Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve - Review

Growing up a Yankee fan, I always had a deep appreciation for the legends that donned the pinstripes. From the Mick, to Roger Maris, to Yogi Berra, to Joey D, to Johnny Bench and all the way to the newer generational greats like Derick Jeter, Mariano Rivera and now Aaron Judge. But one always had a special place in my heart and my household, the Iron Horse himself, Lou Gehrig. It's only fitting that Remus followed up on their two award winning Babe Ruth releases with this monster of a blend honoring the Hall of Famer. I had to make the purchase.

And just like Gehrig's streak of 2,130 straight games played, the blend is quite exquisite. The amazing minds at MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana got this right. Led by Master Distiller, Ian Stirsman and the great talent that surrounds him, the following Straight Bourbon composite of 4 mash bills (honoring his retired number) was created as a limited release:

14% - 44% Rye distilled in 2016

70% - 49% Rye distilled in 2017

8% - 99% Corn distilled in 2019

8% - 36% Rye distilled in 2019

54.5% ABV / 109 Proof

Limited to 9,665 bottles - His total number of plate appearances.

My bottle is numbered 9,120 - the QR code on the bottle will allow you to see his stat line for that plate appearance. In this case, The Iron Horse went 0-fer...but not every game is a highlight reel.

The nose and palate start a journey of quintessential bourbon notes with extra layers of cream and the legendary MGP rye spice on the back end. This sets the tone for a finish that continues to linger and provide a warm embracing hug from sip to sip. I had to take some extra care while sipping not to get too excited and pour too much.

It was a pour - okay, who am I fooling? Pours - worthy enough to set down my new Meta Ray-Ban glasses and just take in everything about every sip. When someone like myself, who gets to try many new releases, finds himself stepping out of the batter's box and not having to dissect every flavor, every note and every grain, it's a major win and certainly a bottle worthy of its price tag at around $130 SRP.

Cheers to the awesome folks at Ross & Squibb Distillery for crafting more than just a bourbon, but a conversational piece that allows you to walk down memory lane and reminisce about yesteryear and America's favorite pastime.

Southern Star 7 Year Straight Bourbon Finished in Honey Barrels

2025 Southern Star Honey Cask Finished Bourbon

Southern Star Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels

Distilled, Aged, and Bottled by Southern Distilling Company, LLC — Statesville, North Carolina

Age: 7 Years

Proof: 108.3 (Cask Strength)

Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

SRP: $49.95 (375mL)

Overview

Southern Star’s latest cask strength release—a 7-year-old bourbon finished in honey barrels sourced from three different local beekeepers—is a testament to the creativity and terroir-driven approach of North Carolina whiskey-making. This bottle takes an already mature, rye-forward bourbon and layers it with a natural sweetness that complements, rather than overpowers, its bold Southern character.

Nose

The nose is instantly inviting and complex, evoking the rich warmth of baklava—toasted nuts drizzled in honey and spice. As it opens, notes of dried fig and vanilla bean rise from the glass, balancing sweetness with depth. There’s a subtle undertone of oak and rye spice that hints at the bourbon’s age and strength without overwhelming the senses. A few drops of water bring out a soft floral quality, a gentle reminder of the honey finish’s natural origin.

Palate

At 108.3 proof, the first sip is assertive yet elegant. Waves of savory honey glide across the palate, joined by sweet bread and a burst of baking spices galore—cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice taking turns in the spotlight. The high rye content delivers a peppery structure that contrasts beautifully with the honeyed sweetness, giving this whiskey an engaging push-and-pull dynamic. The mouthfeel is luxurious—coating, rich, and just shy of syrupy, yet never cloying.

Finish

The finish is where the whiskey truly shines. It lingers warm and viscous, offering a hearty NC hug that settles deep and slow. Notes of clove, honeycomb, and gentle oak remain long after the sip, evolving into a mellow sweetness that invites another pour. The honey influence is unmistakable but integrated—accentuating the bourbon’s natural character rather than masking it.

Final Thoughts

Southern Star’s Honey Barrel Finish strikes an exceptional balance between innovation and tradition. The combination of a mature, high-rye bourbon with local honey barrel finishing results in a spirit that’s both comforting and complex. It’s a whiskey that appeals equally to seasoned enthusiasts and adventurous newcomers—offering layered sweetness without sacrificing backbone.

At just under $50, this 7-year cask strength bourbon delivers remarkable value and craftsmanship. It’s the perfect pour for a cool evening—preferably neat, with time to unfold in the glass.

Penelope Estate Collection - Omega 11 Year Bourbon Review

Penelope Estate Collection – Omega

The 2025 Penelope Estate Collection - Omega

Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Finished in French Oak Barrels

Aged 11 Years | Non-Chill Filtered

Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

54.9% ABV (109.8 Proof)

Batch 25-1801

MSRP: $129.99

Distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky

Nose

The bouquet is deep, rich, and immediately decadent. Brown butter rises first, warm and nutty, followed by a wave of toffee sweetness. Vanilla wafers add a confectionary note that blends seamlessly with seasoned oak undertones. The French oak finishing enhances the nose with a subtle elegance, lending layers of toasted sweetness and refined wood influence. It’s a complex yet inviting aroma that promises richness without heaviness.

Palate

The first sip is silky and full-bodied, coating the tongue with layers of praline and toasted marshmallow. A ribbon of vanilla nougat carries through the mid-palate, lending both sweetness and creamy texture. The balance between the long oak maturation and the rye’s subtle spice creates depth and structure, never letting the bourbon lean too far into sweetness. There’s a harmonious marriage of confectionary richness with warm, toasty oak influence that speaks to the craftsmanship behind this release.

Finish

The finish is long, warm, and lingering, leaving behind a luxurious oily mouthfeel. Rye pepper spice emerges with confidence, accented by a subtle touch of clove that adds sophistication and complexity. The French oak imprint lingers gracefully, offering refined tannins and gentle warmth that carry well into the next sip.

Craftsmanship & French Oak Selection

One of the most remarkable elements of the Omega expression lies in the French oak finishing process. Each stave used in maturation was seasoned and matured for three years before being precision-selected using OakScan® technology. This meticulous approach ensures a consistent balance of sweetness, spice, and structure, highlighting how scientific precision and artisanal aging can work together to elevate a bourbon’s character.

Overall Impression

The Penelope Estate Collection Omega is an exceptional bourbon that showcases both patience and precision. Its 11 years in traditional aging combined with a refined French oak finish create a whiskey that’s simultaneously indulgent and balanced. From the brown-butter and toffee nose to the silky praline and marshmallow palate, and finally to the lingering spiced finish, every stage of the experience is carefully layered and deeply satisfying.

At $129.99, it positions itself as a premium offering, and it earns that distinction with its level of craft, presentation, and depth of flavor. Omega stands as a testament to Penelope’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, delivering a bourbon that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.

Thank you very much to the entire Penelope Team as well as BYRNE PR for getting this exquisite bottle to The Library for a sneak peak at another winner!