It’s been a few months since I last reviewed a Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel private selection. Having recently acquired two in my home state of South Carolina, I thought it might be fun to compare them. Both are 2022 barrels: one aged at Tyrone’s rickhouse A, the other at Tyrone’s rickhouse B. It should prove an interesting comparison, as those buildings are situated right next to each other and are of similar construction (wood/clad from the turn of the 20th century). Additionally, each barrel was distilled in late October 2013 and spent eight years on the fourth floor of their respective rickhouses. For two barrels pulled from different locations, the specs rarely get closer.
Let’s start with the Tyrone A selection, courtesy of Campari SC (thanks Amy). This particular barrel was chosen by the staff of Motor Supply Company in Columbia, SC. For those unfamiliar, Motor Supply Co. is an acclaimed restaurant that’s hosted members of the Russell family on multiple occasions. I’ve reviewed some of their past Russell’s Reserve selections and attended various events over the years. Most recently, I helped select two barrels for Chapin’s Rackhouse 76 at Motor Supply back in May. (We picked a 10-year Camp Nelson E and an eight-year Tyrone Q.) As always, the service, food, and drinks were exceptional, which is precisely what I’m expecting from this bourbon today.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 110
Age: 8 years, 7 months
Misc.: barrel #22-2144, Tyrone A, 4th floor; selected by Motor Supply Company, Columbia, SC; non-chill filtered; distilled & bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY
Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …
Color: copper
Nose: caramel apple, honey butter, sweet oak, orange ambrosia, hints of bubblegum
Taste: candy apple, vanilla toffee, balanced oak, cream soda, ripe citrus, faint nutmeg
Finish: medium-long w/ brown sugar, light cola, charred oak, cinnamon, warm citrus
Impression: If I had to sum up this profile in two words I’d say, “modern classic.” What does that mean exactly? Well, for a modern expression there’s a fair bit of classic Turkey qualities laced throughout. I particularly love the orchard fruit in combination with the more typical bourbon notes like caramel and toffee. It has considerable richness and character, successfully scratching that “core Turkey” itch. And it only seems appropriate, as Tyrone’s rickhouse A has a tendency to produce what many would argue as quintessential Wild Turkey.
Overall, it’s a lovely bourbon – one I’m proud to have in my cabinet. With all that I taste on a regular basis, when I’m in need of a “palate reset,” it’s barrels like Motor Supply Co.’s 2022 Tyrone A that I reach for. That, and it’s just damn good whiskey. I think that says it all.
Next up is a Tyrone rickhouse B selection from Harvard’s Liquor in Aiken, SC. (I purchased this bottle at a sister store, North Augusta Wine & Beverage.) Rickhouse B has been cited as a favorite of both Jimmy and Bruce Russell. Why? Well, you can always listen to Bruce talk about it on the Dads Drinking Bourbon podcast, but essentially, it relates to airflow. Rickhouses A and B are so close to one another (much closer than rickhouses are situated nowadays) that the wind flows like a tunnel between them. According to Bruce, this phenomenon has an impact on the aging whiskey’s flavor – especially whiskey from B. We shall see.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 110
Age: 8 years, 7 months
Misc.: barrel #22-0364, Tyrone B, 4th floor; selected by Harvard’s Liquor, Aiken, SC; non-chill filtered; distilled & bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY
Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …
Color: copper
Nose: vanilla frosting, honey butter, caramel drizzle, sweet oak, light confectionery spice
Taste: butter toffee, glazed baked apple, syrupy oak, nougat, hints of nutmeg & brown sugar
Finish: medium long w/ boozy vanilla creme, brown sugar, oak char, savory citrus, white pepper
Impression: Harvard’s Tyrone B selection is more in line with Motor Supply Co.’s Tyrone A barrel than I expected. Tasted apart, I could’ve sworn there was greater distinctiveness between the two. But tasted alongside one another, they share a great number of similarities. That doesn’t mean they’re the same whiskey, however. Each has its high points, and with Harvard’s selection, it’s found in its confectionery notes. It’s less orchard fruit and more toffee, caramel, and honey. There’s also more baking spice and pepper. And for a minute there, I thought Harvard’s barrel had a longer finish. While still up for debate, I don’t think the duration is as noteworthy as I initially assumed.
To sum it up, Harvard’s 2022 Tyrone B Russell’s Reserve selection is a sweet and syrupy delight offset by a near-perfect level of baking spice. For what it’s worth, I bought a second bottle. If a repeat purchase isn’t a sign of a good single barrel, I don’t know what is.
My favorite thing about side-by-side tastings are the surprises that often accompany them. Sometimes they’re revelatory, sometimes they merely foster curiosity, and other times, like today, they affirm what’s already known: that Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel private selections – regardless of maturation campus or rickhouse – have much to offer.
Both Motor Supply Co. and Harvard’s single-barrel selections are excellent. If I had to choose a favorite today, I’d go with Harvard’s Tyrone B barrel. Tomorrow could very well be a different story. That’s one reason why I keep so many Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel selections around – each offers its own unique spin on the brand I cherish. From subtle to significant, there’s a world of profile possibilities to explore. Considering the range of 2022-2023 Turkey barrels I’ve tasted so far, there’s a helluva lot to look forward to.
dj
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