For any enthusiast, there are certain bottles that inexplicably fly under the radar. For me, a diehard Wild Turkey fan, that bottle was Russell’s Reserve 10-Year-Old. I feel a genuine sense of regret for not adding this to my shelf years ago, but now that I have, I understand precisely what makes this bourbon such a well-regarded classic. It is a bottle I find myself reaching for time and again.
The first thing that strikes me is its remarkable, room-filling aroma. It is deeply nostalgic, immediately bringing to mind cherry cough drops and rich blackberry sweets. There is a distinct menthol quality, a nod to its 13% rye content, which is layered beautifully over that super alluring base of caramel and heavily charred American oak. It’s not the most complex whiskey in the world, but the notes it presents are clear, inviting, and wonderfully integrated.
Those delightful aromas translate directly onto the palate. The core experience is a jammy profile of blackberry and cherry, lifted by that same fresh mint. However, the rye makes its presence felt with a spicy, almost fizzy quality that cuts through the richness of the baked vanilla notes. I also find a subtle, savoury saltiness here, which I associate with the 12% malted barley in the mash bill. It reminds me of the comforting, medicinal quality of a throat lozenge, creating a very pleasing, warming sensation that just keeps you sipping.
Ultimately, Russell’s Reserve 10 is a bourbon that does a few things exceptionally well. It delivers a focused, comforting, and thoroughly enjoyable experience with a wholesome, jammy finish. If I’m being honest with you, when considering its price here in the UK, the value proposition of its younger sibling, Wild Turkey 101, is hard to beat. Yet, this remains a wonderful bottle of bourbon, one that I believe every fan of the distillery should get their hands on. It’s a bottle I’ll be savouring until I can find another. What are your thoughts on this classic expression?
Read the full article at Russell’s Reserve 10: The Bourbon I Should Have Bought Years Ago
