Review #: 368
Description: Russell’s Reserve: r/Bourbon “Fruit Stand”
Spirit: Bourbon
Background: This is a single barrel selection of Wild Turkey’s Russell’s Reserve selected by a panel from r/Bourbon consisting of TheBourbonFinder, DustlessWalnut, Doneeb, and of course, t8ke. This was selected along side it’s sister cask “Dessert Parlor.” Distilled on November 21st, 2011, selected on June 23rd, 2020, and then bottled in October. It was tasted at 118.5 proof before being bottled at 110. It was aged in Warehouse G, Floor 4.
Distillery – Wild Turkey
Bottler – Wild Turkey
Brand – Russell’s Reserve
Selection – r/Bourbon
ABV – 55%
Age – 8 Years
Nose – Nougat, chocolate covered raisins, apple, cherry, some funky wood
Taste – Definitely fruity and brighter than the nose; cherry pie, cooked apples, caramel, toasted almonds. Over time it just becomes more and more cherry heavy (in a good way)
Finish – Light pepper, strong kick of oak. Lingering embers and roasted corn.
Score: 7
Would I buy a bottle? Yes
Thoughts: The fruit is definitely apparent here, especially on the taste. Tons of syrupy cherry, lots of sweetness and then a nice oak structure at the end to balance it out. Like most RR picks, it’s solid bourbon that’s available and well priced.