Style: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey
Age: 13 years
Proof: 114.8 (57.4)
Region: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Since its introduction in 2021, bourbon whiskey aficionados have been all over Russell’s Reserve 13. This barrel-proof, non-chill filtered whiskey with a thirteen-year age statement is in many ways the purest representation of the bourbon distilled by the Russell family at the Wild Turkey distillery. Past releases have been quickly snatched up by the flock of Wild Turkey fanatics and this batch, released June 2023, has been no exception. So is this turkey worth the hunt? Find out below.
Tasting notes:
On the nose, this whiskey has a dense bouquet of familiar bourbon aromas — caramel, vanilla, baking spice and just a hint of damp oak. Sipping Russell’s Reserve 13 begins with a burst of cinnamon, clove and black pepper that gives way to flavors of dried fruit, orange zest. The finish is surprisingly smooth and carries the vanilla and caramel notes from the nose to a satisfying end. Throughout it all, the slight musty oak note is present, though not at all unpleasant. It’s evocative of walking among a rickhouse full of barrels in Kentucky.
Final thoughts:
This is a bourbon for people who love no-holds-barred bourbon. Russell’s Reserve 13 is an expertly crafted bourbon that will satisfy anyone who appreciates whiskey in any form, especially fans of the Russell’s Reserve and Wild Turkey flavor profile. The only downside to this whiskey is how difficult it will be to procure for most drinkers. Happy hunting!
