Russell's Reserve Single Barrel | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Distillery: Wild Turkey

Company: Campari Group

Proof: 110 proof

Mash bill: 75% corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley

Age: NAS but most are 8-10 years old

MSRP: $70

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Fool Proof Rating and Summary of Tasting Notes

Color: Deep Copper

Nose: Caramel, heavy Oak, Vanilla, black pepper, earthy tobacco, orange zest

Palate: Heavy rye spice, caramel, vanilla, toffee, tobacco, black pepper, faint citrus notes, heavy oak

Finish: Medium to long finish with vanilla, sweet cereal notes, rye, and aged oak

Feel: Moderate viscosity and good mouth coating

See below for an in-depth review.

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Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.

*$100 or more

For all my tastings I use either the Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glass or a traditional Glencairn glass. They both are great for nosing and help in discerning more subtle notes.

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In-Depth Review of Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Russell's Reserve Single Barrel is another great addition to Wild Turkey's renowned Russell's Reserve line. This exclusive bourbon pays tribute to Jimmy and Eddie Russell, the father-son duo who collectively have over a century of experience as master distillers at Wild Turkey.

Bottled at a robust 110-proof, Russell's Reserve Single Barrel boasts a flavor profile that closely resembles barrel proof, thanks to Wild Turkey's relatively low barrel entry proof of 107 to 115. This sets it apart from other distilleries that typically opt for the maximum allowable entry proof of 125. This makes Wild Turkey's higher-proof bourbons more approachable. It is also non-chill filtered which helps preserve all the bold flavors.

Although it lacks an age statement, the barrels selected for Russell's Reserve Single Barrel typically range from 8 to 10 years old. As is everything at Wild Turkey it is crafted using Wild Turkey's distinguished and only bourbon mash bill, maintaining the brand's revered tradition.

I love these single-barrel expressions because they are always a little different, showcasing the unique characteristics of each barrel. It's always exciting opening a new bottle because it's usually a different experience each time and you can end up with some exceptional bottles.

Nose

The caramel stands out immediately, sweet and rich, followed closely by the heavy oak that brings depth to the aroma. The vanilla is subtle yet present, adding a layer of sweetness to the nose. As I continue to inhale, the black pepper comes through, bringing a bit of spice to the mix. There's also a hint of earthy tobacco. Finally, the orange zest adds a citrusy note that rounds out the nose. The nose alone is enough to make this whiskey a standout choice.

Palate

Upfront with Russell's Reserve Single Barrel, the first thing I noticed was the heavy rye spice on the palate. It was prominent, but not overpowering, and just the right amount to give it that extra kick. The caramel and vanilla flavors were also present, giving it a subtle sweetness that paired well with the pronounced rye.

I picked up on some toffee and tobacco notes, which added a subtle smokiness to the overall taste. The black pepper and faint citrus notes were a nice touch, providing a nice compliment to the other flavors. Finally, the heavy oak finish gave it a satisfying and robust conclusion. Overall, the palate of Russell's Reserve Single Barrel is complex and layered.

Finish

Russell's Reserve Single Barrel has a medium to long finish which allows the flavors to linger, giving your taste buds plenty of time to enjoy the complex notes. The vanilla and sweet cereal flavors are particularly pleasing, followed by a lot of rye spice. And of course, the aged oak brings everything together for a nice complex finish.

Feel

This wild turkey bourbon has a moderate viscosity and a very nice mouth coating. The feel really shines in comparison to the Russell's Reserve 10 year.

Overall

In conclusion, Russell's Reserve Single Barrel offers a captivating and complex journey. With its layered palate, lingering finish, and exceptional mouth feel, it effectively distinguishes itself from its 10-year-old counterpart. The intricate balance of sweet vanilla and cereal notes with the spicy kick of rye and the robustness of aged oak results in an experience that is both satisfying and memorable. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon drinker or a newcomer to the world of bourbons, this wild turkey bourbon is sure to provide an enriching tasting experience worth revisiting.

I'm giving this bottle of Russell's Reserve a Fool-Proof Rating of 89%. Keep in mind that because this is a single-barrel product each experience can be different. I have never had a bad bottle and have found some fantastic bottles along the way.

BUY RUSSELL'S RESERVE AT CASKERS.COM

Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.

*$100 or more

I would love to hear from you! Drop me a comment below and let me know what you think of this whiskey.

Below are my favorite glasses for doing tastings. The Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glass is my favorite because it has a little more heft to it and feels better in my hand than the traditional Glencairn glass does.

Tags: Russell's Reserve, Charred oak, unique bourbon, maximum flavor, signature toffee, particular barrel, Russell's Reserve, non chill filterered, 8-10 year old