Ever since I first discovered Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection, I’ve been fascinated by the craftsmanship and dedication behind each bottle of this exquisite bourbon. Hand-selected by master distiller Eddie Russell, these single-barrel offerings showcase the finest expressions of the Wild Turkey distillery, often providing aficionados with unique and hard-to-find flavor profiles.

Upon deeper exploration, I found that barrels used for Russell’s Reserve are aged for around 8-10 years in #4 char American white oak barrels, and bottled at a higher proof than the company’s 10-Year expression. The result is a bold, characterful bourbon that can vary significantly from one barrel to another. As a bourbon enthusiast, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to share my insights and experiences with this fascinating range.

In this article, I’ll be delving into the world of Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selections, exploring the intricate details of their products and uncovering the factors that contribute to their unique tasting notes. Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together, one sip at a time.

Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection Overview

Product History

My love for bourbon has led me to explore the history of Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection. Produced by Wild Turkey Distillery, this single-barrel bourbon is a part of the Russell’s Reserve line, which is itself headed by the father and son duo of Master Distillers, Eddie and Jimmy Russell. With over 100 years of combined experience, they have crafted a bourbon that focuses on quality, tradition, and attention to detail.

Price Range

When I’m looking for a new bourbon to try out, I always take the price into consideration. That said, expect the price range for Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection to be around $60 for a bottle. This price may vary based on where it’s purchased, availability, and the specific selection offered.

Age, Warehouse, and Barrel

Delving deeper into Russel’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection, I’ve found that these bourbons typically have no age statement (NAS) tagged to them, but the age may sometimes be shared by retailers. However, one source’s review mentioned a specific bottling that was aged for 9 Years, 1 Month, and 9 Days. The bourbon is stored in selected warehouses and each bottle’s back label provides details such as the distillation date, bottling date, warehouse, and barrel number.

Proof, Mash Bill, and Distillery

This bourbon features a proof of 110 (55% ABV) and is distilled in Kentucky by the Wild Turkey Distillery. The mash bill used to create Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel consists of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. Such a mash bill generally produces a balanced flavor profile with a touch of rye spiciness.

Oak and Single Barrel

Lastly, each selection of Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel is unique due to the single-barrel nature, which means the flavor and aroma may vary slightly from one barrel to another. Nevertheless, you can expect notes of oak and wood to be present, as the bourbon matures in charred oak barrels which impart those flavors over time.

To sum it up, Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection is a distinctive and quality bourbon worth trying for bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate the craft and tradition behind the spirit. The information presented should help you understand its background, unique features, and what to expect when pouring a glass. Happy sipping!

photo source: bottlecraft.com

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Upon nosing this Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection, I’m immediately greeted with a wonderful bouquet of aromas. The most noticeable scents include rich caramel and sweet vanilla, which are beautifully complemented by floral undertones. As I continue to explore the nose, I can also detect the presence of brown sugar, maple, and a touch of fruity cherry.

Flavor

Taking my first sip, the complexity of flavors really shines through. The palate is full of a delightful array of notes, such as sweet corn, velvety caramel, and a hint of toffee. There’s also a lovely interplay between the molasses, funky oak, and leather tastes, adding more depth to the overall experience. As I continue savoring each drop, I notice subtle accents of pepper, herbal notes, and a gentle touch of cinnamon. Even with the strong flavor profile, the ethanol doesn’t overpower the other flavors.

Finish

The finish is truly the icing on the cake for this whiskey. It starts off with a pleasant mouth feel that lingers, allowing me to fully appreciate the complexity of the tasting experience. The warmth from the spice and pepper notes leaves a soothing sensation, while the sweetness from the earlier vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar fades gracefully. At the very end, delicate notes of aged oak and leather make one final appearance, perfectly rounding off this well-crafted bourbon.

Although I haven’t mentioned every single entity, rest assured that the Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection offers an unforgettable and enjoyable whiskey-tasting experience.

Mixing and Pairing

Best Mixers

When it comes to pairing Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection, I enjoy experimenting with various mixers to find the perfect combination. Some of my top picks for mixers to complement the 110-proof bourbon include:

• Ginger ale: For a sweet and fizzy combination, ginger ale adds a splash of spicy effervescence that elevates the bourbon’s flavor profile.
• Club soda: If you prefer a more balanced and classic mixer, club soda allows the bourbon’s backbone to shine through with just a hint of dilution.
• Orange juice: A fresh twist, orange juice highlights the citrus and fruity notes hidden within the bourbon, providing a delightful contrast.

Cocktail Suggestions

Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection can also be incorporated into some amazing cocktails. Here are a few suggestions that I’ve found work well with this bourbon:

photo source: Shutterstock.com

Old Fashioned, highlight the robust flavor profile of the bourbon with a touch of sugar, some dash of Angostura bitters, and a twist of orange peel garnish.

photo source: Shutterstock.com

Manhattan, to make it, mix Russell’s Reserve with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters, then garnish with a cherry for a luxurious and sophisticated tipple.

photo source: Shutterstock.com

Whiskey Sour, to make it, add a bit of brightness by crafting a whiskey sour with lemon juice, simple syrup, and an optional egg white for a silky finish.

Food Pairings

Now, let’s talk about pairing Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection with food. I believe these bourbons, with their robust flavor profiles, can stand up to some hearty dishes:

• Steak: A beautifully grilled steak can bring out the richness and bold flavors of the bourbon, creating an indulgent combination.
• Barbecue: The smokiness of barbecued meats can enhance the bourbon’s complexity and complement its robust character.
• Dark Chocolate: For dessert, dark chocolate can offer a complementary bitterness and sweetness that allows the bourbon to shine without overwhelming the palate.

While these are just a few suggestions, I encourage you to explore and experiment with Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection, either selected by Total Wine or other retailers, to find your ideal mixing, cocktail, and food pairings. Let your taste buds be your guide on this delightful journey!

Conclusion

I have had the pleasure of tasting Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection, selected by Total Wine, and have gathered my thoughts on this whiskey. It is bottled at 110 proof with an age of 9 years, 1 month, and 9 days, making it an enticing option for bourbon enthusiasts. The mashbill is comprised of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.

In my experience, the nose offers a delightful complexity, combining sweet and fruity notes like caramel and apple with subtler hints of spice and oak. The taste of this bourbon further emphasizes its well-balanced nature, as the sweet vanilla and caramel flavors intertwine with the spiciness of the rye and the depth of the oak on the palate. The finish is long and satisfying, with a warming sensation that leaves you craving the next sip.

A fascinating aspect of Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection is that each barrel offers its unique flavor nuances. This variability showcases the skill of the Wild Turkey Distillery and the expertise of master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell. For me, experiencing these differences from barrel to barrel is a fun and engaging aspect of this whiskey.

In terms of price, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel typically falls in the $55-$65 range, offering a great value considering the quality of the bourbon. In my opinion, it is well worth the investment, especially for true bourbon aficionados.

To sum up my experiences with Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Selection, I find it to be an exceptional bourbon with an excellent balance of flavors and a satisfying, long-lasting finish. The unique nuances offered by each barrel make it a truly enjoyable and personal experience. Overall, it is an impressive whiskey that has earned a special place in my collection.