Best Russell’s Reserve

Last Updated on: 24th April 2024, 05:38 pm

With the assistance of whiskey expert Neil Coleman and valuable customer insights, I have reviewed and ranked every Russell’s release and determined which is the best.

Written by: J Highland

Choosing the Best Russell’s Reserve

For Fans of Smooth Rye with Familiar Notes:

• Russell’s Reserve 6: This is a good entry point into Russell’s rye offerings. It’s smooth and approachable with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of rye spice. While not complex, it’s easy to drink and enjoyable.

For Those Who Enjoy Flavors Reminiscent of Dessert:

• Russell’s Reserve 10: This bourbon offers a unique and delicious profile with notes of cinnamon, cherry, vanilla, oak, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Think Thanksgiving pie in a glass! It’s a good choice for those who enjoy sweeter bourbons.

For Rye Enthusiasts Who Want Something Lighter with a Twist:

• Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye: This rye whiskey showcases a lighter rye character with prominent notes of mint, dill, caramel, brown sugar, and oak char. The rye spice is pleasant and the dill adds an interesting twist.

For Bourbon Drinkers Who Enjoy Rich & Bold Flavors:

• Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel: This single barrel bourbon is a flavor powerhouse with notes of cherry, vanilla, brown sugar, baking spices, and charred oak. The higher proof adds depth and complexity, making it a great choice for experienced bourbon drinkers.

For Rye or Bourbon Connoisseurs Looking for a High-Proof Celebration Dram (Budget Warning):

• Russell’s Reserve 13: This cask strength bourbon is a tribute to Russell’s heritage with notes of orange, oak, pepper, caramel, spice, apple, chocolate, butterscotch, and leather. It’s complex and rich, but also on the pricier side. Be aware that the higher proof and potential bitterness might not be for everyone.

Additional Tips:

• Consider your budget when choosing a Russell’s Reserve. The younger expressions are more affordable, while the older and single barrel bottlings tend to be pricier.
• Experiment with adding a splash of water or ice to any of these Russell’s Reserve expressions. This can help open up the flavors and make them even more enjoyable.
• Pay attention to the proof. The higher proof options will pack more flavor but may also have a more intense heat.

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Russell’s Reserve 6: Smooth But Familiar Rye

• Nose: Caramel, vanilla, rye spice
• Palate: Rye spice, vanilla, charred oak
• Finish: Oak spice, rye spice, vanilla
• Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks

Russell’s Reserve 6 offers a pleasant, cake-like aroma with vanilla frosting and a touch of rye spice. The palate is smooth (thanks to 90 proof!) with gentle rye spice, vanilla, and oak.

While enjoyable, it lacks the depth and complexity of other rye whiskeys in this price range. Consider Wild Turkey Rye 101 (produced at the same distillery) for a spicier, more characterful experience at a more affordable price, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Russell’s Reserve 10: Thanksgiving Pie in a Glass

• Nose: Cinnamon, cherry, vanilla, oak
• Palate: Butterscotch, baking spice, charred oak, citrus
• Finish: Maple, brown sugar, charred oak
• Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Russell’s Reserve 10 isn’t your average bourbon. The nose is a sweet invitation with subtle spice and oak. The taste explodes with Thanksgiving pie flavors – cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and vanilla – all wrapped in a buttery texture. The finish is pure indulgence – maple syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla, lingering with Wild Turkey’s signature char.

This bourbon goes beyond sweet, offering depth thanks to aging in heavily charred casks. It’s a satisfying and robust choice for those who enjoy a delicious, dessert-like dram, similar to Buffalo Trace but with a richer complexity.

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye: Rye with a Dill Twist

• Nose: Mint, rye spice, vanilla
• Palate: Caramel, brown sugar, dill, oak char
• Finish: Long, pleasantly warm, rye spice
• Alcohol content: 104 proof (52% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

This rye whiskey offers a unique twist – think mint, rye spice, and a touch of vanilla on the nose. The sweetness of caramel and brown sugar greets your palate first, followed by a distinct dill note and charred oak. The finish is long and warming, with a mild burn.

Smooth and on the lighter side of rye (like some bourbons), it features a more prominent dill character compared to Russell’s Reserve 6. While non-chill filtered for richer flavor, the price difference versus Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye might not be for everyone.

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel: Rich & Rewarding Bourbon

• Nose: Cherry, vanilla, brown sugar, oak
• Palate: Fruity, baking spices, vanilla, charred oak
• Finish: Long, baking spice. citrus, charred oak
• Alcohol content: 110 proof (55% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water, rocks

The inviting nose offers cherry, vanilla, brown sugar, and charred oak. The taste is equally rich, bursting with fruit, baking spice, creamy vanilla, and prominent oak. The long finish warms you pleasantly with balanced spice, orange zest, and toasty oak.

This delightful bourbon is a flavor powerhouse. The higher proof adds depth, but a touch of water lets you customize the intensity. It’s undeniably delicious and stands out as a top single barrel choice.

Russell’s Reserve 13: Rich Tribute, Pricey Choice

• Nose: Orange, oak, pepper
• Palate: Caramel, oak, spice apple, orange, chocolate
• Finish: Butterscotch, old leather, oak char
• Alcohol content: 115 proof (57.4% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water, rocks

Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old celebrates Eddie Russell’s 40th anniversary, honoring his father Jimmy. Aged at least 13 years and bottled at cask strength, it offers an unfiltered experience.

The nose bursts with orange, oak, and pepper. The palate is buttery with rich oak, spice, caramel, chocolate, and orange. The long finish showcases butterscotch, leather, and toasted oak. This bourbon captures classic bourbon notes with aged oak and balanced rye spice.

However, the potential for mild bitterness and a higher spice level might not suit everyone’s taste.

Buying Guide

Whiskey	Price	Rating
6-Year Rye	$45	75
10-Year Bourbon	$40	75
Single Barrel Rye	$66	79
Single Barrel Straight Bourbon	$63	81
13-Year Bourbon	$375	87

Frequently Asked Questions

Proof Range of Russell’s Reserve Bourbon

• The Russell’s Reserve Bourbon lineup offers a range of proofs from 90 to 115, catering to different preferences.

Russell’s Reserve Bourbon Proof Details

• Russell’s Reserve 6-Year Bourbon: 90 Proof
• Russell’s Reserve 10-Year Bourbon: 90 Proof
• Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye: 104 Proof
• Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Straight Bourbon: 110 Proof
• Russell’s Reserve 13-Year Bourbon: 115 Proof

How Were the Best Russell’s Reserve Bourbons Selected?

• Expert Reviews: Opinions from respected Bourbon critics were considered.
• Taste Testing: Personal tasting experiences informed the selection.
• Consumer Feedback: Bourbon enthusiasts and whiskey aficionados provided valuable insights.