A refined, high-proof bourbon ideal for sipping neat or with a splash of water. Expect rich caramel, vanilla, oak, enduring spice, and depth—very drinkable yet robustly flavorful. An excellent choice for bourbon lovers who appreciate character, proof, and craft—all at a reasonable price point.
Here’s a refined profile of Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon (110 proof / 55% ABV), a standout high-proof expression from Wild Turkey’s Russell’s Reserve line:
🏛️ Origins & Production
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Crafted at Wild Turkey in Kentucky and released under the Campari-owned Russell’s Reserve banner. Each bottle is drawn from a single barrel—hand‑selected by the Master Distiller—and bottled at 110 proof, non‑chill‑filtered to preserve full flavor integrity
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The unique mash bill (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley) is matured in deeply charred American oak No. 4 “alligator char” barrels, with aging typically between 8–10 years
👃 Nose
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Rich aromas of caramel, toffee, vanilla, and toasted oak kick things off, followed by cinnamon, roasted pecans, brown sugar, dried red fruit such as cherry or apple, and deeper tobacco or earthy notes
👅 Palate & Texture
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Medium‑to‑full‑bodied and chewy, it delivers layered flavors of caramel, butter-toffee, honeyed vanilla, and light citrus, overlaid with rye spice, espresso‑tinged oak, tobacco, and leather. Many also note dried fruit, licorice, and warmed baking spice .
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Despite the high proof, it remains smooth, with a bold yet balanced mouthfeel—never overly harsh
🍂 Finish
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The finish is long and warming, underscored by lingering oak tannins, cinnamon and black pepper spice, dried cherry or brown sugar sweetness, and a gentle, tobacco‑leaf dryness .
🌟 Community Feedback
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Frequently described as a bolder, more complex version of Wild Turkey 101. Reddit r/bourbon praises it as:
“Immediately warm and oaky… cinnamon, roasted pecans, toffee, tobacco, and some leather”
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Critics commend it as one of the best bourbons under $60, offering exceptional value, though some note barrel-to-barrel variability.
🧭 Overall Impression
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is a powerhouse bourbon that combines bold flavor, smooth delivery, and high quality. Its complexity—spanning sweet caramel and spice to oak and dried fruit—makes it a go-to for those seeking a richer experience in a single-barrel bourbon. Each bottle offers a unique but consistently compelling taste of Wild Turkey’s signature style.
