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.

Filibuster Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey Review

Filibuster’s Bottled-in-Bond release is a confident statement from Virginia’s growing bourbon scene. Distilled and bottled in Maurertown, VA, this 5-year-old bourbon comes from a 17-barrel batch and adheres strictly to Bottled-in-Bond standards—100 proof, single distillation season, and full distillery control. With an SRP hovering between $85–$90, expectations are naturally elevated, and Filibuster delivers a profile that leans refined, dessert-driven, and thoughtfully spiced.

Filibuster 5yr BiB

Nose:

The aroma opens with a soft, inviting sweetness led by sweet cream and fresh vanilla bean. There’s a gentle botanical edge that adds complexity without overpowering—almost floral in nature—followed by delicate notes of honeysuckle. The nose feels clean and elegant, offering a balance of confectionary warmth and subtle herbaceous lift that keeps it engaging.

Palate:

On the palate, the bourbon turns richer and more indulgent. Crème brûlée takes center stage, complete with caramelized sugar and custard-like depth. A drizzle of honey reinforces the sweetness, while black pepper and rye-driven spice emerge mid-sip to provide structure and contrast. The spice never dominates but instead frames the sweeter elements, giving the whiskey a well-rounded, layered mouthfeel.

Finish:

The finish transitions smoothly from sweet to savory. Initial honeyed notes fade into a warming, pepper-tinged dryness, leaving a medium-length linger. The mouthfeel becomes slightly drier as it settles, with lingering spice and oak warmth that invite another sip without overwhelming the palate.

Back Label

Overall Impression:

Filibuster Bottled-in-Bond is a composed and deliberate bourbon—one that favors balance and nuance over sheer intensity. Its dessert-forward core, paired with restrained rye spice and a clean, warming finish, makes it particularly enjoyable as a slow sipper. This bourbon pairs exceptionally well with a medium to full-bodied cigar, where the sweetness complements the smoke and the spice stands up without clashing.

For those seeking a well-crafted, Bottled-in-Bond bourbon with a refined Virginia identity, Filibuster offers a thoughtful and rewarding pour. 

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

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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.

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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!

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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.