Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon

Whatever barrel I tried has some great characteristics, and it's clear they pick exemplars of classic bourbon flavors. That being said, the one I had exhibited a slight (and interesting) twist! The very first whiff off the nose was reminiscent of balsamic vinaigrette, which immediately intrigued me. The subsequent scents were pure vanilla, caramel, and another unexpected note: strawberry shortcake. A first-rate nose. The palate falls more in line with the quintessential bourbon profile: honey, caramel, butter, a bit of bite from the high proof, and a strong swirl of wood tannins (maybe a hint too much). Then, right as I swallow, a flourishing of apples. The high proof makes this one a bit of a tongue burner, which is its only flaw, as it is a little tricky to spot all the flavors before the alcohol dulls the senses. The finish is warm, a tiny bit tart, and is where the wood fully expresses itself. It's a rich, vibrant wood, almost like young wood chips. The finish also is quite spicy, so much so that there's no detectable vanilla at the end, and only a little caramel. The empty glass smells like an antique piece of well-kept furniture. A very solid 4 out of 5.

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel, BevMo! Single Barrel #2358 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Nose: Caramel covered green apples and blood oranges bursting and a squeeze of lemon lead the nose. Ripe orchard fruits, strawberry, oranges, nectarines, more lemons and rhubarb. Fruits turn to old fashioned hard candies with vanilla and milk chocolate. This one takes you right into what I imagine a 1950’s candy shop would smell like. Big candy bar and sweet crunchy textures. I actually found a lot of similarities with the nose of this barrel the 2013 Pappy Van Winkle 20. This clearly doesn’t have that age or even a similar mash bill, but the parallels are there. Most importantly the classic WT profile is here with roasted peanuts and big peanut brittle. Gentle rye grains and spices play well with the sweet notes. Firm oak, cup cake icing, Big Red cinnamon gum, milk heavy dough batter, toffee drizzled cinnamon rolls, and salted caramel covered popcorn round things out. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Letting this nose open up over that past two months really helped things open up. The rye that we all know Wild Turkey uses in healthy doses shows its colors now and really pops out. Their is also this slight, for lack of better terminology, “funk” that I get that comes in the form of a brand new pair of Nikes, still in the box – unusual, but I like it. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Palate: From the beginning sweet hickory and charred barrel. Vanilla and black peppers showcasing an almost quintessential bourbon palate. Then comes the signature WT saw dust and lumber qualities all polished up. Candy shell and chocolate from the nose, but this time the candy is a red cherry flavor, almost sour. Chewy sugars coat your mouth – a little honeydew and cantaloupe, burnt sugar and hardened toffee, peanuts, granulated cane and brown sugars. The oak is chewy along with the sugars, and not to mention savory. Some maple syrup and pleasant baking spices finish out the palate with a slight dryness. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Finish: Long. The sweet baking spices from the end of the palate usher you straight into the finish but never leave your side. Dark chocolate covered caramel candies dominate with peanut brittle, sawdust, light oak tannins and humming rye spices w a touch of vanilla. Treacle and black pepper act as a reminder of what came before with more candy sugars and theirs a sweet smokiness – just wisps, like that coming from a lightly charred honey glazed ham, fresh out the oven. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Bourbon & House Rating: 94.5 _______________________________________________ www.bourbonandhouse.com