*** Note: Proof for the 2021 release is 114.8. The picture above is from the TTB filing. No official images released as of May 3, 2021. dj ***
UNVEILING OF RUSSELL’S RESERVE® 13 YEAR OLD BOURBON SHOWCASES 40-YEAR WHISKEY VETERAN EDDIE RUSSELL’S MASTERY OF BOURBON-MAKING
Acclaimed Master Distiller Launches Limited Edition, Non-Chill Filtered, Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Whiskey
LAWRENCEBURG, KY (June 1, 2021) — Straight up and straight out of the Commonwealth of Kentucky comes one of the boldest, yet smooth, limited-edition bourbons ever. Honoring the family ties that bind, Eddie Russell is introducing Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old, a 114.8-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon that, once again, exemplifies the Russell family’s mastery of bourbon-making. In the ultimate distilling challenge, Eddie aged this one-of-a-kind release for at least 13 years, maintained the barrel proof and opted not to chill filter the whiskey, creating a more robust mouthfeel and authentic bourbon experience.
“Crafting Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old turned out to be one of my most rewarding experiences as a distiller,“ said Eddie Russell, who celebrates an astounding 40 years of bourbon making at the Wild Turkey Distillery this year. “This release embodies our commitment to creating uniquely satisfying flavors, and, hands down, it’s one of our most rare bourbons.”
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old pays tribute to the distillery’s heritage and the legacy pioneered by venerated Master Distiller Jimmy Russell while showcasing Eddie’s innovative talents and expert ability to develop supreme flavors through careful aging and a keen sense for identifying only the highest quality barrels. The result is a daring, batch-specific new statement with enticing flavors, such as notes of plum, chocolate, and toasted brown sugar, that speak to the ever-evolving mastery of the Russell family.
Savoring Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old is an experience like no other. The barrel-proof bourbon coats the palate with sweet and warming flavors rising from the harmonious marriage of dried dark fruit and charred confectionary notes. Those sweet and woody notes give way to rich flavors of honey, chocolate and nougat throughout, followed by a strong and lasting finish.
The introduction of Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old is the latest in the Russell’s Reserve lineup, which boasts an award-winning portfolio of bourbon and rye whiskies to suit the palate of any drinker, regardless of where they are on their journey of bourbon enjoyment.
Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old will be available in the United States at $69.99 SRP per bottle for a limited time only. For more information, please visit www.wildturkey.com.
Barrel-proof, but 55% on the dot?
Also, “boldest, yet smooth…”. I wish they’d just leave “smooth” out of all marketing material.
It’s 114.8 per the release. Smooth is debatable! 😁
The reason for the confusion is it shows a picture of the label and the picture says 110 proof/55ABV.
That’s the official TTB filing. There’s been no other official image to date. Only leaked photos. Unfortunately, it’s all I have to go with at the moment.
I’ve seen pictures that show the actual boxes,
It appears to be 114.8 proof.
States it in the release above. 114.8.
Any word on the bottle count? Or is this going to be yet another special release I’ll never see.
No count, but it will be less than Rare Breed Rye. Probably less than most Master’s Keep releases.
Well if it’s fewer than MK then I might as well forget about it. I’m really getting tired of fighting over bottles. I never even sniffed an opportunity to purchase the RR2003, 2002 or 1998. And MK17bib was probably available but that one was tatered beyond belief.
Fingers crossed for you, Larry.
Update: I was able to score a bottle from my local retail store. Evidence that miracles do happen! Already opened it and it’s fantastic.
Congrats Larry!
Your fingers crossed did the trick! :- )
It’d be the first! LOL
I am beyond excited for this!
Me too!
Not releasing it for another month?
Rare Breed Rye hit shelves before its technical release date. But technically, yes. June 1st according to this release.
Australia?! We need this since we can’t get father & son.
Interesting, considering the label for Father & Son. I know it’s travel-retail, but it’s also supplied by Campari Australia (per the label). I know some bottles have hit online retailers. Maybe ask your area Campari rep. Cheers Jim!
Pretty bummed this won’t be an ongoing release. WT could lessen the sting by announcing NCF Rare Breed bourbon…
It will be annual, just limited in number. Only so many 13+ year barrels available to be batched and bottled for this expression.
Curious how you know it is annual release (obviously you have likely heard more than I have), but the press release does not indicate that regularity.
Thanks for commenting. My Patreon group had a Zoom with Bruce Russell. He stated it would be an annual release and a permanent part of the Russell’s Reserve line. 👍