Remus Ventures Beyond Bourbon with First-Ever Wheat Whiskey

LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. – March 10, 2026 – Remus Bourbon, a brand built on the legacy of high-rye American whiskey, today announced a significant departure from its established portfolio with the release of Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 2. The new limited-edition expression is the brand's first-ever straight wheat whiskey, a bold move that signals a deep commitment to innovation from the historic Ross & Squibb Distillery.

A New Frontier for Remus: The Wheat Whiskey Experiment

While Kentucky may be the heartland of bourbon, Lawrenceburg, Indiana's Ross & Squibb Distillery has carved out a formidable reputation for its rye and high-rye expressions under the Remus brand. This latest release, however, pivots to a different grain, tapping into a rapidly growing segment of the American whiskey market. Industry analysis shows that wheat whiskey held a commanding 48.6% market share in 2023, with consumers increasingly drawn to its characteristically lighter, sweeter, and less spicy profile compared to traditional rye.

The Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 2 is crafted from a 95% wheat mashbill distilled in 2017. For Master Distiller Ian Stirsman, this release is the culmination of a long-held desire to explore new creative avenues. "There is nothing more exciting to a Master Distiller than having the space for exploration," Stirsman said in a statement. "With Series No. 2, I set out to create something entirely new for Remus by working with our LKSV, 95% wheat whiskey mashbill for the first time. It's a continuation of our commitment to innovation while respecting the deep-rooted heritage of our distillery."

This annual experimental series provides Stirsman with what he calls a "blank canvas" to push beyond traditional boundaries, and this foray into wheat whiskey is a clear testament to that philosophy.

The Alchemist's Touch: A Symphony of Casks

Beyond the unique grain bill, the new whiskey's complexity is profoundly shaped by its intricate maturation process. After its initial aging, the straight wheat whiskey is finished in a combination of four different cask types: Tawny Port, White Port, Oloroso Sherry, and Ruby Port. This multi-cask finishing is a deliberate and ambitious technique designed to layer a spectrum of nuanced flavors onto the soft wheat whiskey base.

Each cask type contributes a distinct character. Oloroso Sherry casks are known for imparting rich nutty notes and dark dried fruits, while Tawny Port barrels add layers of fig, toffee, and warming spice. The more vibrant Ruby Port casks bring forward notes of cherry and red berries, and the less common White Port casks can introduce brighter hints of citrus and stone fruit.

The result, according to the distillery, is a richly layered whiskey that aligns with the complexity of its aging. The official tasting notes describe aromas of dark chocolate and almond praline, a palate defined by chocolate and malty sweetness with a subtle earthiness, and a lingering, warming finish where chocolate and malt notes fade into a gentle nuttiness. This complex profile is a direct result of the careful interplay between the delicate wheat distillate and the deep, varied influences of the fortified wine casks.

Building on a Legacy of Innovation and Rebellion

The Remus brand is named for George Remus, the legendary "King of the Bootleggers" during Prohibition. The brand narrative has always embraced a spirit of rebellion and ingenuity, a theme that the Master Distiller Experimental Series carries into the modern era. By challenging its own high-rye conventions, the distillery continues this legacy of innovation.

This new release is not an experiment in a vacuum. It follows the highly acclaimed Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 1, a unique expression aged in heavily toasted Seguin Moreau barrels that earned a gold medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The success of the inaugural release set a high bar and created significant anticipation among whiskey enthusiasts and collectors for the next installment. The positive reception of Series No. 1, lauded by critics for its complexity and for elevating the Remus brand to a more desirable status, has firmly established the series as a showcase for the distillery's creative capabilities.

Stirsman's vision for the series is to consistently push the envelope while honoring the distillery's long history, which dates back to 1847. It's a balancing act of respecting tradition while relentlessly pursuing new and compelling flavor profiles that showcase the best of what the Ross & Squibb facility can produce.

A Strategic Pour in a Diversifying Market

The launch of a premium, experimental wheat whiskey is more than just a creative exercise; it is a calculated strategic move for Remus and its parent company, Luxco/MGP. The American whiskey market is increasingly populated by discerning consumers and collectors eager for unique, limited-edition products that offer new sensory experiences. By venturing into wheat whiskey, Remus diversifies its portfolio and appeals directly to this adventurous demographic.

In a competitive landscape where distilleries from Angel's Envy to High West have built reputations on innovative cask finishing, Remus's complex four-cask approach for Series No. 2 demonstrates its intent to be a leader, not a follower, in whiskey experimentation. This release allows the brand to capture attention beyond its core bourbon and rye audience and reinforces its position as a premium, innovative player in American whiskey.

Available in limited quantities nationwide, the Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series No. 2 is bottled at a robust 113 proof (56.5% ABV) and carries a suggested retail price of $69.99 for a 700ml bottle. This pricing and limited availability position it firmly in the premium-collectible category, targeting whiskey connoisseurs who are willing to explore and invest in one-of-a-kind expressions from a trusted distillery.