Russell’s Reserve 15 fever is here! And if you’re like me, you’re still hunting for a bottle. I did, however, receive a two-ounce media sample earlier this month (sincerest thanks to the Russell’s Reserve team). I published my initial thoughts on Patreon, though I’m reserving my official critique in hopes of a more thorough tasting. In the meantime, I thought I’d share a few alternatives for those striking out. Granted, there’s still time to find a bottle of Russell’s 15 at its retail price of $250 (location depending), but the odds grow tougher each day. Considering its current secondary market value of $450-$500, don’t expect to find it sitting on shelves for long (if at all).
Before I dive into today’s topic, I’d be remiss not to mention the online sale via Russell’s Reserve and Reserve Bar. I won’t dwell on the matter other than to say that demand far exceeded supply before the sale even began. I won’t pretend to be an internet or IT expert, but I’m well aware of the devious lengths some people will go to in order to secure a bottle of Kentucky corn water. If you want to know why these sales go awry, start with these folks.
Disclaimer: Some of the alternatives proposed in this article will likely require a secondary market purchase. There are both legal (licensed) and illegal (unlicensed) secondary outlets. While I’m supportive of legal secondary whiskey sales, there is significant risk regardless. To date, counterfeit measures for premium Wild Turkey products are virtually nonexistent. Most bottles, including Russell’s 15, have only a simple plastic heat shrink seal around the cork. These seals can be purchased on websites like Amazon.com for pennies. With the recent revelation of empty Russell’s 15 bottles listed on eBay (not to mention countless other rarities), please proceed with caution.
Side note: I would much rather see Campari invest in anti-counterfeit features for ultra-premium expressions than a robust online sales platform that enthusiasts will only use two or three times a year.
On with the show!
Russell’s Reserve 13
SRP: $150
Secondary: $200-$300
Let’s start with the most obvious alternative for Russell’s 15, its younger sibling, Russell’s 13. While the two bourbons showcase unique profiles, they have more similarities than differences in flavor. Taste aside, Russell’s 13 is bottled at barrel strength while Russell’s 15 is not. Russell’s 13 also contains older whiskey, at least based on the conversations I’ve had with those in the know at Wild Turkey. Its label may carry a large “13,” but there’s reportedly whiskey as old as 20+ years in some bottlings. Finally, Russell’s 13 is $100 cheaper than Russell’s 15. Of course, finding a bottle of Russell’s 13 priced at $150 isn’t something you see often, but it’s become more common as additional releases have hit the market over the last three years.
Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse – Camp Nelson F
SRP: $300
Secondary: $400-$450
Next up is my favorite whiskey of 2023, Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse CNF. Like Russell’s 13, Single Rickhouse CNF shares a great deal of profile similarities to Russell’s 15. It’s also a barrel-strength bourbon, giving it a debatable advantage over Russell’s 15 – especially for those who are purists. But if you aren’t an ABV stickler, I’ve found that adding a few drops of water to a glass of Single Rickhouse CNF pushes the sipping experience closer to Russell’s 15’s territory – not so much in potency (as they’re extremely close in ABV as is), but in taste. In a nutshell, Single Rickhouse CNF tastes its proof (arguably a little warmer); Russell’s 15, despite its noteworthy 58.8%, sips well below its proof. As for Single Rickhouse CNF’s retail price, $300 may be more expensive than Russell’s 15, but for what you’re getting it’s arguably worth the splurge.
Wild Turkey 101 12-Year
SRP: $60 (Japan)
Secondary: $120-$170
I don’t know how or why but today’s Wild Turkey 101 12-Year remains a sleeper for many whiskey enthusiasts. I suppose it has something to do with it being an export-only expression. The funny thing is, for many it’s easier to purchase a bottle of 101/12 than it is a bottle of Russell’s 15. It’s also cheaper, ranging from $60(ish) in Japan, to roughly $150 here in the States at specialty shops (online and brick & mortar). But can a 101-proof, 12-year Turkey truly compete with a 15-year, 117.2-proof Russell’s? It may not stand a chance in a side-by-side tasting, but sipping 101/12 on its own I’d wager you’d be just as satisfied. The profiles exhibit enough similarities – particularly the sweet oak, leather, and dried fruit – to place them in a relative sphere.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Batch W-T-01-99 (1999-2004)
SRP: n/a
Secondary: $450-$475
I’ll probably take some heat for this, as it’s somewhat of a “IYKYK” secret among diehard Turkey fans, but Rare Breed batch 01-99 is considered by many to be the best Rare Breed ever bottled. I haven’t tasted every batch of Rare Breed (still shy of a few from the ’90s), but based on those I have tasted, I must agree. It’s complex, balanced, and remarkably mature for a blend of six-, eight-, and 12-year-old bourbon. And while its secondary price isn’t anywhere close to being affordable, it falls within the same secondary price range of Russell’s 15 (at least as of this post). So if you can’t find Russell’s 15 and you’ve turned to secondary markets for help, you might want to take a look at Rare Breed batch 01-99 instead. After all, it’s hard to beat barrel-proof dusty Turkey distilled in the ’80s and ’90s.
In conclusion, I haven’t given up on my hunt for Russell’s Reserve 15 and you shouldn’t either. But should the opportunity completely pass you by, remember that alternatives exist, including two priced well under Russell’s 15. And if by chance those alternatives fail to appeal to you, don’t forget there’s always more bourbon to be bottled.
For starters, there’s Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B later this year. Based on the quality CNB single-barrel selections out there, I’m confident this will be a desirable release. There’s also Master’s Keep Beacon slated for some time in 2025. If the rumors are true, Beacon will mark the end of the Master’s Keep series. Knowing that it’s a straight bourbon, I’m confident Eddie Russell will end it on a high note.
dj
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Hey, David – I always appreciate your articles, insight and expertise. I wanted to delve into RR15. Curious as to if there are already different “batches” of RR15 on the market? I ask because I have seen a couple of RR15 on the “secondary” sites with a code showing LL/JD. The code on my bottle shows a LL/MD, and was bottled April 12, 2024. Have you seen of or heard of any different possible batch dates yet, or, know of any insight on why the LL/JD versus LL/MD engraved/stamp dates?
Thanks! J would mean 2021, so it’s probably a code from a Russell’s 13 bottle or someone is mistaken. RR15 should have M for 2024. All the best!
No constructive commentary relating to RR15, but just wanted to take time to say thanks for writing this. I’m really appreciative of comparison articles like this because, after all, who doesn’t love having options? Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Tony!