In the heart of Indiana, where cornfields stretch under wide skies and the art of distillation runs deep, Ross & Squibb Distillery has just unveiled something special for bourbon lovers who appreciate a touch of history mixed with their pour. The Remus Gatsby Reserve 2025 Edition hits shelves as a limited-run tribute to F. Scott Fitzgerald's timeless tale, The Great Gatsby. This isn't just another bottle on the shelf—it's a carefully crafted blend that pulls you back to the roaring twenties, all while delivering the bold flavors that come from years of patient aging.
Master Distiller Ian Stirsman, along with his skilled team at the distillery, hand-picked the barrels for this release. They married together straight bourbon whiskey that's been resting for a full 15 years. The mash bill breaks down simply: 75% corn for that sweet backbone, 21% rye to add a spicy kick, and 4% barley malt to round things out. No shortcuts here—the whiskey goes into the bottle at cask strength, clocking in at 102.8 proof, which works out to 51.4% alcohol by volume. That means it's uncut and unfiltered, packing the full punch straight from the barrel.
What really sets this edition apart is the packaging. The bottle draws straight from Art Deco style, echoing the glamour and excess of Gatsby's era. Picture sleek lines, geometric patterns, and a design that looks like it could sit on a speakeasy bar back in 1925. It's the kind of presentation that makes you want to display it proudly, maybe on a home bar cart next to a well-worn copy of the novel or some vintage glassware.
Now, let's talk about the whiskey itself—the part that matters most when you crack it open on a quiet evening. On the nose, it greets you with aromas of “cherry, vanilla, and creamy oak.” That cherry note hints at the fruitiness from the corn, while the vanilla and oak come from all those years interacting with the charred barrels. Take a sip, and the palate unfolds with flavors of “cherry, raisin, and molasses, with a touch of pipe tobacco and Armagnac.” The raisin brings a dried fruit depth, molasses adds a rich sweetness, and that pipe tobacco whisper gives it a sophisticated, almost contemplative edge. The Armagnac touch? It's like a nod to fine French brandies, adding complexity without overpowering the bourbon's American roots.
The finish lingers, leaving behind “lingering notes of rich toasted oak and cherry.” It's warm, satisfying, and the kind of close that invites another pour. At 102.8 proof, it has enough heat to stand up in a Glencairn glass neat, but it also holds its own with a splash of water or over a big ice cube if that's your style. Pair it with a hearty steak dinner, a cigar on the porch, or just some reflection after a long day—the versatility shines through.
This 2025 edition builds on the legacy of previous Remus releases, but it stands tall on its own merits. Ross & Squibb, with roots tracing back to the MGP ingredients powerhouse, knows how to honor the past while pushing boundaries. Naming it after Gatsby isn't random; the novel captures ambition, luxury, and the American pursuit of something greater. Here, that translates to a bourbon that's rare and coveted, much like Jay Gatsby's lavish parties.
Availability is the catch—it's out now but in highly limited quantities. That means if you're eyeing a bottle, don't wait around. The suggested retail price sits at $199.99 for a 750 mL bottle, which reflects the 15-year age, the cask strength bottling, and the premium craftsmanship. For collectors building a shelf of standout whiskeys, or enthusiasts who chase unique stories in every dram, this fits the bill perfectly. It's not an everyday sipper, but that's the point—special occasions deserve something this thoughtful.
Think about how it fits into a broader collection. If you've got Remus Repeal Reserves from past years, this slots in as a jazzy counterpart, emphasizing the literary tie-in. The high rye in the mash bill gives it more spice than your average bourbon, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of bite alongside sweetness. And at 15 years, the oak influence is pronounced but balanced—not overpowered like some older expressions can be.
Distilleries like Ross & Squibb keep the tradition alive in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the operation hums with modern precision backed by old-school know-how. Ian Stirsman didn't just throw barrels together; he selected them for harmony, ensuring the final blend tells a cohesive story. In a market flooded with celebrity labels and quick-turn releases, this one feels authentic, rooted in whiskey-making heritage.
For anyone who's read The Great Gatsby—or even seen the movies—this bourbon evokes those green lights across the water, the endless parties, the fleeting nature of excess. But it's grounded in reality: real corn from Midwestern fields, real rye for character, real time in the rickhouse. The Art Deco bottle isn't gimmicky; it's a visual cue to slow down and savor.
If you're planning a tasting with buddies, pour this alongside some classic bourbons for comparison. Note how the cherry persists from nose to finish, tying everything together. Or gift it to someone who appreciates the finer things—a father, a mentor, a fellow hobbyist chasing the next great find. At under $200, it's an investment in experience, not just liquid.
Ross & Squibb has nailed the balance of nostalgia and innovation with Remus Gatsby Reserve 2025 Edition. It's a reminder that great bourbon, like great literature, stands the test of time. Grab one while you can, pour a measure, and let the flavors transport you. In a world rushing forward, this is a sip of the past worth lingering over. Whether you're new to high-end bourbon or a seasoned collector, it demands attention and delivers rewards. The limited nature only adds to the allure—once it's gone, it's another chapter closed, waiting for the next release to turn the page.
