It’s time for the second entry in my “12 Rickhouses of Turkey” series. Today, I’ll be tasting a Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon selected by my friends at the Dallas Bourbon Club. This whiskey aged over nine years on the 4th floor of Tyrone’s rickhouse K. Those familiar with Wild Turkey rickhouses know that some legendary barrels have matured in K, like “Misty’s 2nd” and Single Cask Nation’s 6th-floor behemoth, #16-313. Rickhouse K has also earned a reputation for being a wildcard, as one’s not quite sure what they’ll get. From sweet citrus and tart berries to intense caramel and tobacco, each K barrel offers its own unique surprise.
It’s also worth noting that Jimmy Russell’s contribution to Wild Turkey Generations reportedly aged in Tyrone’s rickhouse K. I don’t have the exact fill dates or floors of those barrels, but going by Jimmy’s established preference and Generations’ published specs, I’d wager they’re pretty close to this DBC Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon. Of course, I’m not expecting this private selection to taste like Generations, but it’s good to know this particular warehouse was the location Jimmy favored for one of the most impressive Wild Turkey releases to date.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 110
Age: 9 years, 5 months
Misc.: Selected by the Dallas Bourbon Club; barrel 21-0252, Tyrone K, 4th floor; distilled and bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY
Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …
Color: copper
Nose: cake frosting, zesty oak, orange peel, Jordan almonds, maraschino cherry, faint herbal/floral spice
Taste: fruit & nut trail mix, butter toffee, lemon-honey, sweet oak char, savory citrus, red licorice
Finish: long w/ caramel syrup, smoky apple peel, charred oak, leather, white pepper, hints of clove
Impression: Confession time. Not too long after opening this bottle last year, I set it in my cabinet and forgot all about it. I’m glad I did. Now I have a rediscovered treat that I can appreciate this holiday season.
This DBC K is intensely flavorful with a zesty red fruit quality and a notably long, sweet & savory finish that leaves you eager for your next sip. It’s also a cut above many of the 2022 Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel selections I’ve tasted, especially when you factor in its throwback herbal/floral qualities. I’m not saying it’s dusty in profile, but there are some classic Turkey notes to it for sure. I can’t stress how happy I am that I forgot about this bottle. Now, its days are numbered!
Since it’s unlikely you’ll stumble upon this particular Dallas Bourbon Club offering, you’ll need to look for another K barrel to potentially scratch this profile itch. The good news is, rickhouse K has remained in the private selection program since 2021. If you can’t find a 4th-floor K barrel with a 21- prefix, look for a 22- or 23-. Chances are you’ll discover a bourbon that checks similar boxes. And if not, and K’s wildcard nature comes into play, you might just find something even more remarkable.
There are countless gambles in today’s whiskey world. Thankfully, Wild Turkey’s single barrel program is strong enough to virtually guarantee a winner. When it comes to Tyrone’s rickhouse K, your odds of acquiring a memorable barrel are even stronger. If you don’t believe me, just ask Jimmy Russell. I think he’d agree.
dj
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