Taken: Neat in a Glencairn glass, rested for about 15 minutes.
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distilling Co.
Proof: 117.2. Non-chill filtered.
Age: 15 years.
Mash bill: 75% Corn/13% Rye/12% Malted Barley.
Retail Price: $250.00.
Appearance: Dark caramel.
Nose
What first comes to mind is how fantastic and complex this is, leading with a perfect mix of dark chocolate-covered cherries, dates, crème brûlée, toffee, butterscotch, and toasted oak. A good balance of cinnamon spice compliments the oak with vanilla beans, black tea, cloves, nutmeg, orange slices, and almonds. As the session continues, chocolate stays in the lead as sweeter flavors come forward with more butterscotch, toffee, vanilla, nutmeg, and dates. This fantastic flavor profile makes it hard to keep my nose out of the glass.
Palate
With a viscous mouthfeel, the nose continues to the palate with caramelized brown sugar, dark chocolate, toasted oak, cherries, apricots, toffee, and butterscotch. Underneath is a layer of black tea, nutmeg, cloves, and orange peel, as cinnamon spice develops mid-sip, covering the whole palate through the finish. This bourbon is amazing! What can’t be understated is how well this well-aged profile, balance, and proof point work together to create an incredible and super enjoyable sipping experience.
Finish
As the cinnamon spice lingers, the first part of the finish continues with chocolate, Luxardo cherries, black tea, and toasted oak. As time goes by, tannins of pipe tobacco emerge, continuing with chocolate, cherries, and vanilla. This very long finish leaves you with toasted oak, leather, and pipe tobacco with lingering spice and no bitterness. This finish is outstanding and one of the best I’ve had.
Conclusion
It’s easy to see why Russell’s Reserve 15 has gotten so many great reviews. It takes you on a ride from start to finish that’s difficult to find any fault with. It’s obvious from my notes how much I love this flavor profile, but what’s hard to put into words is how well RR15 has been put together to create the best possible experience from every angle. In comparing Russell’s Reserve 15 to Russell’s Reserve 13 2023 and Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B, RR15 was the leader, with RRSRCNB being closer in profile and complexity than I expected. Another semi-blind comparison I made with Russell’s Reserve 15 was Hardin’s Creek Jacob’s Well 211, which I reviewed in June and scored a 10. Both releases showcase the best of their respective distilleries, and I loved each one equally.
What more can I say? Russell’s Reserve 15 is one of the best and most enjoyable releases I’ve had this year, and I hope we see another 15-year release in the next few years. In the meantime, I hope to see another Russell’s Reserve 13 next year.
Rating: 10/10.
1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.
2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.
3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.
4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.
5 | Good | Good, just fine.
6 | Very Good | A cut above.
7 | Great | Well above average.
8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.
9 | Incredible | An all-time favorite.
10 | Perfect | Perfect.
