its extreme formulation. Four Roses Single Barrel, with its 35% rye content, seems almost tame by comparison. Bulleit Bourbon's 28% rye mashbill, while spicy by traditional standards, pales next to Remus's 49% total rye content. Even Old Grand-Dad Bottled in Bond, long considered a benchmark for high-rye bourbon at 27% rye, operates in an entirely different flavor universe.

The closest competitors might be found among craft distilleries experimenting with extreme mashbills, but few match Remus's combination of age, proof, and price point. Many craft offerings with similar rye content retail for significantly more while offering less maturity. The six-year age statement on this bourbon provides complexity and oak influence that younger craft bourbons simply cannot match, regardless of their innovative mashbills.

Cocktail Applications for Maximum Impact

Professional bartenders have discovered that Remus Highest Rye Bourbon excels in cocktails that traditionally call for rye whiskey. The bourbon's extreme rye content allows it to substitute seamlessly while adding the sweetness and vanilla notes that pure rye lacks. A Manhattan made with this bourbon strikes an ideal balance between the spice-forward profile cocktail enthusiasts expect and the approachability that bourbon brings. The result satisfies both bourbon and rye devotees.

Contemporary cocktail creations also benefit from this bourbon's unique profile. The intense spice pairs beautifully with autumn flavors like apple cider, maple syrup, and warming spices. Summer cocktails featuring stone fruits echo the bourbon's own fruit notes while the high proof ensures the whiskey character survives muddling with fresh herbs like mint or basil. Even simple preparations like a Whiskey Sour gain complexity from the interplay between citrus acidity and rye spice.

Neat Sipping Considerations and Techniques

Approaching Remus Highest Rye Bourbon neat requires respect for its intensity. Initial sips might overwhelm unprepared palates with the combination of high proof and extreme rye spice. Allowing the bourbon to rest in the glass for five to ten minutes helps volatile compounds dissipate, revealing more subtle flavors beneath the initial heat. Some enthusiasts add a few drops of water to open up the bourbon, though purists argue this diminishes the intended intensity.

The ideal serving temperature sits slightly below room temperature, around 60-65°F, where the bourbon's viscosity increases slightly and the flavors integrate more harmoniously. Using a Glencairn glass or similar tulip-shaped vessel concentrates the aromas while the narrow opening moderates the alcohol's impact on the nose. Small sips allow the bourbon to coat the palate gradually, revealing layers of flavor that aggressive drinking would miss entirely.

Strategic Food Pairings for Spice Balance

The intense profile of Remus Highest Rye Bourbon demands thoughtful food pairings that can match its intensity. Smoked meats, particularly brisket or pulled pork, provide sufficient richness and flavor to stand alongside the bourbon's spice. The sweetness in barbecue sauces echoes the bourbon's corn-derived sugars while smoke complements the char notes from barrel aging. Aged cheeses, especially sharp cheddars or blue cheeses, create interesting contrasts with their umami-rich profiles.

Dark chocolate desserts represent perhaps the most successful sweet pairing, as cocoa's natural bitterness harmonizes with rye spice while chocolate's richness matches the bourbon's weight. Pecan pie or bread pudding with bourbon sauce create complementary flavor echoes. Surprisingly, spicy foods work well too – the bourbon's own heat seems to moderate when paired with dishes featuring black pepper, chili, or other warming spices.

The Collector's Perspective on Remus

Whiskey collectors view Remus Highest Rye Bourbon as an important milestone in MGP's evolution from behind-the-scenes supplier to consumer-facing brand. The bourbon represents a statement of capability, showcasing what the distillery can achieve when pushing boundaries. While not necessarily a bottle that will appreciate dramatically in value, it earns shelf space as an exemplar of extreme mashbill experimentation done right.

The regular availability of this expression, unlike limited releases that frustrate collectors, makes it an excellent benchmark bourbon for comparing other high-rye offerings. Serious enthusiasts often keep multiple bottles – one for regular drinking, another for cocktail experimentation, and perhaps a third held in reserve for introducing curious friends to the outer limits of bourbon's legal definition. The distinctive bottle design and labeling also make it an attractive display piece in any bourbon collection.

Price-to-Performance Analysis

At a suggested retail price around $55, Remus Highest Rye Bourbon occupies an interesting position in the bourbon market. It costs more than standard shelf bourbons but significantly less than allocated or limited releases. The six-year age statement, 109 proof, and unique mashbill justify the premium over younger, lower-proof alternatives. When compared to craft distillery offerings with similar specifications often priced at $70-100, Remus represents exceptional value.

The bourbon's versatility adds to its value proposition. Unlike ultra-premium bottles reserved for special occasions, this bourbon works equally well neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. This flexibility means a single bottle can serve multiple purposes, eliminating the need to stock different bourbons for different applications. For bourbon enthusiasts looking to explore extreme rye content without breaking the bank, this bottle delivers an authentic experience at a reasonable price point.

Optimal Serving Suggestions

Maximizing enjoyment of Remus Highest Rye Bourbon requires matching serving method to occasion and preference. For contemplative sipping, serve neat in a proper tasting glass at cellar temperature. Allow time for the bourbon to open up, revealing layers beyond the initial spice blast. For casual drinking, a large ice cube or sphere provides gradual dilution that tames the heat while maintaining flavor integrity longer than crushed ice would.

In cocktails, this bourbon shines brightest in spirit-forward recipes where its unique character remains prominent. A Perfect Manhattan, using equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, showcases the bourbon's versatility. An Old Fashioned with demerara syrup and black walnut bitters amplifies the bourbon's darker flavor notes. For summer occasions, a Bourbon Smash with fresh mint and lemon provides refreshing contrast to the intense spice while maintaining the whiskey's presence.

Availability and Seasonality Factors

Unlike many limited releases that create artificial scarcity, Remus Highest Rye Bourbon maintains year-round availability as part of the permanent Remus portfolio. This consistent availability removes the pressure of hunting or hoarding, allowing consumers to purchase bottles as needed. However, distribution varies by state and retailer, with some markets receiving more consistent allocations than others.

Seasonal demand patterns affect availability, with increased interest during fall and winter months when consumers gravitate toward higher-proof, spicier spirits. Smart shoppers stock up during summer months when demand typically decreases. The bourbon's profile makes it particularly appealing during colder months, leading some retailers to feature it prominently in autumn displays alongside apple ciders and seasonal cocktail ingredients.

Final Verdict and Purchase Guidance

For bourbon enthusiasts seeking to explore the extreme edges of what legally constitutes bourbon, Remus Highest Rye Bourbon delivers an essential experience. This isn't a beginner's bourbon – the combination of maximum rye content and elevated proof demands respect and experience. However, for those ready to embrace intensity, this bottle offers exceptional value and versatility that justifies its place in any serious bourbon collection.

The bourbon succeeds most when viewed not as a daily sipper but as a statement piece that demonstrates bourbon's flexibility within its legal constraints. Whether used to spice up classic cocktails, challenge experienced palates, or simply satisfy curiosity about extreme mashbills, this bottle delivers on its promises. At around $55, it represents a relatively affordable way to experience the cutting edge of bourbon innovation while honoring the bootlegging heritage that made American whiskey legendary.