As an unabashed Wild Turkey fan boy it’s hard to not get excited about something like the Russell’s Reserve 13 Years. I mean, c’mon. It’s Wild Turkey… aged for 13 years… and bottled at full cask strength (114.8 proof). Outside of some of the amazing Single Cask Nation Wild Turkey releases, this doesn’t happen. And even those haven’t been this old.
I’ll be the first to admit that reviews like this are tough because I’m constantly second-guessing myself on my scores. The notes, I never second guess, because the notes are the notes, it’s that interpretation of those into the “how much do I recommend this “whiskey” score that becomes tough because I always have to second, third and fourth guess myself when it’s a brand I have a strong affinity for.
I know, I know. It’s a hard life being a whiskey reviewer, wah wah wah. But I take this stuff seriously and these are the thoughts going through my head while tasting and reviewing a whiskey and I figured I’d share them with you. Any ways, let’s get to drinkin’ and see if this is worth the price, and the coming effort, to get a bottle.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Years – Details and Tasting Notes
Whiskey Details
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Wild Turkey Distillery
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 13 Years
ABV: 57.4%
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Batch: 1
Price: $70*
Tasting Notes
EYE
Ruddy oak
NOSE
Leathery dried dark fruit, oak, cocoa, hazelnuts, cinnamon, caramel icing, vanilla taffy and a touch of citrus.
A warm and inviting aroma that’s nuanced and complex with a balanced line between sweet and rustic. It’s something I just want to keep smelling.
PALATE
Oak, spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, anise, cocoa, hazelnuts, caramel and vanilla with hints of banana and citrus.
This is a little different compared to what we’ve come to expect from Wild Turkey. The Russell’s Reserve 13 Years is, oddly, a tad fruity but in a way that’s complimentary to the darker spicer notes.
FINISH
Med-long -> Oak, spice, dark sweets and leather draw out to a dusty cocoa and creamsicle note.
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Great balance, full body and a soft warm velvety feel.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Years – Overall Thoughts and Score
Water enhances the oak and turns the nose a tad tannic but gets balanced out with some added fruity and candy sweetness that rise alongside. Palate picks up more nuttiness and more spice but nothing surpasses the oak which only gets a bit bolder.
With, or without, water, this is a very tasty whiskey. It hits all the notes WT fans look for, but with some added sweetness and dimension to it. This could have easily been a Master’s Keep release instead of a RR, but I’m glad they stuck it in this line. Russell’s Reserve 13 Years is a fitting tribute the family who’ve created, and looked after, the whiskey and the distillery we love.
SCORE: 4.5/5
*Disclosure: The sample for this bourbon review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
Russell's Reserve 13 Years Review $70
Summary
Bold and complex with layers of subtle sweetness, this is a unique, but very good, Wild Turkey.
Overall
- Nose
- Palate
- Finish
- BBF
User Review
( votes)( reviews)
Russels Reserve 13yr is incredible maybe thg ge best Bourbon I have had in 2021!
It’s a banger for sure. Cheers David!