Remus Wheat Whiskey Experimental Series No. 2 Review

Remus Bourbon just dropped something new: Experimental Series No. 2, a 113-proof straight wheat whiskey that marks the brand's first foray into wheat whiskey territory. Distilled back in 2017 at Indiana's Ross & Squibb Distillery and finished in a mix of Tawny Port, White Port, Oloroso Sherry, and Ruby Port casks, this limited release is the second annual installment in Master Distiller Ian Stirsman's experimental lineup. With a $69.99 price tag and limited availability nationwide, it's aimed squarely at collectors and adventurous drinkers looking for something beyond the usual bourbon shelf.

What You're Getting in the Bottle

Here's the breakdown on Remus Experimental Series No. 2. This is a straight wheat whiskey built on MGP's LKSV mashbill—95% wheat, 5% malted barley—distilled in 2017 and aged before getting finished in four different cask types. That multi-cask finish is what sets it apart: Tawny Port, White Port, Oloroso Sherry, and Ruby Port barrels all contribute to the final flavor. Bottled at 113 proof (56.5% ABV), it comes in a 700ml bottle format instead of the standard 750ml. The suggested retail price sits at $69.99, which puts it in the premium but not luxury tier. Availability is limited nationwide, so if you spot one at your local shop, it won't sit on the shelf long. This follows up the brand's first experimental release, which won gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Why This Release Matters

Wheat whiskey isn't as common as bourbon or rye, which makes this release notable for Remus. The brand—produced at the historic Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana—is better known for high-rye bourbons, so venturing into wheat territory shows they're willing to experiment beyond their comfort zone. Master Distiller Ian Stirsman used this series as a creative outlet, and the multi-cask finish approach reflects a growing trend in American whiskey where distillers are borrowing techniques from Scotch and other global spirits categories. For collectors, this is the kind of limited annual release that builds value over time, especially if the series continues to rack up awards. For everyday drinkers, it's a chance to try something genuinely different from a respected distillery without hitting triple-digit prices. The 113 proof also means you're getting full flavor intensity—this isn't a watered-down sipper.

What It Tastes Like

According to the distillery, Remus Experimental Series No. 2 delivers the following profile:

• Nose: Dark chocolate and almond praline
• Palate: Chocolate, malty sweetness, and subtle earthy notes
• Finish: Long and warming, with chocolate and malt that fade into gentle nuttiness

The combination of wheat's natural softness and the port and sherry cask influence creates a sweet, dessert-forward character that's pretty different from typical bourbon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Remus Experimental Series No. 2 wheat whiskey?

Remus Experimental Series No. 2 is available in limited quantities at select liquor stores nationwide starting in March 2026. Because it's a limited release, availability varies by market—check with local retailers or specialty whiskey shops that carry Remus products. It retails for $69.99 per 700ml bottle.

What's the difference between wheat whiskey and wheated bourbon?

Wheat whiskey must contain at least 51% wheat in the mashbill by law, while wheated bourbon must contain at least 51% corn with wheat as a secondary grain replacing the typical rye. This Remus release is a straight wheat whiskey with a 95% wheat mashbill, making it much softer and sweeter than most bourbons. Wheated bourbons like Maker's Mark or Weller still lead with corn; wheat whiskeys lead with wheat.

Is Remus Experimental Series No. 2 worth $70?

At $69.99, this wheat whiskey sits in the premium category but offers solid value for what you're getting. It's an 8-year-plus aged spirit (distilled in 2017), bottled at full 113 proof, and features a unique four-cask finish from a respected Indiana distillery. For collectors and whiskey enthusiasts looking for something uncommon, it's a fair price. If you're just getting into whiskey, there are easier entry points, but this is worth trying if you want something adventurous.

How does Remus wheat whiskey compare to other wheat whiskeys?

Wheat whiskey is a niche category, so there aren't many direct comparisons. Bernheim Wheat Whiskey from Heaven Hill is one of the few other major examples, typically softer and lighter. This Remus release leans heavier into dessert flavors thanks to the port and sherry cask finishing, plus the higher proof gives it more punch. It's closer in style to finished bourbons than traditional wheat whiskeys, making it a unique offering in an already small category.

What does "experimental series" mean for Remus Bourbon?

The Remus Master Distiller Experimental Series is an annual limited-edition program that gives Master Distiller Ian Stirsman room to try new techniques, grains, and finishes outside the brand's regular bourbon lineup. Series No. 1 won gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and No. 2 is this wheat whiskey release. Each year's release is different, making them collectible for fans who want to track how the distillery innovates over time.