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Bourbon Review: Russell’s Reserve 13-Year-Old Bourbon

Bourbon Review: Russell’s Reserve 13-Year-Old Bourbon

9 /10
EDITOR
Type: Bourbon
ABV: 57.4% ABV; mash bill: standard Wild Turkey straigh
Price: $150/ 750ml bottle

Tasting Notes

Nose

The initial aromas are moderate in intensity but complex. There are aromas of orchard fruit like ripe green pears, rose oil and cherry blossom, and some oxidative and savory notes like fried pork belly, coffee, and shoe polish. Smells tasty, though it takes a hearty inhale to capture these aromas! With time, the aromatics unfurl a touch, showing aromas of vanilla wafer cookies and mint chocolate ice cream. The savory character keeps the more decadent notes in check. Very pretty, though I wouldn’t mind if it was more aromatic.

Palate

Finish: Comments: Latest On The Whiskey Wash Aged for 13 years in new American oak; 57.4% ABV; mash bill: standard Wild Turkey straight bourbon mash bill using non-GMO American-grown grains; SRP $150/ 750ml bottle

Finish

Comments: Latest On The Whiskey Wash Aged for 13 years in new American oak; 57.4% ABV; mash bill: standard Wild Turkey straight bourbon mash bill using non-GMO American-grown grains; SRP $150/ 750ml bottle

We turn our attention to Russell’s Reserve 13-Year-Old Bourbon bottled at 57.4% ABV; mash bill: standard Wild Turkey straigh. At $150/ 750ml bottle, it enters a competitive field.

Nose

This is moderate amber with a yellow undertone. This is a surprisingly reticent Kentucky Straight Bourbon; one of the least giving on the nose of those I’ve tried. That’s not much of a detractor for me since what aromatics do appear on the nose, palate, and finish, are exceptional. There’s a lovely spiced and savory character that contrasts nicely with the floral and toasted side. I think this is a bargain for its price point (though you’re unlikely to find it close to SRP online) and I highly recommend.

Palate

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Verdict

Russell’s Reserve 13-Year-Old Bourbon is an exceptional expression that stands among the finest in its category. It rewards patience and attention in equal measure, and we recommend it without reservation — though at $150/ 750ml bottle, one expects nothing less.

Joe Whitfield
Joe Whitfield
Editor-in-Chief

Joe has spent over fifteen years immersed in the whiskey industry, beginning his career at a Speyside distillery before moving into drinks journalism. As Editor-in-Chief at Whiskeyful.com, he oversees...

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