Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 12:24 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Russell’s Single Barrel vs Wild Turkey Rare Breed in this in-depth comparison and decide which Bourbon is better for You!
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.
Written by: J Highland
Russell’s Single Barrel vs Rare Breed: Comparison
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel: A robust blend of cherry, spice, and oak, offering a rich and complex sipping experience. Stands out for its depth.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed: Bold and sweet, with a balance of heat and flavor. Exceptional value for a high-proof, smooth bourbon.
Key Facts: Both bourbons crafted by Wild Turkey are undiluted, non-chill filtered, and similarly aged. Russell’s is a single barrel selection by Jimmy Russell, while Rare Breed is a barrel blend.
Verdict: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel excels with its intricate flavors and warmth, while Wild Turkey Rare Breed impresses with its powerful yet smooth profile, both offering distinct tasting experiences, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Sipping Single Barrel Bourbons
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel: Cherry, Spice, and Toasty Delight

- 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
- Similar to: Knob Creek Single Barrel
Think cherries, vanilla, and brown sugar. That’s the inviting nose of Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel, followed by a creamy sip bursting with baking spice, vanilla custard, and a touch of oak.
But wait, there’s more! This bourbon boasts a long, toasty finish with lingering notes of orange zest and warmth.
Here’s the deal:
- Warm and inviting: This pour is highly enjoyable neat, but feel free to adjust the warmth with a touch of water.
- Rich and complex: Expect a blend of fruit, spice, and toasty oak flavors.
- Top of the line: This Single Barrel is the gold standard in the Russell’s Reserve lineup.
Russell’s Single Barrel facts:
- Aged 8-10 years in heavily charred American oak casks.
- Each bottle is unique, filled from a single barrel and hand-labeled.
Ready to explore the depths of flavor? Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel might just be your new sipping go-to.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed: Sweet Heat That Packs a Punch (Literally)

- Nose: Vanilla, caramel, oak
- Palate: Baking spice, burnt sugar, vanilla, oak, old leather
- Finish: Vanilla, old leather, oak char
- Alcohol content: 116 proof (58% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, Cocktails
- Similar to: Four Roses Single Barrel
Craving a bourbon that’s warm, sweet, and packs a flavorful punch? Look no further than Wild Turkey Rare Breed.
Imagine:
- A honeyed scent with whispers of cinnamon and oak warming your senses.
- A creamy sip bursting with butterscotch, brown sugar, and vanilla, balanced by oaky undertones.
- A satisfying finish that lingers with vanilla, leather, and Wild Turkey’s signature char.
Don’t be fooled by the 116 proof: This barrel-proof bourbon drinks warmer than its number suggests, but the sweetness keeps it smooth and enjoyable.
Here’s the kicker:
- Price to perfection: Rare Breed delivers incredible value, outperforming some much pricier options.
- Best of the flock: Forget the rest, Rare Breed reigns supreme as Wild Turkey’s finest whiskey.
Ready to unleash the Rare Breed within? Just remember, this bird has some kick!
P.S. Aged 6-8 and 12 years, bottled straight from the barrel, no water added. It’s the real deal.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Bourbon | Price |
| Russell’s Single Barrel | $67 |
| Wild Turkey Rare Breed | $57 |
