Review: This ‘Great Gatsby’-Themed Bourbon Is Delicious and Dangerously Drinkable

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(Photo: Remus Bourbon)

Ross & Squibb Distillery’s rare Remus Gatsby Reserve 15 Year Old Bourbon is back, and the 2025 edition is extra-special; it marks the 100th anniversary of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, “The Great Gatsby.” In tasting, the whiskey certainly feels like a celebration. Released in late October in ultra-limited quantities, the 15-year-old straight bourbon comes bottled at a cask-strength 102.8 proof (remarkably low) and priced at $199.99 — a premium price tag to be sure, but the bourbon is damn good.

From the first nosing, the whiskey leans into opulence. A standout orange blossom note leads the way, followed by candied ginger, cinnamon, sassafras and a creamy banana tone. It’s bright, inviting and layered, the kind of nose you linger on before even taking a sip.

The palate makes an equally strong case. This is in some ways a spice lover’s bourbon, driven by gingerbread, cinnamon and clove. But it’s the supporting flavors that elevate the bourbon: cola, caramel and orange peel weave in and out, giving the sip an intense richness that remains light on its feet. It has a remarkable drinkability quality that’s rare for a 15-year pour at cask strength (albeit a low cask strength).

The finish ties everything together with a long, warming cascade of cola, sassafras, coconut shavings, cocoa powder, orange zest and candied ginger. It sticks around without feeling heavy, all but guaranteeing you’ll go back for another pour.

This year’s edition was created by Master Distiller Ian Stirsman and his team using Ross & Squibb’s 21% rye bourbon mashbill, blended from hand-selected 15-year-old reserves and offered at cask strength. The packaging continues the line’s Art Deco cues, complete with a clamshell box and a label-triggered fireworks animation for the centennial.

Now in its fourth year, Remus Gatsby Reserve has already secured awards and high praise galore, and the 2025 release will keep the streak alive.

It’s a wonderful, spice-heavy bourbon that’s dangerously drinkable — the kind of pour you could sip all day, even if you probably shouldn’t.

Click here to read our full review of this bourbon.