Russells Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon 750ML

Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon 750ML is a non-chill filtered Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 110 proof (55% ABV) in a 750ml bottle. Scoring 95 points at the New York International Spirits Competition, this expression is hand-selected by father-and-son Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell — a combined tenure exceeding 100 years at Wild Turkey Distilling Co.

Quick Facts: ABV: 55% (110 Proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, USA  |  Single Barrel, No Age Statement  |  Distillery: Wild Turkey Distilling Co.

Production & Heritage

Wild Turkey Distilling Co. has operated in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, along the banks of the Kentucky River, and the Russell family name has been synonymous with the distillery for decades. Jimmy Russell began working at Wild Turkey in 1954; his son Eddie joined in 1981, making them one of the longest-tenured father-son teams in American whiskey. Russell's Reserve Single Barrel uses a mashbill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, matured in new American oak barrels with a heavy "alligator" char. What distinguishes this bourbon is Wild Turkey's notably low barrel entry proof of 107 to 115 — well below the industry maximum of 125 — meaning the 110-proof bottling is remarkably close to actual barrel proof without the label claim. Each barrel is individually selected by the Russells and bottled without chill filtration, preserving the full texture and flavor concentration of the spirit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Surprisingly gentle and aromatic for 110 proof, the nose opens with dense caramel and vanilla pound cake before revealing toasted oak, cinnamon spice, and orange peel. Deeper exploration uncovers coconut macaroon, light cigar box smokiness, and a thread of leather.

Taste: The entry is big and chewy with rich caramel and vanilla toffee coating the palate. At mid-palate, heavy rye spice builds alongside dried cherry, cranberry, and clove, with graham cracker sweetness balancing the oak intensity. Toward the peak, dried red apple, dark nougat, and a surge of black pepper emerge, supported by tobacco-like depth.

Finish: Medium to long, carrying sweet cereal notes, aged oak, and lingering vanilla that gradually yields to rye spice and subtle fennel. The non-chill filtered texture holds through the entire fade, leaving a warm, resinous oak impression.

How to Drink Russell's Reserve Single Barrel

Neat with a few minutes of rest in the glass is the ideal primary serve — the low barrel entry proof gives this bourbon an unusual roundness at 110 proof that rewards patience. A splash of water opens up additional citrus and grain nuances without collapsing the structure.

• Old Fashioned: The dense caramel and oak backbone stands up to bitters and sugar without losing definition, making a commanding, barrel-strength-style Old Fashioned.
• Manhattan: The 13% rye in the mashbill provides enough spice to cut through sweet vermouth, while the vanilla and dried fruit notes complement the cocktail's herbal complexity.
• Kentucky Mule: At 110 proof, it punches through ginger beer with authority, and the citrus and cinnamon notes harmonize naturally with fresh lime.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts exploring single barrel variation from a heritage distillery
• Gifting a serious whiskey drinker who values proof and production integrity
• Building a barrel-proof bourbon flight alongside Knob Creek Single Barrel and Four Roses Single Barrel
• Weekend sipping sessions where you want full-flavored bourbon without a premium barrel-proof price tag

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Russell's Reserve Single Barrel taste like? It delivers dense caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak up front, followed by heavy rye spice, dried cherry, tobacco, and black pepper, with a medium-to-long finish of sweet cereal and aged oak.

How does Russell's Reserve Single Barrel compare to Knob Creek Single Barrel? Both are 120-proof (Knob Creek) and 110-proof single barrel Kentucky bourbons from major distilleries, but Russell's Reserve uses a lower rye percentage and benefits from Wild Turkey's distinctively low barrel entry proof, which tends to produce richer oak integration and a rounder mouthfeel at similar proof points. Knob Creek Single Barrel, aged nine years, generally runs hotter and more tannic by comparison.

Is Russell's Reserve Single Barrel good for sipping neat? Yes — despite its 110-proof strength, the low barrel entry proof and non-chill filtration produce a surprisingly approachable and full-textured neat pour. A few drops of water will further open the citrus and grain aromatics for those sensitive to higher proof.

Where is Russell's Reserve Single Barrel made? It is distilled and bottled at Wild Turkey Distilling Co. in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, situated along the Kentucky River in the heart of bourbon country.

What foods pair well with Russell's Reserve Single Barrel? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the bourbon's oak and tobacco notes; dark chocolate with sea salt mirrors its caramel-and-spice profile; pecan pie echoes the toasted nut and vanilla character; sharp aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness with savory tang; and grilled stone fruit like peaches highlights the dried cherry and citrus undertones.

What sizes does Russell's Reserve Single Barrel come in? The standard widely available size is the 750ml bottle.

Is Russell's Reserve Single Barrel worth the price? Russell's Reserve Single Barrel positions as a premium single barrel bourbon that competes well above its price tier — the combination of 110-proof, non-chill filtered processing, and hand-selection by two Master Distillers delivers quality that rivals bottles costing significantly more in the allocated bourbon market.

Why Russell's Reserve Single Barrel?

Wild Turkey's barrel entry proof of 107 to 115 is one of the lowest in the Kentucky bourbon industry, which means this bourbon spends its entire maturation at a lower proof than most competitors — extracting flavor from the wood differently and yielding a richer, more integrated oak character at bottling. The non-chill filtration preserves every bit of that texture and complexity. With a 95-point score from the New York International Spirits Competition and Superior Gold from the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, the acclaim is well documented. In a crowded single barrel bourbon category, this is one of the few expressions where you can taste the direct influence of two specific distillers whose combined experience at a single distillery is unmatched in American whiskey.