Review: Russell’s Reserve Bourbon
Bourbon, by law, has to be at least 51 percent distilled from corn. In the case of Russell's Reserve Bourbon, I'd be willing to be the other 49 percent is rye.
This is a striking doppelganger to Russell's appealing Reserve Rye, and the similarities are uncanny. And yet I found myself wishing this was a more straightforward bourbon -- it lacks the sweetness that makes good bourbon so appealing, but the rye-like characteristics are too muted here to appeal to fans of the spicy stuff. It ultimately tastes more like a blended whiskey than a bourbon, which will sadly please very few drinkers who are attracted by the promise of 10 years of age.
At 90 proof, the bourbon is improved with a little water, but still it lacks uniqueness. Part of the Wild Turkey family, it shares some of its DNA with its pappy, also displaying distinct apple notes but also coming off as thin. I've tried it for four nights running in various proportions of whiskey and water, with consistent notes.
A major bright spot: At $23, it's an awfully appealing buy for a 10-year-old whiskey, but I'd expect to use it primarily in mixed drinks.
B- / $23 / wildturkeybourbon.com
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- Tasting Report: Wild Turkey Whiskey Lineup with Eddie and Jimmy Russell
- Review: Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon
- Review: Russell’s Reserve Rye Whiskey
- Review: Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 15 Years Old
November 18th, 2008 - 17:56
I just got a bottle this week and, after the first couple days of indecision, found that it has grown on me. I’ll buy more…
April 25th, 2009 - 09:26
To me, it’s just an improved version of WT101
August 25th, 2009 - 05:40
The second expression is by far the better of the two. This is a sipping whiskey and it takes a few sips to get in the fullness of the taste. It’s one to serve friends and neighbors and be sure to have a backup.