Kroger Wine & Spirits pick Barrel No. 22-0915 Warehouse CN-B; Floor 6 Distilled on 05-09-2013 Dumped on 06-08-2023 Bottled on 07-17-2023 Age - 10 years, 30 days Open 6 weeks Nose - Bitter oak tannins, dry cinnamon, black pepper, light caramel, clove, burnt vanilla, musty hay, and medium ethanol. Palate - Odd combination of oily and drying, unsweetened gingerbread, peppercorns, toffee, and toasted marshmallow. Finish is medium-long with strong bitter and dry oak, freshly cracked peppercorns, ginger, cinnamon, and strong ethanol. Who knew I could walk into a Kroger liquor store in Northern Kentucky and find a 10+ year Russell's pick for $15 less than nearby independent stores? The stores seemed to have a terrible selection, but surprisingly had multiple barrel picks and batches of Elijah Craig, Russell's, Wild Turkey, Knob Creek, Booker's, and more that are typically harder to find and more expensive in nearby locations. Maybe this was sitting on the shelf is because it isn't very good, arguably the worst Russell's pick I've had. On first crack, I would've given this a 2.5-2.75. Thankfully it mellowed out. It was harsh, tannic, and oddly off-profile. It's lacking the classic caramel and vanilla from most Wild Turkey products. I'll still take a chance on other Kroger picks if they're less money, they all can't be bad.