Review: Russell’s Reserve Bourbon 15 Years Old 2024
Review: Russell’s Reserve Bourbon 15 Years Old 2024
The It Bourbon of the summer has quickly revealed itself as this new release from Wild Turkey’s Russell’s Reserve line, the oldest age-stated release that the brand has ever put out. The date on the label implies that there will be future releases of this spirit, likely annually.
There’s nothing particularly crazy to discuss regarding the making of the spirit — unlike Russell’s Reserve’s single-rickhouse offerings or its vintage-dated releases, for example. It’s just really old: 15 years of time sitting in the rickhouse. It’s worth noting that Jimmy Russell has never been a fan of extra-aged bourbon, so this is clearly an Eddie Russell project from the get-go.
With that said, let’s see what Eddie’s done with these ancient barrels.
Extreme maturity has a tendency to smooth out the rough edges that often ride along with a glass of Wild Turkey, and this 15 year old release is a clear example of that in action.
Expansive depth kicks things off on the nose: Sharp, biting, and laden with notes of leather and tobacco, the whiskey is complemented by a lush fruitiness, featuring chocolate-covered raisins and dusky blackberries. There’s no shortage of barrel char overlaying all of it, imbuing the nose with a sultry, earthy quality and a slight smokiness.
The palate is hot as hell at full strength, punchy with notes of cinnamon red hots, drying cocoa powder, and green, wet wood. Lots of fruit — far more than is common with the typical Wild Turkey release — is present, just under the surface: more dark berries, plus caramel-coated apples.
Water is in order and don’t be shy, as it really tempers some of the more tannic, savory, and smoky qualities and allowing a quieter cookie dough quality to come to the fore. Gentle notes of maple, vanilla, and coconut are all in the mix, but it’s all overlaid by lots of punchy cinnamon, cloves, and red pepper, keeping spice invariably at the fore. Get the dosing on your water just right and a silky layer of vanilla and caramel give the finish just the right level of sweetness.
RR15 takes a little doctoring to get to the perfect spot, but once you do, it’s quite a delight — and a welcome twist on the usual Wild Turkey experience.
117.2 proof.
A- / $250 [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
Russell's Reserve Bourbon 15 Years Old 2024
$250
