Whiskey Review/Tasting: Russell's Reserve 10 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Produced at the Wild Turkey Distillery.
Type: Small batch bourbon.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Aged for 10 years, with a focus on achieving a rich caramel and vanilla taste. The casks used for maturation were heavily charred (up to grade 4), which contributes to the whiskey's smoothness by filtering out sharp aromas.
Age Statement: 10 years.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the emphasis on caramel suggests a rich, amber color.
Bottle Design: Described as beautifully shaped, with Jimmy Russell's name on the neck of the bottle. Eddie Russell's name is notably absent.

Balance of Flavors: The whiskey is characterized by a smooth, full flavor profile with a balance between sweetness and oakiness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its rich caramel and vanilla taste, with an underlying aromatic oakiness. The whiskey is smooth and mild on the tongue, with a spiciness, fruitiness, and sweetness emerging after swallowing.
Comparison: Compared to the Wild Turkey 12 year old, the Russell's Reserve 10 years is lighter and has a lower ABV. The 12 year old is described as more massive.

Distillery Management: Jimmy Russell, a long-term distillery manager and a significant figure in the bourbon industry, along with his son Eddie Russell, selected the bourbon for Russell's Reserve. Their combined experience spans over 80 years.
Personal Anecdote: The reviewer met Jimmy Russell in 1999 and describes him as a friendly person who, despite retiring, can't let go of his passion for whiskey making.

Historical Context: The Russell family has a long-standing association with the Wild Turkey Distillery, potentially dating back centuries as proprietors, though this is not confirmed.
Geographical Significance: The Wild Turkey Distillery, where Russell's Reserve is produced, is a notable landmark in the American whiskey landscape.

"Several decades of knowledge, experience, craftsmanship in the Wild Turkey distillery finally are in this bottle."
"This uniquely smooth hand-selected small batch bourbon has a rich caramel and vanilla taste that they believe to be the perfect 10."

Russell's Reserve 10 years is a small batch bourbon from the Wild Turkey Distillery, crafted by Jimmy and Eddie Russell.
Aged for 10 years, it features a rich caramel and vanilla flavor profile, with a smooth and balanced taste enhanced by heavily charred casks.
The whiskey is part of the Russell family's legacy, with a deep connection to the Wild Turkey Distillery's history.
Expert opinions highlight the craftsmanship and experience behind the bourbon, emphasizing its smoothness and balanced flavor profile.

Bourbon Enthusiasts: Individuals with a deep appreciation for bourbon craftsmanship and history will enjoy the rich backstory and the Russell family's involvement.
New Whiskey Drinkers: Its smooth and balanced flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for those new to whiskey, looking for an accessible yet complex bourbon.
Collectors: The unique story and limited nature of this small batch bourbon make it a worthy addition to any collection.