Russell's Reserve 13 Year Bourbon (2023 Release)

This is one one of the best bourbons I had. The nose is fantastic: Complex, sweet, notes of brown sugar, caramel, hint of vanilla and marshmellow. The taste takes you in a ride, going from honey, caramel, sweet, ripe prunes, right into some subtle oak notes at the end. The glass I had have been opening for more than 20 min, it felt a little harsh at the start, but it opens up and then becomes more balanced. You need to be patient with this one for sure.

I hope this opens up a bit more but right now its not as awesome as all the hype. Fantastic nose of great caramel like a werthers candy. Palate was similar but the has a bit of sweetness and some bitter oak, which i hope goes away after opening up. Just tried again and still not impressed.

Mike C. House