Mainland Rum Company - 10 Year Louisiana Single Barrel - Review

Mainland Rum Company 10 Year Single Barrel – Barrel Proof Rum Review

Distilled in Louisiana | 119 Proof (59.5% ABV) | Aged in Ex-Bourbon Casks | 234 Bottles | SRP: $80

The 10 Year Mainland Rum Louisiana Single Barrel Delivers!

Nose:

The aroma leaps from the glass with bold intensity, a rich medley of vanilla bean and toasted oak immediately setting the tone. A burst of tropical fruits—ripe mango, grilled pineapple, and papaya—follows quickly, layered with an unexpected but welcome note of citrus zest that brings brightness and complexity. The influence of the ex-bourbon cask is undeniable, lending a deep sweetness and familiarity without overshadowing the rum’s character.

Palate:

At barrel proof, this rum carries a warm but approachable intensity. The initial sip is fruit-forward and vibrant, showcasing juicy notes of passionfruit, banana, and candied citrus peel. As it unfolds, richer dessert-like flavors emerge—caramel brûlée, toffee, and a delicate drizzle of honey—bringing balance to the tropical brightness. Despite the proof, it drinks remarkably smooth, allowing the natural sweetness to shine without cloying.

Finish:

Long and luxurious, the finish glides in with warmth and gentle spice. Notes of brown sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla cream linger beautifully, carried by a subtle heat that softly fades rather than bites. There’s a satisfying echo of the ex-bourbon barrel here—woodsy and sweet, with a whisper of charred oak that invites another sip.

Verdict:

Mainland Rum Company’s 10 Year Single Barrel is a standout expression from Louisiana, showcasing what long aging in a quality ex-bourbon cask can do to well-distilled rum. With only 234 bottles released, this is not only a unique collector’s pour but also a flavor-packed gem at a very reasonable $80 price point. It hits a perfect balance of fruit, sweetness, and oak-driven depth—a bold, nuanced sipper that rewards the patient drinker with evolving layers and a memorable finish.

Remus Babe Ruth Reserve 2025 - Review

Remus Babe Ruth Reserve 2025 Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Review

Ross & Squibb Distillery | Limited Edition Bottle 881 of 8,399

111 Proof | 55.5% ABV | MSRP: $150

In honor of baseball’s most legendary slugger, Ross & Squibb Distillery knocks it out of the park with their 2025 Remus Babe Ruth Reserve—a commemorative straight bourbon that blends rich American tradition with serious whiskey craftsmanship. This limited release pays tribute to Babe Ruth’s 8,399 career plate appearances, and it’s every bit as powerful, memorable, and larger-than-life as The Bambino himself.

The Remus Babe Ruth 2025 Reserve

🥃 

The Blend

This bourbon is a medley of three high-rye mash bills:

• 73% from 2017 with 49% rye,

• 15% from 2016 with 44% rye, and

• 12% from 2017 with 36% rye.

That rye-heavy profile delivers a punchy backbone layered with complexity and heat, while the careful blending adds polish and finesse.

👃 

Nose

The nose opens sweet and aromatic, like walking into a bakery just as fresh vanilla frosting is being whipped. It’s soft and inviting, but don’t be fooled—beneath the sweetness lies a gentle earthiness of rue and baking spice, with a crisp apple note adding a fleeting brightness. The balance between sweet and spice sets the tone for what’s to come.

👄 

Palate

One sip and there’s no mistaking it: Bourbon. Full-bodied and bold, the palate is classic and rich—vanilla and caramel ride in first, carried on waves of toasted oak. Then comes the slugger’s swing: a beautiful rye spice punch that drives deep and lingers with purpose. This is a flavor profile that plays offense—layered, assertive, and confident.

🔥 

Finish

The finish is warm, viscous, and persistent, leaving a peppery rye tingle that doesn’t let go. It builds gradually, echoing the layered complexity of the blend. That heat, coupled with the 111 proof, gives a finish that satisfies long after the sip is gone.

Ross & Squibb knocked this release out of the park!

⚾ 

Final Thoughts

The Remus Babe Ruth Reserve 2025 isn’t just a collectible—it’s a serious bourbon for those who appreciate character and craftsmanship. It’s bold and spicy with a deep sweetness, and it showcases Ross & Squibb’s ability to balance power and finesse in a high-rye blend. For fans of rye-forward bourbons and baseball alike, this release knocks it straight over the fences.

Rating: 9.2/10 – A Hall of Fame pour worthy of The Sultan of Swat.

Triple Dog Irish Whiskey Review

Triple Dog Irish Whiskey Review

Distilled in Dundalk, County Louth | Aged 4+ Years in French Oak | 40% ABV | SRP: $35.99

Overview:

Triple Dog Irish Whiskey brings together heritage distillation techniques with a modern, flavor-forward profile. Triple distilled in both traditional copper pot stills and copper column stills, and matured for a minimum of four years in French oak, this whiskey aims to offer smoothness with layered complexity. Despite its budget-friendly price point, it boasts a string of gold medals—implying it may punch well above its weight.

Nose:

The aroma opens with vibrant, youthful energy—bright red fruits like cherry and raspberry jump forward, backed by a silky roundness of caramel and vanilla custard. The influence of the French oak brings a subtle elegance, offering light floral undertones and a hint of toasted wood, creating a nose that is both approachable and refined.

Palate:

The first sip is soft and sweet, unfolding like dessert in a glass. Caramel apple dominates the early palate, followed by the rich fruitiness of cherry pie filling. Mid-palate, a wave of vanilla frosting adds a smooth, almost confectionary note that rounds out the profile. While the mouthfeel is not overly complex, it is undeniably pleasant and creamy, making this an easy sipper.

Finish:

The finish is medium in length with a full, sweet viscosity that lingers gently on the tongue. Echoes of orchard fruit and soft vanilla trail off slowly, leaving a clean yet sugary afterglow.

Are you taking the dare?

Final Thoughts:

Triple Dog Irish Whiskey is a flavorful and inviting pour that offers a dessert-like experience without veering into artificial sweetness. Its use of French oak and triple distillation lend it a smoothness that feels polished, while the fruit-forward and creamy profile makes it perfect for casual sipping or easygoing cocktails.

At $35.99, it delivers excellent value—especially for those looking to explore Irish whiskey with a sweeter, more dessert-driven profile. Its gold medal accolades feel well-earned, and it’s a strong contender in the approachable, flavor-packed Irish whiskey category.

Thank you to the folks at Triple Dog and Big Thirst Marketing for introducing me to this delicious sipper with no strings attached.