Remus Repeal Reserve Series III (2019 Medley)

Solid compliments of Hanish

Even though it was released back in the Fall of 2019, it took me quite a while to find this in my area; quite a few stores still have Series II in stock (which I really liked). The blend changed a bit for this release, with substantially less high-rye bourbon in the mix (only 10% of the blend). Nose -  Classic bourbon notes of caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Also getting some red apples, candied orange peel, black tea, and a hint of dark cherries. There's a little bit of the funky MGP oak note that I like, but it's subtle.  Palate - Mouthfeel was a bit thin. Caramel, oak, baking spices, vanilla lead. There's also an orange note I don't usually find in MGP. Not much in the way of rye spice. Finish is mostly the caramel/vanilla and a bit of cinnamon/nutmeg. It never really hits the back of the palate, just lingers briefly on the front/mid-palate before tapering off. All in all, it's pretty good; but also a bit of a disappointment for me simply because it doesn't live up to my memory of Series II. I'd say it's a softer/sweeter bourbon; more approachable maybe, but it doesn't really have the earthy/oaky notes that I look for in older MGP bourbon.

Taste: Neat, 2 oz. in glen cairn Nose: Black licorice (anise), figs, and vanilla. A very welcoming and decadent nose. Palate: There is a grapiness and sweetness. I get plenty of dark fruit notes, perhaps a black plum flavor coated in caramel. Love the palate. Some will say the sweetness is the flaw, for me it is very pleasing. Finish: longer and warming with a touch of nutmeg and baking spice at the end. The kind of warming that makes you content and not gasping for your lungs. A nice flush in the face feeling. Overall: I did not like #2. It didn't quite fit my profile and I refused to spend 79.99 when so much good cask strength MGP is around. #3 though was different to me. It was sweeter, buttery, coating, and soothing. Everything I like a bourbon to be. Reminded me of dusties. I slept on this one, and my liquorist had to do some arm twisting.....but very glad he did.