Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon Returns for Eddie Russell’s 45th Anniversary

(Photo: Russell’s Reserve)

Russell’s Reserve is celebrating Master Distiller Eddie Russell’s 45th anniversary at Wild Turkey with the return of one of the brand’s most sought-after releases.

The Spring 2026 edition of Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon arrives this month with a commemorative label honoring Russell’s four-and-a-half decades at the Lawrenceburg distillery. The release is accompanied by a new short documentary, His Own Way: The Story of Eddie Russell, which chronicles his career and influence on modern bourbon.

Russell began working at Wild Turkey in 1981, initially taking what was intended to be a summer job. Over the next 45 years, he worked across nearly every aspect of production before becoming one of the industry’s most respected master distillers and a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame.

“Russell’s Reserve has always been deeply personal to me. It started as a way to honor my dad and everything he taught me,” Russell said in a news release. “Now, the opportunity to celebrate my own 45 years with a new release of the 13 Year Old — a bourbon that really showcases how I approach the craft — and to see my story shared through this film, is incredibly special.”

The annual release continues the barrel-proof tradition that has helped make Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old a favorite among enthusiasts. This year’s expression is bottled at 121.2 proof (60.6% ABV) and includes barrels personally selected by Russell.

According to the brand, the bourbon features notes of vanilla, oak and brown sugar on the nose, followed by cherry, citrus, nutmeg and allspice on the palate. The finish delivers caramel, toffee and lingering oak tannins.

Bruce Russell, Associate Master Blender and Eddie Russell’s son, said one particularly memorable barrel made its way into the final blend.

“While we were filming, Dad actually pulled an 18-year-old barrel and we tasted it together — of course, it was exceptional,” Bruce Russell said. “That barrel ended up in this year’s 13 Year Old release.”

The bourbon will be available beginning this month in limited quantities through the Russell’s Reserve Visitor Center, online channels and select retailers. The suggested retail price is $200 per 750-milliliter bottle.

As part of the anniversary celebration, the documentary His Own Way: The Story of Eddie Russell will screen for one day only on June 23 at select Alamo Drafthouse theaters nationwide before a showing of Field of Dreams.