Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Return of Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon

Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old returns for the first time since 2023 — and it’s proofed significantly higher this time around. (Photo: Russell’s Reserve)

On Monday, Russell’s Reserve announced the return of one of the most fan-favorite whiskeys out of the famed Wild Turkey distillery: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old.

First introduced in June 2021, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old has historically been offered at 114.8 proof. Lovers of high-octane whiskey will be excited to hear that the 2025 iteration debuts at a significantly higher mark: 123.8 proof. 

“This release of Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old is special to me not only because it celebrates our legacy, but because it represents a new chapter in the evolution of this bourbon,” Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell said in a news release. “Each release is a labor of love and a reflection of the time and care we put into crafting every bottle. This one carries the signature profile the 13 is known for, but with enhanced cola notes that bring a new depth of flavor. I’m excited to share this new iteration with our fans because I think they’re going to love drinking it as much as I enjoyed making it.”

Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old will debut at a time Wild Turkey simply termed “later this summer” and will be a limited release — one described as “highly allocated.” It will be available online, at the distillery’s visitor’s center and via select retailers. Fans are encouraged to sign up for the Russell’s Reserve newsletter to learn more about how to acquire a bottle.

With the major bump in proof comes a significant bump in price; the most recent Russell’s 13 Year Old, 2023’s, had a suggested retail price of $150. 2025’s release is up to $200, a price squarely in the middle of the previous Russell’s 13 and the $250 Russell’s Reserve 15 Year Old of last year that was so revered.

Russell’s Reserve 15 Year Old was bottled at 117.2 proof, so proof hounds may be even more excited about the new Russell’s 13. To make it easier to visualize all those numbers, see the below comparison chart:

Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Tasting Notes, Via the Brand

Nose: Vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar, follow by cherry, spice notes of clove and nutmeg, and the distillery’s signature dusty funk

Taste: Sweet notes of cola, molasses, and dark fruit transition to lighter notes of fruit cobbler and butter cream

Finish: Long lasting finish with mature oak, char, and deep oak spice, and a hint of black pepper