Are you a bourbon lover who is curious about the difference between Russell’s Reserve 10 Year and Single Barrel? These two bourbons are both produced by Wild Turkey, but they have distinct differences in flavor, price, and availability. Russell’s Reserve 10 Year is a small batch bourbon that has been aged for at least 10 years, while Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is aged for around 10 years and is bottled from a single barrel.
One of the most significant differences between these two bourbons is their price point. Russell’s Reserve 10 Year is typically less expensive than the Single Barrel, making it a more accessible option for those on a budget. However, the Single Barrel has a higher proof and is bottled from a single barrel, which can make it more desirable for those who want a unique and complex flavor profile. Another difference between the two is that Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is not allocated, while the 10 Year is more widely available.
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History of Russell’s Reserve
Russell’s Reserve is a brand of bourbon whiskey that is produced by Wild Turkey Distillery. The brand was created in 1998 by Eddie Russell, the son of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, to celebrate his father’s 45 years of service at the distillery. The brand is named after Jimmy Russell, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest living distillers.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year is a Kentucky straight bourbon that was first introduced in 2001. It is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, and is aged for at least 10 years in new, charred oak barrels. The bourbon is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV).
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is a premium bourbon that was introduced in 2013. It is made from the same mash bill as Russell’s Reserve 10 Year, but is aged for an average of 8-9 years in new, charred oak barrels. Each bottle is hand-selected from a single barrel, and is bottled at a higher proof than Russell’s Reserve 10 Year, typically around 110 proof (55% ABV).
Production Process
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year and Single Barrel are both premium bourbons, but they have different production processes that result in distinct flavors and characteristics.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Production Process
photo credit: www.russellsreserve.com
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year is a small batch bourbon made from a blend of hand-selected barrels that have been aged for at least 10 years. The mash bill is made up of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. The grains are ground into a fine powder and mixed with limestone-filtered water to create a mash. Yeast is added to the mash, and the mixture is left to ferment for several days.
After fermentation, the mash is distilled in traditional copper stills and then aged in new American oak barrels that have been charred on the inside. The barrels are stored in warehouses where they are exposed to the natural elements, which contribute to the bourbon’s unique flavor profile. The barrels are carefully monitored and tasted by the master distiller until they are deemed ready for bottling.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Production Process
photo credit: www.russellsreserve.com
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is a premium bourbon made from a single aging barrel. The mash bill is the same as the 10 Year, but the aging process is different. The bourbon is aged for approximately 10 years in virgin American white oak barrels that have been charred on the inside.
Each barrel is tasted and evaluated by the master distiller to ensure that it meets the high standards of Russell’s Reserve. Once a barrel is deemed ready, it is bottled and labeled with the barrel number and the date it was bottled. Each bottle of Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is unique and has its own distinct flavor profile.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year and Single Barrel bourbons have their own unique profiles.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year is a smooth and balanced bourbon with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It has a slightly sweet taste with a hint of spice that lingers on the tongue. The 10-year aging process gives it a mellow flavor that is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.
On the other hand, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is a more complex bourbon with a higher alcohol content. It has a rich and bold flavor with notes of dark fruit, leather, and tobacco. The higher proof also gives it a more intense spice and heat that can be enjoyed by those who prefer a stronger taste.
When comparing the two, it really comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a smoother and milder flavor, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year is the way to go. If you prefer a bolder and more complex taste, then Single Barrel is the better option.
It’s worth noting that Single Barrel is also more expensive than 10 Year, so keep that in mind when making your choice. Ultimately, both bourbons are high-quality and well-crafted, so you can’t go wrong with either one.
Price Comparison
When it comes to choosing between Russell’s Reserve 10 Year and Single Barrel, price is an important factor to consider. The Single Barrel expression is generally more expensive than the 10-year-old bourbon.
The 10-year-old bourbon was launched earlier than the Single Barrel expression. Also, the 10-year bourbon has an age statement, while the Single Barrel does not.
The price difference between the two expressions can be significant. Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Bourbon has a suggested retail price of $38 (2020), while Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon has a suggested retail price of $60 (2021).
The decision to choose between Russell’s Reserve 10 Year and Single Barrel will come down to personal preference and budget. If you are looking for a more affordable option with an age statement, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year is a great choice. However, if you are willing to splurge for a more complex and nuanced flavor profile, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is definitely worth the extra cost.
Conclusion
In the end, choosing between Russell’s Reserve 10 Year and Single Barrel comes down to personal preference. Both bourbons offer unique flavor profiles and are highly regarded in the bourbon community. Here are a few key takeaways to help you decide which one is right for you:
- Russell’s Reserve 10 Year is a great option for those who enjoy a smooth and well-balanced bourbon. It offers notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, with a subtle spice on the finish. It’s also a bit more affordable than the Single Barrel, making it a great value for the price.
- Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel, on the other hand, is a more complex and robust bourbon. It’s aged for around 10 years and comes from a single barrel, which means each bottle will have its own unique flavor profile. It’s bottled at a higher proof than the 10 Year, which gives it a more intense flavor and a longer finish.
- If you’re looking for a bourbon to sip neat or on the rocks, either one of these options would be a great choice. However, if you’re planning on using it in cocktails, the Russell’s Reserve 10 Year might be a better option, as it’s a bit more mellow and won’t overpower the other ingredients.
The choice between Russell’s Reserve 10 Year and Single Barrel comes down to your personal taste. Both are excellent bourbons that are sure to impress, so why not try them both and see which one you prefer?
