Russell's Reserve 13yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Barrel Proof (90PF)

Review From Breaking Bourbon:

It’s always a cause for celebration anytime Wild Turkey releases a higher aged bourbon. While some of their high aged Master’s Keep releases have had their difficulties finding the right balance, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon hits its mark with precision. Some of the company’s other 13-year-old bourbons are well crafted and are available at a reasonable price online, but their major drawback is their proof. I didn’t think barrel proof would drastically change the effects on the company’s 13-year-old bourbon. Of course there would be a concentration of flavor and a greater overall intensity, but when this higher proof is paired with Wild Turkey’s flavor profile, it’s able to work its magic bringing out finer points of its aged oak. I have no apprehension calling Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon one of Wild Turkey’s best recent releases. SCORE: 4.5/5

Nose: Candy apple, strawberry shortcake, and brown sugar form to create a sweet first impression. The sugary fruit aroma carries along with it a dash of maple syrup, cinnamon bun, and touch of allspice. Mature oak tempers the sweetness allowing for a moment of reprieve. Together it forms a fantastic aroma that’s hard to find a major fault with and light years beyond Russell’s Reserve’s other standard bourbon releases.

Taste: The palate immediately finds a balance between its sweet and savory sides. Classic Wild Turkey fruitiness is present but is nicely offset by gentle seasoned aged oak. It's a striking balance that the bourbon manages to pull off, as cherry and apple are able to shine right along with a prominent aged oak, leather, and a dash of pepper. Complex and bold, it's altogether a treat to sip.

Finish: Aged oak dominates the finish, immediately grounding the bourbon. It sheds much of its sweetness at this point and is where Russell’s Reserve 13 Year truly shows its age. Rye spice gently ramps up, as does cinnamon, leather, and tobacco. The finish refrains from going overboard in length, as it’s not overly long or piercing. While it has moments of boldness, it's a surprisingly gentle sipper overall, warming and inviting in the best of ways.