LouisianaLonghorn
Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Rye
Rye — Kentucky , USA
Reviewed
August 21, 2020 (edited February 21, 2022)
A casual survey of American reality dating shows or online dating sites and apps consistently advertise their quest for "the one". The one who will make all your dreams come true and help you reach maximum self-actualization in the form of romantic bliss. If bourbon and rye are some of America's finer exports, than our contributions to the world dating pool are the antithesis of that. I met Mrs. Whiskey_Longhorn the old way, and we're quite happy. No swiping necessary. Anyway, here's a whiskey.
A Kentucky straight rye whiskey to be exact. Damn good rye too. From our friends over at Wild Turkey, this is a Single Barrel rye whiskey, 104 proof, NCF, bursting with flavor and character, and my new favorite rye. Pulled from the center ricks at the [now] famed Camp Nelson warehouse (home to many recent RR SiB Bourbons and this year's Master's Keep BiB), this comes in a fetching bulbous decanter with a forest green label that brings out the rich mahogany color (cue Ron Burgundy) of the liquid. Before I go any further, please understand that with single barrel picks, your mileage may vary, though I've found that most distilleries only put out a single barrel line when there's a reasonable level of consistency (at least within 1 standard deviation of flavor profile).
I've been quite deliberate about letting this one breathe. The pour I'm writing about tonight comes from a bottle that I've been sipping on for about 2 weeks now, the fill level is below the label, and I let it air out in the Glen before sipping. NOW, that said, it's sitting on the desk next to me and I can smell it billowing out of the glass from 2 feet away. It's an old school American bakery in here. Rye bread, cinnamon buns, cherry pie with graham cracker crust, some bitter dark chocolate, caramels, and the ubiquitous barrel spice (almost too much but juuuuuuuust the right amount). If you give it the time, the nose rewards you with many tasty treats.
I'm generally not one to tell you how to drink your whiskey, but with this one, please, please tip it back and just let it sit on your tongue for 10-15 seconds. It is THE best way to experience it. It has a slow build, similar to a hot pepper that enters mild enough for you to say "OH, that's not so hot", only for it to smite you moments later. This rye blooms on the palate, gently at first with a chewy caramel cherry flavor. Giving it a little chew brings out some more of the oak tannins (I'm guessing this is 6-9 year old rye), and then as you swallow, BAM, there's the pepper, opening and expanding into your chest with the force of an erupting volcano. If it feels uncomfortable at first, that's normal. Ride the wave.
So the final verdict here is a 4.5. Highly recommend. This holds its own against Pikesville (though the profiles are different), leaves the standard RR rye dead in the dust, and though I haven't had the Cornerstone, multiple reviews say that it's this rye but with a longer finish. Not worth $175. Not when you can get this for $60. Availability may be limited in your area from what I hear, as Wild Turkey makes a lot more bourbon than rye, but if you see this and you're a rye fan, buy on sight. Damn good rye. Dare I say, I think I've found "the one". Cheers!
60.0
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Great advice about letting this rye rest on your tongue for 10-15 seconds. It really unlocks everything there is to experience in this whisky and puts it over the top for me.
Great review. I happened upon Old Maysville Club bottled in bond over the summer from the Pogue distillery. Neck pour was very good but three days later it was incredible. The bottom of the bottle went grassy. I am now going to find a RR SiB and give it a go.
Thrilled to hear that @WhiskeyLonghorn ! My RR SiB bourbon went from solid to amazing with a ridiculous amount of oxidation and my RR 10 and even WT RB also improved noticeably with a couple months of air. I'm glad to hear that this follows suit :)
Ok this has been open a few months and had some time to oxidize. Holy crap. Even more amazing. Just piles of toffee and butterscotch. Rye spice bit enveloped my gooey caramel goodness. I don’t always reach for rye, but when I do, it’s gonna be this one. I’m giving a point back here. This is just as good as the RR SiB bourbon.
@BeppeCovfefe I think you've pretty much got it there. I could step down to Jim Beam Pre-Prohibition or Sazerac if I'm not feeling too picky, but not much lower than that.
@WhiskeyLonghorn I don't like the Whitlepig 10, but I like the Piggyback and 12. I wouldn't pay the prices they're asking for the 12 either though. Maybe $60-80.
@ContemplativeFox agree, i consider the 6 year RR rye the base level for "drinking" rye.
@Anthology I’ve only had the ten year. It wasn’t bad, but for what you pay for what’s essentially Alberta Premium with fancy packaging, I can’t get into it. Definitely not in the same league as what you’ve listed. Many of the older WPs are silly money and have mixed reviews at best. I’m curious to try their 12 year madeira finish, but not enough for $120.
@WhiskeyLonghorn Great call out. Older Willets are priced silly money. I do have a couple Willets that I’ve heard great things about. My oldest is a 6yr old. I’ll throw that in mix as well. I should probably include Lot No. 40 11 Year Cask Strength I picked up on trip to Ontario last year, which I have high hopes for. Have your tried any of the WhistlePigs? If you have, are they contenders?
@WhiskeyLonghorn I much prefer that to the other way around where it's awesome for a month and then goes flat.
@Anthology you e got several co tenders in there for sure! What about some of the older Willetts?
@WhiskeyLonghorn Makes sense. I’ll reach back out when I find my “the one” in the rye category so we can compare notes. I have bottles of Lock Stock & Barrel - 13yr, 16Yr & 18yr; WTMK Cornerstone Rye, and Hochstadter's Rye 16 Yr Family Reserve in my collection awaiting a taste and I’m really hoping one of them is the one in that category. Pikesville came close but couldn’t quite make it.
@Anthology you’re certainly right about many “ones”. This is “the one” for me in the rye category, which for me is like rum. A little funky, left of center, and I’m not always in the mood for it. I’d wager this bottle will be superb in 5-6 months. Oh, and much like yourself, I continue to search for my other “ones” in other categories. At least it’s a tasty journey!
@ContemplativeFox the neck pour on this one wasn’t like that. It was pretty shy. This rye is behaving like some older scotches where it needs time and air in the bottle to reveal its full character.
Great review! Keep ‘em coming! @WhiskeyLonghorn Finding “the one” eludes many, so I’m cautiously happy for you that you did. Cautiously, because on this whiskey journey we’re all on, I suspect, and dare say, that there could be more than one “the ones” (no pun) haha. Looking forward to finding my “THE one(s)”
@ContemplativeFox Pikesville is legit!
The regular RR rye is pretty darn good (and so is Pikesville, of course). I love you description of how the nose billows out of the glass.