Legendary Distillery Releases Third Expression in Highly-Coveted “Vintage” Series
LAWRENCEBURG, KY (September 2020) — Bourbon – like its drinkers – comes in all shapes and sizes. The art of enjoyment arrives in the personal experience and shared cultural celebration. Today, the famed Wild Turkey Distillery introduces a new whiskey for anyone who seeks an elevated bourbon experience: Russell’s Reserve® 2003. Hand-selected by Master Distiller Eddie Russell, the 2003 edition is a special release never to be repeated – making it a sought-after offering for avid collectors.
Aged to perfection for a minimum of 16 years inside the distillery’s Tyrone warehouses, this unique palate pleaser marks the very last of Russell’s Reserve 107-barrel-entry-proof whiskey. Reminiscent of Wild Turkey releases from the mid-1980s to early 1990s, Eddie had a “Eureka!” moment after tasting these one-of-a-kind barrels bursting with sweet baking spices, juicy stone fruits, and butterscotch flavors.
Russell’s Reserve 2003 marks the latest in a line of innovative whiskies created by Eddie, a 39-year industry veteran who has mastered the craft of small-batch bourbon. A feat that speaks volumes to his skills as Master Distiller, Eddie has been crafting awarding-winning and ultra-rare whiskies – releasing some of the oldest bourbons to come out of Wild Turkey.
“Experiencing for the first time what would become our 2003 expression was one of those unforgettable moments of pure inspiration,” said Eddie Russell. “It’s one of our most complex bourbons, aged longer than most of our spirits, and speaks to what Russell’s Reserve is about—honoring our heritage.”
Bottled at barrel strength 89.5 proof, Russell’s Reserve 2003 is as exquisite as it is rare: with a dark amber hue and aromas of charred and seasoned oak, the palate reveals bright spice with layers of confectioner’s sugar, burnt caramel, and buttery vanilla and leather. A smoky and smooth finish has lingering oak and sweet notes of caramel and vanilla.
For the whiskey curious, the portfolio also includes award-winning Russell’s Reserve 10-Year-Old Bourbon ($39.99 SRP), Russell’s Reserve 6-Year-Old Rye ($47.99 SRP), Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon ($56.99 SRP), and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye ($61.99 SRP).
Approximately 3,600 bottles of Russell’s Reserve 2003 will be available in the United States with select retailers, at $250 SRP per bottle. For more information, please visit www.wildturkey.com.
Not a lot of hope for me finding this in DFW, but I’ll keep an eye out.
Gonna be insane.
I’m sure the 10 bottles coming to the metroplex have already been spoken for. DFW is a wasteland for any allocated or hard to find bourbon, at least if you’re just a regular bourbon drinker. Sadly I think a lot of these bottles will go to people who don’t even drink Turkey products on a regular basis. It would be nice to see limited releases like this get sold in half-sized bottles to at least give us plebeians a fighting chance.
I hear you. Unfortunately, those would be flipped too.
What do you think of the stats RB? Interesting the proof dropped that much from 107 in the barrel. How does that happen?
Barrels on low floors lose proof. At some point these barrels were moved to lower floors to slow their aging. 2015’s Master’s Keep suffered from a similar condition. It was bottled at 86.8. Just under two points away from barrel proof.
Man it does look good. But $250 for 89.5 proof.. I’d rather have 5 bottles of Rate Breed
Note the proof is barrel strength.
Nice to see you on Mash and Drum the other day. I had the chance to taste the Masters Keep 17 yo BIB and the 2003 Russell’s Reserve side by side. I really enjoyed both, the Masters Keep being more vibrant and spicy but I appreciated the mellow complexity of the 2003 RR as well. I’m enjoying your book. Cheers!
Thank you, Steven!