One rickhouse that certainly deserves attention in the “12 Rickhouses of Turkey” series is Camp Nelson E. I first tasted CNE aged whiskey in the fall of 2022 when I was evaluating barrels for Pride of Anderson County. I knew instantly those barrels were exemplary, thanks largely to their noteworthy age and the magic of the old Ripy Brothers still (decommissioned by 2011).
Fast-forward to the spring of 2023 and Camp Nelson E had made its way into Wild Turkey’s private barrel program. Though whiskey produced on the new still, these barrels were a respectable 10 years old. It’s not often you see 10+ year barrels in the selection phase. When you do, take note. As for the 2023 10-year-old CNEs, the majority I’ve tasted have been pleasant sippers – not terribly complex or layered, but crushable nonetheless.
Fast-forward again, this time to January 2024 and the release of Justins’ House of Bourbon’s Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel selection “Henry & Daisy” from (you guessed it) Camp Nelson E. But wait – eight years? All the 2023 CNEs I’d seen by that point had been at least 10 years old. Interesting. It’s rare to find barrels from the same rickhouse in the same year’s program separated by two years of maturity. Hell, it might even be a first. But as they say, age is only a number. Having spent countless time with the fine folks at Justins’ House of Bourbon, they know a good barrel when they taste it. If an eight-year Camp Nelson E was chosen, it was chosen for a reason (and I soon found out why).
After sampling all three of their recent Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel selections, including an exceptional Tyrone Q and Tyrone K barrel, the Camp Nelson E, which I’d assumed would be the weakest of the bunch, ended up being the sleeper hit. Granted, the Q or K could easily win in a blind tasting, but the CNE genuinely surprised me. Perhaps it’s best if I provide my tasting notes for context.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 110
Age: 8 years, 11 months
Misc.: “Henry & Daisy” selected by Justins’ House of Bourbon; barrel 23-0610, Camp Nelson E, 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: vanilla creme, toffee syrup, honey-coated oak, confectioners sugar, nutmeg, hints of fresh-baked lemon squares
Taste: cherry-vanilla, sweet oak, cream soda Dum-Dum lollipop, honey buns, caramel drizzle, cinnamon-orange glaze
Finish: medium-long w/ toffee, diet cola, cake frosting, cocktail cherry, soft baking spice, white pepper
Impression: Simply put, “Henry & Daisy” exceeds my expectations in every way. Dare I say it outperforms the 10-year Camp Nelson E Russell’s Reserve selections I’ve tasted? Why that’s so, I can’t easily answer. One could argue it’s just this barrel. After all, single barrels carry the potential of being one-off stunners, though I don’t think that’s exactly what’s going on here. I believe the reason this eight-year stands above the average 10-year CNE has more to do with distillation than it does maturation.
Taking a look at the 10-year-old Camp Nelson E Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel selections I’ve had access to, they all show May 2013 distillation dates. Justins’ House of Bourbon’s “Henry & Daisy” was distilled in December 2014. For those unfamiliar, there seems to be a positive trend with Wild Turkey’s new still. Post-2009-2010 distilled Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel selections may have taken a hit; however, they’ve improved significantly as distillation dates move further away from fall 2010. Why? Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. I’ve never claimed to be a distillation expert. But if I had to guess, I’d imagine any newly installed still goes through a “breaking in” period accompanied by a series of tweaks and re-tweaks.
Regardless of the reasons, “Henry & Daisy” is an excellent Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel selection and one I highly recommend. Luckily, you can still find it for sale at Justins’ House of Bourbon (both Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky locations). Based on the popularity of Wild Turkey’s private barrel program they won’t stick around for long, but don’t let time or distance stop you. If you’re outside of a reasonable driving distance to Kentucky, I’m willing to bet there’s more of these eight-year-old Camp Nelson E barrels out there – possibly some in your area. Keep an eye out. You never know what you might find at your local liquor store.
dj
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Just picked up my 3rd Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel store pick from K and L Wine and Spirits here in So. Cal. It’s an 8yr 6mo CN-E floor 4 called “Backcountry Camping”. It doesn’t disappoint as it’s better than either of the other 2 picks. Dark fruit and spice are nicely balanced. Camp Nelson has done it again!