Whiskey_Hound
Russell's Reserve 10 Year Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
August 22, 2019 (edited October 28, 2019)
Russell's 10 was one of the first whiskies I ever bought that can considered above entry level. At the time, I knew nothing of the nuances and complexity of a whiskey, so this bottle has been a new experience for all and intents and purposes. The label has changed, but I won't be able to draw on my past experiences to determine if the bourbon itself has changed.
Nose: Very sweet and oak-driven. Red apple, cotton candy, caramel, vanilla, almond, brown sugar, and new car leather jump immediately out of the glass. Behind that I get toffee, cinnamon, clove, baking spice, cherry, and dry red fruit fruit. Loving it already.
Palate: More of those caramel, vanilla, almond, brown sugar, red apple, toffee, and cotton candy notes. It's initially sweet, but ramps up into a spice-bomb on the mid-palate. Cinnamon red hots, black pepper, baking spice, clove, and ginger. And of course, oak. The nose is sweet and leathery with spice in the background, whereas the palate is initially sweet and becomes spice-forward midway through. I read wintergreen somewhere. I can get behind that. There is definitely some mint in here. Very good.
Finish: Moderate to long. Surprisingly long for a 45% bourbon. Some cherry and red apple sweetness that quickly fades into a combination of ginger, cinnamon, and oak spice. I really enjoy the ginger notes I've been finding in WT products.As it bows out, I pick up more of that wintergreen and some black tea leaves.
I'm continually impressed with Wild Turkey. They have my favorite sub-$25 whiskey (WT 101). They have one of the best bang-for-buck Barrel Proof whiskies out there (Rare Breed). And now this. This stuff kicks ass. In terms of value, I put this one right up with Eagle Rare. Both 10 year, $40 bottles that outclass most things many bottles that are double or even triple the price.
For $40, I think this is a must buy. I will definitely keep this one in the rotation. Major points for VFM. Wild Turkey is a dark horse distillery, often written off because of the lackluster reputation of its flagship WT 81. WT wins with a combination of quality and value. And the RR10 is a great representation of these two qualities at work. Well done, WT.
40.0
USD
per
Bottle
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Im a big fan of this as well. Many complain of a short finish, I just find it extremely drinkable
For me the flagship is 101, but then I remember the green label 86.8 bottles too.
@ banner @Old-Dude @dubz480 @WhiskeyLonghorn Thanks for the kind words gents! @Anthology Looking forward to that review!
@Whiskey_Hound also picked up my bottle for sub $30 @ Costco in SoCal. So definitely aligned with you on the bang for buck conclusion (even before fully delving into my bottle)
@Whiskey_Hound great review! I just cracked open my bottle of RR10...right before I startEd my dry month (bad timing 😑). Initial impressions (nose, palate & finish) suggest classic bourbon notes. Looking forward to spending time with this bottle when I’m back on the wet saddle next month. I’ll get back to compare notes then.
@BDanner I have to agree with you. After 10 years in the barrel, I expect a bit more from WT juice. While not as smooth, the 101 has more flavor for only $25. The SB NAS has way more depth and dimension at $56 when it's on sale. I just can't get behind the R10 for $40. If someone pours me one though... I'm drinking!
Great review! I wish I liked this one better. It's $40 here and I just don't think it's $15 better than the standard WT101. At this price point I'm getting the Eagle Rare (for $35) or 46 (for $40).
Great review. Thorough and engaging as always. This one sells for $30 in TX and I’ve always thought about pulling the trigger on it. I love the 101 and this seems like the next logical step up. Cheers!
@dubz480 nice—-putting that on my wishlist . Thanks!
@PBMichiganWolverine I really like the Sagamore Port Finished Rye. Should be around $65 and is a very similar profile. I'd give that one a shot.
@dubz480 I’m trying to find a replacement for the Midwinter—-that was my favorite rye. But, declining quality and higher prices has me looking elsewhere. Any recommendations that you close enough to Midwinter, but cheaper?
@PBMichiganWolverine got to sample that one and it's very very good. however, I am not spending $180 on any Rye, especially when $80 gets you the wonderful Michters BP
I’ve heard the new Wild Turkey cornerstone rye is also amazing ( pricey though!!)
Great review as always. I just can't.get behind this one for some reason. I enjoy WT but this one just come across as hot and super astringent. Glad you like it, it's well priced and easy to find
Nice review, I really like this one as well. I agree with your assessment of WT 101 as well, one of the best “bang for the buck bourbons” out there.