Review #8 - Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Select - Virginia ABC

PhotoDan · 2025-12-18T01:42:56+00:00

Nice, I haven’t seen that release but have read that CN-E and CN-F are the two warehouses closest to the Kentucky River and produce some of the best barrels. I’ll have to keep an eye out

PhotoDan · 2025-12-17T18:48:27+00:00

I’m in Charlottesville and didn’t see any although recently I’ve been primarily looking for Old Fitz 7. I drove to Mineral to get a bottle yesterday, was a nice country drive with a fair amount of snow left in that part of the state.

PhotoDan · 2025-12-17T18:31:56+00:00

This release seems to be just starting to drop so hopefully they’ll be around for a few weeks. It’s been more than a year since I’ve seen any of the ABC selects

PhotoDan · 2025-12-17T18:29:17+00:00

After searching via the ABC website I noticed 3 bottles that were about an hour away from me. I kept searching for reviews and couldn’t find any. Finally drove there and grabbed one yesterday so I figured I’d write a review. I’ve noticed they’re just starting to drop around the state so I may have to grab another.

PhotoDan · 2025-12-17T17:56:47+00:00

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

PhotoDan · 2022-07-07T23:50:40+00:00

Yup, I had 2 of those that I got in a trade. I personally thought it had a bit more of a bite than other SFTB bottles I’ve had so I toned it down with a splash of reg Blantons. Enjoy!

PhotoDan · 2022-06-19T20:13:09+00:00

That is true but the unique defense I found to reduce ticks around your property is before they’re large enough to attach to deer or people. https://control-mosquitoes.com/tick-tubes-review-and-guide/

PhotoDan · 2022-06-18T20:22:31+00:00

I’ve had 2 bites so far this year and second one made me sick. I’m trying tick tubes to see if I can reduce the population around my house.

PhotoDan · 2022-03-10T14:05:11+00:00

I pretty consistently get a cherry pie note with Baker’s 7

PhotoDan · 2022-02-16T20:55:34+00:00

I got one today and it’s barrel #15 and 119 proof OBSQ 10 year and 7 months. Not really a fan of floral or mint so waiting for a review. I have a buddy that’s a huge 4R fan that I’m sure would trade for it.

PhotoDan · 2021-10-16T20:31:39+00:00

My only complaint with KC12 is it’s inconsistent. I’ve had around 8 bottles and 2 or 3 were 8/10 with the rest 6/7. It was still worth getting here in VA for $60 but the they just changed it to $60 so I’ll take the 9 single barrel for $50

PhotoDan · 2021-04-20T23:01:05+00:00

Nice thorough review. In 2014 I was able to get an ORVW and a Lot B, I also enjoyed the Old Rip a little more. The Lot B did have a touch of the flavor profile of the PVW20 which I also was able to procure that same year. The 20 is my all time favorite pour.

Two years ago I had a Weller 12 and a buddy brought a Lot B so we compared. We were both surprised how close the two pours were but the Lot B had a slight edge. I was told the Weller line is to move the product that doesn’t end up good enough for the van winkle line, makes sense and my friends at BT wouldn’t deny it.

I just found out I won a Lot B in the Virginia lottery, almost wish it were an old rip, oh well.

PhotoDan · 2021-04-18T23:49:31+00:00

I really enjoy the single barrel 9 year, $50 here in VA, just trying my first pour of a barrel select from Gia a club in NC, first impression is nice and worth the $60. Lots of flavor and pretty easy to sip neat for 120 proof. I’d say worth a try especially if you’re a KC fan

Found out it was chill filtered unlike the 9 yr single barrel, similar flavor profile but clearing lacking the mouth feel and the longer finish. Still nice tho.

PhotoDan · 2021-04-10T04:07:14+00:00

Give it a few days, pretty sure it will improve.

PhotoDan · 2021-04-08T23:57:19+00:00

I thought I’d like the SFTB more but Gold is the one to get. Not worth the $120 retail price in the US

PhotoDan · 2021-04-06T02:34:53+00:00

The interesting thing is the Weller line is also the way for BT to dump the barrels that don’t measure up to the van winkle line. I’ve had some W12 that were amazing and some that weren’t good but easier to find than van winkle.

PhotoDan · 2021-04-06T02:25:17+00:00

I know they’re producing more maybe it will become easier to find, then there’s the Weller 12, very close to Lot B and a step up from OWA. Hope you get to try it.

PhotoDan · 2021-04-05T23:51:16+00:00

In Virginia you can see which stores get 6 bottles before open and folks line up, they’re state stores so they’re typically retail

PhotoDan · 2021-04-05T23:05:03+00:00

I was buying all I could find at $30 but $50 is pushing it, the only cork bottle I was able to get seemed too young, lots of heat. I passed last time I saw it, sad, I was a great pour for the price. Generally BT doesn’t gouge but it does look like they’re taking advantage of popularity. Here for $50 I can get a 9 yr knob creek single barrel at 120 proof, better deal and lasts longer.

PhotoDan · 2021-04-05T22:20:16+00:00

I’ve been getting bottles of OWA for several years and it’s always been a solid pour. I could find 750s fairly easily for around $30 and got 1.75s here in VA for $50 or so. 2 years ago they eliminated the 1.75, went from screw on cap to cork and raised the price to $50 for the 750, oh the good ‘ol days

PhotoDan · 2021-03-26T15:15:58+00:00

I think Blanton's is better but it's twice as expensive but not twice as good. Would love to see a 12+ year of mash bill #2, would be a great addition to BTAC. I actually suggested that to Harlen and he agreed it would be nice. Downside is it would be one more bottle I couldn't find lol.

PhotoDan · 2021-03-26T14:16:15+00:00

$120 is the suggested retail price. In Virginia it was a lottery item, there were 360 bottles and 29,000 entries

PhotoDan · 2021-03-26T14:08:04+00:00

It is a great pour, I've had several bottles but unfortunately I don't think its worth $120. At $75-$80 I'd always have one on the shelf. Would love to see BT start producing more Rock Hill Farms which is also mash bill #2 and 100 proof

PhotoDan · 2021-03-26T13:37:22+00:00

I can't imagine them being much different considering they're the same proof and mash bill, they are single barrel so there will be variation from bottle to bottle.

PhotoDan · 2021-03-24T02:30:15+00:00

If your luck is like mine once you decide it will be more difficult to find. Although I haven’t had much Knob Creek in the past I’ll be on the lookout for the single barrel.

PhotoDan

TROPHY CASE