We turn our attention to Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson C Bourbon bottled at 56.2% ABV. At $249.99, it enters a competitive field.
Nose
This has a rich honey color. This really coats the glass in such a way that I hesitate to even discuss it having legs, the beads that finally formed just sat suspended for a very long time.
Palate
The smell of this is heavily toasted oak, corn, and vanilla. There are fainter notes of cinnamon, toasted coconut, and citrus. I get a lot of spice up front, a combination of black and white pepper with a touch baking spice. This carries over to the mid palate with the addition of a heavy amount of oak. The finish has a slight caramel quality to it with a hint of toasted oak. The addition of water shifts the flavor profile around a bit. The front and mid palate become a sweet caramel with just a hint of lemon oil while the finish becomes a very dry oak with a leathery black pepper spice to it.
Finish
I find this in an interesting state of being dry while still having some of the sweeter notes of the baking spice and caramel. I think this is worth trying for any fan of Russell’s Reserve, but not something I think I would pick over other expressions from the brand when introducing someone to Russells Reserve. The price point puts it out of range of something I can recommend to people who aren’t in love with the brand already.
Verdict
Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson C Bourbon delivers a thoroughly accomplished whiskey that justifies its $249.99 price point. It is well-crafted, balanced, and worthy of a place in any considered collection.
