Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Midvalley Wine and Spirits

Review by: Raygun

I don’t suppose this needs a lot of introduction. There’s a 10 year Russell’s Reserve at 90 proof, but these single barrels are different. Typically 8-9 years old and 110 proof. The single barrels had more or less disappeared from my area for a few years before returning recently (at a somewhat higher price). This is an older one, bottled in 2021 and I picked it up near the end of that year. Only opened it last year though. From Rickhouse K, Floor 4. Rested about 10 minutes.

Distillery: Wild Turkey  

Bottler/Brand: Wild Turkey Russell’s Reserve  

Region/style: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey

ABV: 55%

Age: 8 years old. Distilled on December 26, 2012 and bottled on June 30, 2021.  

Cask type: New oak barrel #21-0091

Color: 1.5 auburn. Natural color and non-chill-filtered.

Nose: That’s bourbon. Kettle corn, oak, orange zest, and a sort of funky herbal character. Something like epazote.      

Palate: Sweet and oaky. Plenty of brown sugar. There’s the herbal funk, epazote and something else like sage and mint. A nutty flavor like buckwheat. Pecans, too.  

Finish: Roasted corn, brown sugar syrup, pecans, and the same herbal flavors. Oaky, but not too much. Drinks easily.     

Conclusion: More than pleased with this. One of the better values I can think of. Yet to try RR 13 or 15 and I don’t know if I ever will, but this more attainable release has plenty to like. If I’m not sure what I want to pour, this is always a good choice. It’s just about the archetypal bourbon. I don’t have a bad thing to say about it.

Score: 84

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Stagg Jr batch 12)
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (new))
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Pikesville Rye)
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Wild Turkey 101)
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Maker’s Mark)
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Grandad 114)
  • 0-49: Blech. (High West Yippee-ki-yay)

Published by Raygun

Unknown's avatar

I drank Scotch occasionally (mostly at family gatherings) for years, but started getting more interested after an introduction and tasting from a Scottish acquaintance. That led to buying my first bottle (Highland Park 12). Now 600+ spirits later, Scotch is still my first love, but I drink other whisky and dabble in brandy as well.

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