Whether you’re a huge fan of Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel private selections or not, you’ve surely noticed the vast number of Camp-Nelson-aged barrels currently available. More specifically, two distinct options – Camp Nelson A and Camp Nelson F. While there’s good reasons to love both, I prefer Camp Nelson F (or CNF) over Camp Nelson A (CNA). Why is that? Simply put, CNA is very “core Wild Turkey.” That is, in the vein of Wild Turkey 101 and Rare Breed, and therefore, I’m just as satisfied with those expressions. CNF, on the other hand, is arguably a new world of Wild Turkey in and of itself. A pensive profile enigma, if you will. Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate the core Wild Turkey profile, but when I buy a single-barrel bourbon I’m expecting something a little different.
I’ve been fortunate to have sipped a multitude of CNF barrels this year. From bottles picked by friends, to whiskey pulled straight from the barrel by Master Distiller Eddie Russell himself. And every single one of them have been good. Some extraordinary, but all good. Looking at my cabinet this week, I realized I had a lot of bottles left unreviewed – many of which are private selections from Camp Nelson F. Which one should I write about next? How about three?
And so the adventure begins. I’ve decided to take the last three CNF Russell’s Reserve bottles acquired and put them up against one another in a straightforward blind tasting. My subjects are as follows: Columbia Bourbon Collective’s “Dantifreeze,” Motor Supply Co.’s barrel #19-0271, and Dads Drinking Bourbon and Barrels & Brews’ “Drank Mor Turkey.” All three are excellent sixth-floor CNF selections that I’ve enjoyed individually on numerous occasions; all three similar in profile and near-equivalent in impressiveness. With so much in common, I’m not expecting a landslide victory; however, someone has to come out on top. With that, let’s pour!
Blind Sample 1: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon (rickhouse CNF, floor 6) – 110-proof, non-chill filtered KSBW – distilled and bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY
Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …
Color: copper
Tasting Notes: (hints of classic WT) cherry-orange, vanilla, charred oak, herbal spice, nutmeg, Fruit Loops cereal, candy apple, light honey-maple and clove; medium-long finish with caramel, sweet pepper, cinnamon and citrus zest
Impression: Of the three Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel selections in the tasting, this is the most consistent from nose to finish. No surprises – no crazy off-profile notes (well, nothing off-profile for CNF). Interestingly, I’m getting traces of the classic Wild Turkey profile, though not at a level I’d consider game changing. There’s plenty to love here – excellent, really – but compared to the others it’s missing that extra umph to set it apart.
Rating: 4/5 🦃
Reveal: Motor Supply Company barrel #19-0271
Blind Sample 2: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon (rickhouse CNF, floor 6) – 110-proof, non-chill filtered KSBW – distilled and bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY
Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …
Color: copper
Tasting Notes: (layered & complex) fruity vanilla, creme brulee, brown sugar, nutmeg, sweet & spicy oak, baked apples and cinnamon, honey butter, faint smoked maple; notably long finish with caramel, licorice, ginger beer and lingering “vibrant” pepper
Impression: While there’s plenty of similarities with Sample 1 and Sample 3, the first thing that immediately grabs my attention is a smoked maple note on the nose. Neither Sample 1 nor Sample 3 have this note. Maple, yes. Smoked maple, no. The palate is just as it should be – layered and delicious with a nice brown sugar and spiced apple vibe. The finish, however, is the centerpiece of this whiskey. Strikingly long and complex with waves of sweetness and spice. This is definitely a winner.
Rating: 4.25/5 🦃
Reveal: Columbia Bourbon Collective’s “Dantifreeze” (barrel #19-0270)
Blind Sample 3: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon (rickhouse CNF, floor 6) – 110-proof, non-chill filtered KSBW – distilled and bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY
Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …
Color: copper
Tasting Notes: (flavorful & well-balanced) toasted caramel, cherry-vanilla, orange peel, English toffee, oak char, molasses, maple and nutmeg: medium-long finish with brown sugar, candy apple, clove, hints of lemon peel and leather
Impression: I’ll admit, I’ve spent a fair amount of time comparing the nose of this pour with Sample 2’s nose. While very close, this Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel selection lacks the same smoked maple note that gives Sample 2 its distinctive character. And even though the palate stands up well against Sample 1 and Sample 2, the finish doesn’t have the same lingering complexity found in Sample 2. All things considered Sample 3 is a damn fine bourbon, just not the damn finest of the bunch.
Rating: 4/5 🦃
Reveal: Dads Drinking Bourbon & Barrels & Brews’ “Drank Mor Turkey” (barrel #19-0328)
In Summary: I’m surprised, yet not surprised. As stated earlier in this post, I knew going into this tasting that all three Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel selections were similar and of high quality. My hunch was that Motor Supply Co.’s barrel would edge the lead, though I accredit that to spending considerable time with it recently (having received the bottle a few weeks ago). “Drank Mor Turkey” has been a personal favorite since the day I popped the cork, while the CBC’s “Dantifreeze” has always put a smile on my face (especially that sticker). They’re all bourbons I’m grateful to have, though I’ll be appreciating Dantifreeze even more now that my senses are awakened to its standout attributes.
And maybe that’s the takeaway here. If you have a few favorite Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbons in your cabinet, take a few minutes to taste them blind. You might find your prejudices challenged – your preferences turned upside down. At the very least you’ll test your conjectures and potentially reevaluate your opinions. Regardless of the outcome, so long as you’re honest with yourself you’ll never be wrong. Cheers!
