Hey everyone, welcome back! Hope you're all doing well. Today, we're heading over to Indiana to take a closer look at a bourbon from a distillery that MGP has brought back to life.🇺🇲

Summer's nearly behind us—I hope yours was full of adventures, peace, and a chance to recharge. If not, don't worry, there's still a little time left before autumn comes knocking.☀️

This one's going to be a longer ride packed with history, so let's dive in—I think you'll enjoy it!🥃

But before we go any further, please check out my previous reviews.🥃✅

The history of the Ross & Squibb Distillery

The Ross & Squibb Distillery, located in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, traces its roots back to 1847 when it was founded by George Ross as the Rossville Distillery. Thanks to its access to limestone-filtered water from a natural aquifer, the distillery quickly built a reputation for producing quality rye whiskey with a distinct character. During Prohibition, the notorious bootlegger George Remus operated nearby in Cincinnati and even used warehousing grounds that are part of the distillery's present-day property.

After Prohibition, Seagram purchased the Rossville Distillery in 1933, renaming it the Jos. E. Seagram Lawrenceburg Plant. Over the decades, ownership passed through various hands, including Pernod Ricard and CL Financial. In 2011, MGP Ingredients acquired the facility, securing its long-term future. To honor its rich heritage, the Ross & Squibb name was restored in 2021, marking a return to its historical roots as one of America's few surviving pre-Prohibition distilleries.

Production & core range

Ross & Squibb Distillery has long been known as a powerhouse of American whiskey production. Its most famous proprietary brands include George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the annual Remus Repeal Reserve series, and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey. Other expressions, such as Eight & Sand Blended Bourbon Whiskey and Tanner's Creek, showcase the distillery's blending expertise.

The hallmark of Ross & Squibb production is its rye whiskey. One of its signature mash bills—a 95% rye recipe—has become a standard in American rye, widely sought after both by the distillery itself and by other bottlers who source whiskey from MGP. For example, the Bulleit 12-Year-Old Rye is made from MGP's signature 95/5 rye recipe. Another classic case is Templeton Rye, along with many other 95/5 rye expressions on the market today. This versatility allows Ross & Squibb to produce spirits ranging from bold, spicy ryes to well-rounded bourbons that emphasize balance and depth. 

The history of MGP

MGP Ingredients, Inc., headquartered in Atchison, Kansas, was founded in 1941 by Cloud L. Cray, Sr. as Midwest Grain Products, Inc. During World War II, the company became a key supplier of industrial and neutral alcohol, laying the foundation for its future as a major producer of distilled spirits and food ingredients.

For decades, MGP was known primarily as a contract distiller, selling its spirits to bottlers and brand owners across the United States. The Indiana distillery in Lawrenceburg, acquired in 2011, became a cornerstone of this business model, with rye and bourbon produced there finding their way into dozens of well-known labels. In 2021, MGP further expanded its reach with the acquisition of Luxco, adding an impressive portfolio of established brands.

Today, MGP produces both its own proprietary spirits and a wide range of contract whiskey for third parties. Its in-house brands include:

• Bourbon Whiskey: George Remus, Remus Repeal Reserve, Daviess County, Ezra Brooks, Old Ezra 101, Penelope, Rebel (wheated), Yellowstone, Eight & Sand, Tanner's Creek
• Rye Whiskey: Rossville Union, Minor Case
• Gin: Bowling & Burch, Green Hat
• Irish Whiskey: The Quiet Man
• Irish Cream: Saint Brendan's
• Tequila: Dos Primos, El Mayor, Exotico
• Vodka: Till Vodka, Pearl

In addition, MGP continues to be one of the industry's largest suppliers of bulk whiskey and neutral spirits, with its products appearing in more than 50 different labels worldwide, including popular names like Bulleit Rye, Templeton Rye, and Angel's Envy (before finishing).

With nearly two centuries of history, the Ross & Squibb Distillery remains a vital part of America's whiskey landscape. Backed by the resources and innovation of MGP Ingredients, the distillery continues to honor its past while driving the future of bourbon and rye. From George Ross's original 1847 vision to today's global reach, Ross & Squibb stands as a bridge between tradition and modern whiskey making.

George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey - Natural Color, Non-chill filtered, 47%

Classification: Straight Bourbon

Company: MGP

Distillery: MGP

Release Date: Ongoing

Proof: 94

Age: NAS (Company states aged over 4 years)

Mashbill: Undisclosed (probably a high-rye mashbill)

"This straight Bourbon is a blend of 5 to 7-year-old whiskeys, each with a slightly higher rye content, carefully married together. All are aged in charred American white oak barrels. George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey is bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof) without chill-filtration, honoring the bold spirit of its namesake. During Prohibition, George Remus—then a pharmacist—successfully smuggled and sold his bourbon under the cover of medicinal remedies."

Nose: Pronounced rye spices with herbal and earthy undertones, complemented by fruity notes of cherries, apples, and oranges. Hints of vanilla, brown sugar, and cinnamon create a rich, layered bouquet.

Taste: Oily, mouthwatering, and smooth, with a thick texture. Dominated by vanilla, caramel, and molasses, alongside golden apples, candied oranges, plums, and cherries. Rye spices, cloves, and cinnamon are present, with a subtle touch of oak.

Finish: Medium-length and sweet, featuring golden apples, vanilla, and baking spices. Dry, warming, and rounded out with a gentle walnut note and traces of oak.

Overall I think this is a great release from Ross & Squibb Distillery, earning an 8 points out of 10. The bourbon offers a rich, layered nose, a bold and flavorful palate, and a finish that lingers with satisfying depth. It feels both special and approachable, delivering excellent quality at a very reasonable price. Buy it. Try it. Drink responsibly.

Some of the photos featured in this article are not my own; I've credited the original owners. All other images bearing my logo were taken and are owned by me.

Feel free to check out the scores and rankings I've given to each whisky I reviewed.

Thanks for reading—I hope you enjoyed it! Here's to many more drams. Sláinte!

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