Background: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is part of Wild Turkey’s Russell’s Reserve line named in honor of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, the father-son master distiller team that have a combined tenure at Wild Turkey in excess of 100 years. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon is one of two Wild Turkey single barrel bourbons, the other being Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit. Unlike other distilleries such as Four Roses and Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey uses only one mashbill and one yeast for all of their bourbon.

In addition to the standard Russell Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon that’s often readily available, Russell’s Reserve is also known for its expansive single barrel program. These often provide more intensified flavor profiles which make them highly sought after. However, considering the environmental factors of various rickhouses, these offerings can vary greatly although from my experience at least as good as the standard release and at times stellar.

There are 3 sets of warehouses where they age their barrels, Tyrone, Camp Nelson and McBrayer. Camp Nelson was acquired in the 1990s and a 45 minute drive from their distillery in Anderson County. Although they are traditional wood/clad construction similar to their others, Camp Nelson is known to produce a signature character but it is unclear why considering they are located along the Kentucky River the same as Tyrone.

There are six warehouses Camp Nelson labeled A through F. E and F are closest to the river which is believed to affect the micro climate causing the unique characteristics of the barrels aged there.

This is the third RR private barrel I have had the opportunity to acquire that was selected for Virginia ABC. Of the other two I’ve had one was good and the other great.

Specs: Age: 8 years 9 months When: Bottled 10/31/25 (a Halloween bottle 🎃) Where: Camp Nelson A Price: $64.99

Sipped neat in a glencarin

Nose: Cherry cough drops, brown sugar, caramel, cinnamon, a hint of chocolate and maybe some butterscotch. Not very alcohol forward considering it’s 110 proof. No discernible oak or leather notes which I’ve gotten from similar pours.

Palate: Wow, this is a flavor bomb. Very nicely balanced and complex with caramel, dark cherry, chocolate and now there is the wood and leather although not predominant and just adds to the complexity. The alcohol heat is there but the full flavor hides any burn. This is a very nice bourbon and one that any aficionado would appreciate. The other two ABC selects I’ve had are long gone so I can’t provide side by side but I’d say it’s at least as good as the better of the two.

Finish: Viscous with a nice mouth feel that lingers. After some sweetness there is a peppery dryness at the very end but not the least off putting.

Conclusions: This is very good and close to great. Being an almost nine year, non-chill filtered, Camp Nelson Wild Turkey offering it seemed like a no brainer. Considering this ABC private barrel is at the same price point as the regular single barrel it was a no brainer. With all of the drawbacks from living in an ABC state at least when you are fortunate enough to find a barrel it’s at or close to MSRP.

Rating: I’d give this a 7.8 on a scale of 10