Released in June 2024, this is a step up, age-wise, from Russell's Reserve 13. This bourbon is distilled by Wild Turkey, aged 15 years and bottled at 117.2 proof. It has a suggested retail price of $250.
Russell’s Reserve 15 Year Bourbon is a banner release for the company, brilliantly showcasing their classic flavor profile balanced against elegant aged oak that results in an exceptional bourbon release.
At the end of the day, this is another impressive limited release out of Wild Turkey, but for my own taste I think this distillate has probably passed its peak in terms of wood exposure.
Russell’s Reserve 15 climbs right to the top of Wild Turkey’s current releases. It’s the sort of bottle that may elevate anyone’s perception of Wild Turkey, though it probably won’t redefine perceptions entirely.
Forget the exorbitant price and scarcity for a moment, and focus on the fact that this is a great bourbon, and one of the best that Wild Turkey has ever released.
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House Review
Nose:
Super oaky, big and dry, loaded with cola, root beer, bitter oak. Big, old, rich woody notes. Some sawdust, apple, cherry cola, and must.
Taste:
A bit hot on the palate, big oak, cherry, cola, tobacco. Signature Wild Turkey orange peel and baking spice. Tons of oak, borderline overbearing but overall pretty well balanced. Gobs of pepper, tannin, cola and cherries. Sticky, chewy and rich on the palate, heavy mouthfeel at the expensive of some heat.
Finish:
Long finish, heavy on the oak, tobacco, baking spice. Big and oaky through and through.
Overall:
This whiskey is big, brash and borderline over-oaked but oh so delightful. If you're a fan of heavy oak and core Wild Turkey notes dialed way up, this is for you.
Score:
92
Disclosure: The producer provided this sample to review free of charge, and without expectation of review or rating.
By T8ke
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources