Russell’s Reserve 10 Year is the Wild Turkey bourbon I’d buy for someone who’s serious about bourbon, and my Russell’s Reserve 10 Year review is a recommendation. It’s rich, balanced and good value.
About Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
It’s made by Wild Turkey in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, which is owned by Campari, and it’s named after the master distiller Jimmy Russell. It’s a 10-year-old bourbon, bottled at 45%, aged in new charred American oak.
It’s the older, smoother, more refined relative of the standard Wild Turkey 101.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year tasting notes and first impressions
Caramel, vanilla and toasted oak on the nose, with some dried fruit and a hint of baking spice. It’s rich and warm.
On the palate it’s smooth and full-bodied, with caramel, vanilla, oak, dried fruit and a gentle spice. The finish is long, warm and a bit dry. It’s balanced and mature, with a lot of depth.
How to drink Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
A large cube of ice or a splash of water both work, and neat is fine too. It’s a great sipper, and it’s too good for most cocktails, though an Old Fashioned would be a treat.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year price: is it worth it?
About £44 for 70 cl. For a 10-year-old bourbon at 45%, that’s very good value, and it’s one of the better deals in the aisle. Where to buy Russell’s Reserve 10 Year: start with the retailer link on this page, then compare it with your usual shop.
If you like Russell’s Reserve 10 Year, try these
Wild Turkey 101 is the punchier, cheaper one, Eagle Rare 10 is a similar age and quality, and Henry McKenna 10 Year is another strong choice.
Who should buy Russell’s Reserve 10 Year?
Bourbon fans who want a mature, smooth bourbon without paying silly money.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year review verdict
A rich, smooth, mature bourbon that’s excellent value. Highly recommended. Caskable score: 78 out of 100.
Caramel, vanilla and toasted oak, with dried fruit and baking spice.
Smooth and full-bodied, with caramel, vanilla, oak, dried fruit and gentle spice.
Long, warm and a bit dry.
A rich, smooth, mature bourbon that is excellent value.
Thomas Grønvold is the founder of Caskable and a whisky enthusiast who believes the best way to learn about whisky is simply to drink it, compare it, and stay curious. From supermarket favourites to bottles from distilleries around the world, he writes about what he actually tastes and experiences, without pretending you need to be an expert to enjoy a good dram.
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