It has been 1,426 days since I first reviewed a bottle of Russell’s Reserve Bourbon. At the time I liked it, but was a bit at a loss as to why I would buy it. I think this comment from Ben best summarized my feelings at the time:
My thoughts exactly on this one. It was good and very enjoyable … but I believe I'd rather chip in another $5-$10 and get the Rare Breed (which is one of my favorites) or save $10-$15 and get the 101.
Rare Breed was also one of my favorites. Still is for that matter. And honestly, I like it enough that I have been willing to spend the extra $10 for Rare Breed over Russell’s Reserve whenever I wanted an upgrade from Wild Turkey 101. Because, surprisingly that math still works at all of the liquor stores I frequent (and many that I merely occasionally visit).
But a few weeks ago, I decided that the time had come to test that theory again. I was looking for something I hadn’t had in a while and that first review was the last time I’d purchased Russell’s Reserve, you can see that it had been quite a while since I’d had it.
Russell’s Reserve: Revisited
Purchase Info: $33.99 for a 750 mL bottle at Viking Liquor Barrel, Prior Lake, MN.
Details: 45% ABV. 10 Year Old age statement.
Nose: Floral rye spice, cotton candy and wintergreen.
Mouth: Floral and spicy with oak, ginger, wintergreen and rye spice.
Finish: Hot and spicy. This lasts longer than you’d expect from 90° proof.
Thoughts: This is really good. Much spicier than Wild Turkey 101 even though it is a lower proof. It is different enough from standard Wild Turkey that if I am wanting Wild Turkey, I won’t want this. But if I’m in the mood for a spicy bourbon that won’t break the bank? Yeah. This would fit the bill nicely. I liked it before and still do. But this time I come away thinking I understand why I might not always want to spend that extra $10 on Rare Breed all the time.
BourbonGuy.com accepts no advertising. It is solely supported by the sale of the hand-made products I sell at the BourbonGuy Gifts store. If you'd like to support BourbonGuy.com, visit BourbonGuyGifts.com. Thanks!