Russells Reserve 13 Year Bourbon 750ML

Russell's Reserve 13 Year Bourbon 750ML is a barrel proof, non-chill filtered Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 57.4% ABV (114.8 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Awarded 95 points by Whisky Advocate and a Double Gold at the New York International Spirits Competition, this limited annual release from Wild Turkey's master distillers has earned a devoted following among bourbon enthusiasts seeking uncompromising cask-strength depth.

Quick Facts: ABV: 57.4% (114.8 Proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, USA  |  Age: 13 Years  |  Distillery: Wild Turkey

Production & Heritage

Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, has been producing bourbon since the mid-19th century and is currently owned by Campari Group. Russell's Reserve is the premium line overseen by father-and-son master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who collectively represent over a century of distilling experience at the same facility. The 13 Year expression uses Wild Turkey's signature mashbill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, marrying select 13-year-old barrels with older stocks for added complexity. It is bottled without chill filtration at barrel proof, preserving the full texture and flavor the whiskey developed during its extended maturation in new charred American oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark caramel and burnt brown sugar rise first, followed by waves of toasted oak, dried tobacco leaf, and a hint of charred marshmallow. Beneath those heavier notes, dried dark cherries and plum offer an unexpected sweetness.

Taste: The entry is immediately rich — thick honey and dark chocolate coat the palate before a surge of baking spice and rye pepper takes hold at mid-palate. As the proof asserts itself, layers of confectionary caramel, stewed dark fruit, and charred oak emerge, building toward a complex peak that rewards patient sipping.

Finish: Long and warming with lingering smoky campfire character, dark chocolate bitterness, and a dry oak tannin grip. A faint thread of honey sweetness persists well after the heat fades.

How to Drink Russell's Reserve 13 Year

This bourbon is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to unlock its layered aromatics without diluting the barrel proof intensity. For those who prefer cocktails, the 114.8 proof and bold flavor profile stand up well in spirit-forward preparations:

• Old Fashioned: The dark caramel and oak richness pair naturally with a sugar cube and aromatic bitters, creating a deeply layered version of this classic.
• Boulevardier: The bourbon's chocolate and dried-fruit character provides a muscular backbone against sweet vermouth and Campari.
• Kentucky Mule: At barrel proof, the whiskey punches through ginger beer and lime without losing its identity.

Best For

• Gifting a serious bourbon collector who values barrel proof age-stated releases
• Side-by-side tastings comparing barrel proof bourbons across different distilleries
• Celebrating a milestone occasion with a limited annual release
• Adding a 13-year age-stated bourbon to a curated home bar shelf

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Russell's Reserve 13 Year taste like? It delivers a bold, layered profile dominated by dark caramel, toasted oak, dark chocolate, and dried dark fruit, with a long smoky finish. The barrel proof strength amplifies the richness without harshness, balanced by underlying honey sweetness.

How does Russell's Reserve 13 Year compare to Elijah Craig Barrel Proof? Both are non-chill filtered, barrel proof Kentucky bourbons aged in a similar range, but Russell's Reserve 13 Year uses a slightly higher rye percentage (13% vs. 10%), which contributes more spice on the mid-palate. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof tends to lean more heavily into caramel and vanilla sweetness, while the Russell's expression shows more tobacco, dried fruit, and campfire smoke character.

Is Russell's Reserve 13 Year good for sipping neat? Yes — despite its 114.8 proof, this bourbon was specifically bottled non-chill filtered at barrel proof to be sipped and savored. A few drops of water can help open up additional aromas for those sensitive to high-proof spirits.

Where is Russell's Reserve 13 Year made? It is produced at Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, situated along the Kentucky River in the heart of bourbon country. The distillery has been operating at this location since the 1800s and is overseen by master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell.

What foods pair well with Russell's Reserve 13 Year? Dark chocolate truffles complement the bourbon's cocoa notes; smoked brisket mirrors its campfire finish; pecan pie echoes its caramel and toasted nut character; aged cheddar or Gouda contrasts the sweetness with savory depth; and dried fruit and charcuterie boards bring out the plum and cherry undertones.

What sizes does Russell's Reserve 13 Year come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is Russell's Reserve 13 Year worth the price? Russell's Reserve 13 Year positions as a premium, limited annual release within the bourbon category, and its 95-point score from Whisky Advocate plus multiple competition medals support its standing among top-tier barrel proof bourbons. For drinkers who prioritize age statements, barrel proof bottling, and non-chill filtration, it represents strong value relative to comparably aged and awarded competitors.

Why Russell's Reserve 13 Year?

What sets this bourbon apart is the intersection of extended age, barrel proof bottling, and the Russell family's unmatched institutional knowledge at Wild Turkey. Thirteen years in new charred oak in Kentucky's climate produces significant wood influence, yet Jimmy and Eddie Russell's barrel selection ensures the oak enhances rather than overwhelms the spirit. The 95-point Whisky Advocate score and Double Gold at the New York International Spirits Competition validate what the palate confirms — this is a bourbon built on substance, not scarcity hype. As annual limited releases go, Russell's Reserve 13 Year consistently earns its reputation through the liquid in the bottle.