Bourbon

Bourbon Review: Russell’s Reserve 13-Year-Old Bourbon

We review Russell's Reserve 13-Year-Old Bourbon, a premium straight bourbon from Wild Turkey aged over a decade in new American oak.

OVERALL RATING

9
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Russell's Reserve 13-Year-Old Bourbon review

Tasting Notes

About:

Aged for 13 years in new American oak; 57.4% ABV; mash bill: standard Wild Turkey straight bourbon mash bill using non-GMO American-grown grains; SRP $150/ 750ml bottle.
Appearance:
This is moderate amber with a yellow undertone.
Nose:
The initial aromas are moderate in intensity but complex. There are aromas of orchard fruit like ripe green pears, rose oil and cherry blossom, and some oxidative and savory notes like fried pork belly, coffee, and shoe polish. Smells tasty, though it takes a hearty inhale to capture these aromas! With time, the aromatics unfurl a touch, showing aromas of vanilla wafer cookies and mint chocolate ice cream. The savory character keeps the more decadent notes in check. Very pretty, though I wouldn’t mind if it was more aromatic.
Palate:


Finish:
Comments:
This is a surprisingly reticent Kentucky Straight Bourbon; one of the least giving on the nose of those I’ve tried. That’s not much of a detractor for me since what aromatics do appear on the nose, palate, and finish, are exceptional. There’s a lovely spiced and savory character that contrasts nicely with the floral and toasted side. I think this is a bargain for its price point (though you’re unlikely to find it close to SRP online) and I highly recommend.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Suzanne Bayard

Suzanne Bayard struck out to the West Coast with her now husband almost a decade ago to explore the intersection of wine and policy in its world-class wine regions. She manages a Portland, OR bottle shop by day as the wine buyer and newsletter editor. She is also the Director of the Deep Roots Coalition, an organization of 30 Willamette Valley wineries that educate on and promote dry farming and sustainable practices. She joined the Whiskey Wash to explore two other passions: writing and whiskey.

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