Russell's Reserve 10 Year | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery: Wild Turkey
Company: Campari Group
Proof: 90 proof
Mash bill: 75% corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley
Age: 10 years old
MSRP: $39
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Fool Proof Rating and Summary of Tasting Notes
Color: Amber
Nose: Vanilla, caramel, rye, tobacco, orange zest, aged oak
Palate: Caramel, vanilla, tobacco, black pepper, aged oak
Finish: Medium finish with vanilla, rye, aged oak
Feel: Moderate viscosity and mouth coating
See below for an in-depth review.
Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.
*$100 or more
For all my tastings I use either the Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glass or a traditional Glencairn glass. They both are great for nosing and help in discerning more subtle notes.
In-Depth Review of Russell's Reserve 10 year Kentuck Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Introducing Russell's Reserve 10 Year, a distinguished addition to Wild Turkey's renowned Russell's Reserve collection. Paying homage to the father-son duo, Jimmy Russell and Eddie Russell, master distillers with over 100 years of combined experience at Wild Turkey, this small-batch bourbon is crafted with care.
Meticulously selected barrels, aged for at least a decade and potentially longer, contribute to the exceptional quality of Russell's Reserve 10 Year. Made from the Wild Turkey singular bourbon mash bill, this bourbon encapsulates the essence of the brand's craftsmanship and expertise.
Russell's Reserve 10-Year-Old Bourbon was awarded the prestigious Double Gold Medal at the renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2011. It also received an impressive score of 92 points from the esteemed Beverage Testing Institute. Additionally, at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, it earned an exceptional score of 95 points, putting it on par with the renowned Pappy Van Winkle's 20-Year-Old Bourbon.
Nose
Russell's Reserve 10 year bourbon whiskey is a sensory experience to behold, with a nose that is distinctly robust and complex. This expertly crafted spirit boasts notes of vanilla, caramel, tobacco, rye, orange zest, baking spices, and aged oak, each playing its part in an intricate symphony of aromas.
The balance of sweetness and spice is a hallmark of the Russell's Reserve brand, and it's no different with this 10 year offering. As you take in the aroma, it's clear that this is a whiskey that has been crafted with care and attention to detail.
Palate
Russell's Reserve 10 year is a bourbon whiskey known for its rich palate and it doesn't disappoint. The combination of Caramel, vanilla, earthy tobacco flavors, black pepper, and aged oak provides a sophisticated blend of flavors that demonstrates the skill of the distillery's master blender. The notes of caramel and vanilla give a sweet richness, while the tobacco and black pepper add complexity and a slight spiciness. The aged oak flavors complete this well-rounded palate.
Finish
Russell's Reserve 10 Year is a bourbon with a medium-length finish with subtle vanilla notes that gradually give way to a more pronounced rye spice and aged oak flavor. With each sip, the interplay of these different notes creates a complex and nuanced experience that showcases the distiller's art. The finish in particular lingers on the tongue, leaving a pleasant and satisfying aftertaste.
Feel
This wild turkey bourbon has a moderate to thin viscosity. I think the fact that its 90 proof contributes to its thinner feal. I wish this was bottled at 100 proof.
Overall
In conclusion, Russell's Reserve 10 Year is an exceptional bourbon to drink neat and it stands out for its well-balanced and complex flavor profile. The combination of caramel, vanilla, earthy tobacco flavors, black pepper, and aged oak create a unique flavor experience for the senses. It has a satisfying medium-length finish with subtle notes of rye spice and aged oak that linger on the palate.
A truly distinguished addition to Wild Turkey's Russell's Reserve collection, this is a bourbon that pays homage to the legacy of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, master distillers with over 100 years of combined experience. It's no surprise that this whiskey has earned awards from some of the most prestigious competitions in the spirits industry.
This, Wild Turkey, small batch bourbon is a great sipping whiskey but if you want to make a premium old-fashioned, this also works great. It adds layers of complexity to the drink and makes for an unforgettable cocktail experience. Highly recommended! Russell's Reserve 10 year is also a great alternative to Eagle Rare 10 year, and Is much easier to find than Eagle Rare.
Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.
*$100 or more
I would love to hear from you! Drop me a comment below and let me know what you think of this whiskey.
Below are my favorite glasses for doing tastings. The Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glass is my favorite because it has a little more heft to it and feels better in my hand than the traditional Glencairn glass does.
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