Russell’s Reserve Whiskey Review

This single cask of Wild Turkey Whiskey was selected by PlumpJack in San Franciso and, like all RR SiB releases, bottled at 55% ABV (110 proof). This Russell’s Reserve Whiskey is the 7th RR single barrel I’ve reviewed on TWJ, but the 9th Wild Turkey single barrel I’ve reviewed. Without a doubt, the most single barrels from a single distillery I’ve formally reviewed.

Russell's Reserve Whiskey

If you want to get super technical then Four Roses is the actual winner since we did single barrels of all 10 mashbills one night and I’ve reviewed 4 or 5 other barrels independent of that night. Though those 10 weren’t done formally, aka at my apt with a single numerical score, so I don’t count them in the formal review column. But switch that to tasted and 4R starts to lap RR.

Russell’s Reserve Whiskey Review: Details and Tasting Notes

Russell's Reserve Whiskey is my least favorite of the SiBs I've ever had... and that's too bad.

In PlumpJack’s Words: Russell’s Reserve Whiskey

NA – It’s no longer listed on the site.

Russell’s Reserve Whiskey price, ABV, age and other details

Region: Kentucky, USA

Distiller: Wild Turkey
Bottled For: PlumpJack Wines
Mash bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: NAS (10+ years)
ABV: 55%

Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Barrel: 16-124

Price: $70

Russell’s Reserve Whiskey Tasting Notes

EYE
Reddish copper

NOSE
Dark fruit, honey, spice, Smarties, citrus, floral, oak and some maple syrup and griddle cakes.

PALATE
Caramel, floral, honey, spice, oak and some menthol and vanilla.

FINISH
Medium -> Oak, caramel, vanilla and grain.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Not fully balanced, full body and dry / tannic feel.

Russell’s Reserve Whiskey Review: OVERALL

Russell's Reserve Whiskey Review

This Russell’s Reserve Whiskey (16-124) was labeled as “Uncle Eddie’s Honey Barrel” which I find interesting because of the 3 PlumpJack, and 1 K&L, RR SiB Barrels I tried it was my least favorite. In comparison to these and the barrel 545 I threw in to “keep me on my toes” it was the weakest and flattest… probably the weakest and flattest Russell’s Single Barrel I’ve ever had.

Now, that doesn’t mean it’s bad, it’s just not super dynamic. The aroma kinda reminded me of a griddle cake breakfast while the palate was surprisingly floral – think edible flowers. The finish was a bit grainy and overall it was quite tannic. Still, not bad, just not at the quality I’m used to with RR, but that’s also the game of Single Barrels; one can be a bit disappointing, but the one right next to it could blow your mind.

SCORE: 84/100 (B)