Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon

Neat. Neck pour. Gallenstein Selection 17. Camp Nelson A. Older label so no age statement. Always a treat to crack a new Russell’s. Nose on this one is super light. Surprised by how subtle it is. Graham cracker crust covered in honey with a light caramel drizzle. There is some damp oak emerging. Hmm and some pear covered in cinnamon. Okay, this nose is a bit of a let down. Super syrupy and oily, wow that coats. Lot of my mouth with cinnamon, sugar hotness. Ooo okay, redeemed in the taste. Phew. This may be the sweetest turkey I have ever had. It’s over the top. Maybe even the second sweetest overall bourbon on memory next to Lone Whisker. Candied apple covered in that red, sugary dip. Sweet oak. Honeyed graham cracker. Really it does match the nose but so surprised the sweetness and flavor are turned up so high. I mean even the legs are sweet and the sweetness lingers. Crazy. By the far the strangest, most off profile Turkey I have had yet. Probably why they picked it. I’m super confused but it is really yummy too.

It’s hard enough offering tasting impressions on any whiskey since everyone has a different palette. It becomes impossible with a Single Barrel offering because each barrel is different. Lots of reviews of this Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel list rich, complex and staggered flavors. For me it was spice up front overpowering everything else and spice with a hint of tobacco on the finish. Does mellow a bit as ice melts and it chills. My wife, who lists Rare Breed as a favorite loves her pour. I think it’s good, but will probably let her have the rest of the bottle.

Evv airport - 9/5/2020 Hot and spicy, but smooth at the same time. Not hot with ice, but more tobacco flavor when chilled