Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon

Barrel 13-0094/Rickhouse A/Floor 5/Southport NC ABC Store Pick NOSE: Wild Turkey Funk is front and center. Dry Dusty Barn Wood, Straw, Dry Leather, and Vanilla. After a little time in the Glencairn, Orange Peel and Chocolate show up. There is a bit of heat present as well. NEAT: Relatively Thick and Clingy. Sweet Oak up front, Vanilla, Orange Peel, and Black Pepper Tingle. The Oak becomes very Astringent on the back of the tongue. Big, gradually growing KY HUG with Bitter Oak and Light Vanilla coating the palate. SPLASH: A little water really helps this one. Mouthfeel becomes almost creamy. The palate gets Cinnamon Discs hard candy, Salted Butter, and heightened Vanilla. The Heat and Astringency is dialed way back. The Cinnamon Candy lingers on the finish with Musty Oak. Much better. VERDICT: I waited about a 1/4 of a bottle before reviewing this, and I'm glad I did. The first few pours were not to my liking. Some time open has really helped. This is another solid Wild Turkey bourbon. This barrel was a bit on the bitter side, but benefitted a great deal from a little water. Glad I added it to the collection.

Very complex. Sweet, hot, nutty, Woody all at the same time. Strong cinnamon and vanilla notes.

Very spicy.

A lot of times I don’t enjoy a whiskey the first time I taste it. This was not the case. It has a rich flavor with a high proof that is easy to drink.