Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel

Thanks to /u/blaw84 for sharing a sample at the most recent tasting (that I’ve written up).

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m afraid of Americans, I’m scared of their guns more.

Wait, no, that’s a David Bowie line, not something I said.

Rather what I typically say is this: When it comes to bourbon, I’m cursed. When it comes to what I’ve reviewed, Wild Turkey is my worst.

Wait, no that’s Cat Stevens.

What I’m saying is that I really should need to review more Wild Turkey offerings, especially given the love it gets on Reddit and the sheer selection. Granted I don’t visit Japan, otherwise I’d be able to try more. And I don’t think I’ll be hitting the US soon, what with the whole insanity going on down there.

So perhaps there’s a reason I haven’t had more of it. Thus this pick by Gates Circle Wine & Liquor in Buffalo of Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is a great addition to my reviews. I had previously had the Rye, of which I’m typically more of a sucker for, so it’s time to try the bourbon.

So let’s see how it tastes before I spout off obscure music quotes, shall we?

Price: N/A at the LCBO

Region: Kentucky

Barrel # 906

Rickhouse T

Floor 6

Personally Selected by Gates Circle Wine & Liquor

Colour: 10YR 5/8

Nose: Caramel, apple, peach, oak

Simple nose, though each flavour is quite pronounced. Takes its time to come alive.

Basically if you love pina coladas, then go dance in the rain. This is apple and caramel. A caramel apple, if you will.

Taste: Apple, cinnamon, mint, brown sugar/maple sugar

Now it opens up more. Nice amount of cinnamon, some bitey parts, not enough to make the castle or your brain spin.

It has this lovely Autumn flavour to it. Love the maple sugar aspect, and water just amps that up.

Finish: Cinnamon, corn, vanilla, peach, cayenne

Good spice finish, though there’s some raw parts with the heat and the corn and perhaps even a silver spoon.

I did enjoy they tried to go for a peach cobbler thing.

Conclusion: An interesting single cask that is quite tasty. Overall this was a nice dram to sit back and sip. The taste was probably the best part, with that brown sugar, cinnamon, Autumn vibe going on.

The finish could use a little more time, and it would have been nice to see what could have been. And the nose, while doing that whole “simple but pronounced” interesting aspect that bourbon does so well.

So all in all a good pick, one that makes me want to try other Wild Turkey options as well as other Gates Circle picks.

79/100

Bourbon review #222, Kentucky review #141, Whiskey Network review #1412