Russell’s 15 … It’s the talk of the town. If you visit YouTube and search for “Russell’s Reserve 15,” you’ll find no less than two dozen videos (likely more than that). And I get it. It’s an amazing bourbon. It truly is. But if I’m being completely honest, some of the talking points are garnering more attention than they deserve. I’ll revisit these later in this post. For now, it’s all about the whiskey.

For those unfamiliar (can’t be many), Russell’s Reserve 15-Year is a 2024 limited-edition bourbon from Wild Turkey Distillery. It carries a proof of 117.2 (a little over two points above the current barrel-entry proof of 115), though the label doesn’t state the whiskey as barrel strength. There is a reason for this that I’ll touch on later. The bottle, which is reminiscent of Russell’s 13 with a darker blue label, retails for a suggested $250. Of course, many retailers are charging much more than that – often close to secondary market prices (typically $400-$500).  

Unlike past Russell’s Reserve limited editions, such as Single Rickhouse CNC, Russell’s 15 is a true nationwide release. Finding it is the trick, however. Thankfully, my local liquor store was watching out for me and I’m finally able to review this (spoiler) modern-day masterpiece. Truth be told, I paid $100 over the suggested retail price after taxes, but I’d rather pay a legitimate business than going the secondary route – especially since empty bottles of Russell’s 15 are being sold on eBay. 

With the basic details established, I think it’s time for some Turkey!

Russell's Reserve 15

Russell’s Reserve 15 Year Old Bourbon

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Proof: 117.2

Age: 15 years

Misc.: Distilled and bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY

Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …

Color: deep rosy copper (almost mahogany)

Nose: (notably mature, complex) molasses, black cherry, dense oak, baked brown sugar, toasted caramel, boozy fig, cigar box

Taste: (robust, chewy) English toffee, oak-aged brandied cherries, dark honey–maple, savory blood orange, clove, tobacco, warm spice 

Finish: long & flavorful w/ Coca-Cola Classic, cherry cordials, syrupy charred oak, vanilla bean, chocolate brownie, cinnamon stick, leather

Impression: Ever had one of those whiskeys that sits you down and leaves you contemplating what it is you’ve tasted? That’s Russell’s 15 – a thinking bourbon. If I’m truly honest, there are only a handful of times that a Wild Turkey expression has given me this level of pause. I don’t mean that in the doubtful or skeptical sense. I mean to say that Russell’s 15 demands attention and one can’t help but oblige. The richness, the depth, the elegant maturity … the experience … From nose to finish, Russell’s 15 is an American tour de force.

I can only imagine what a thrill it must’ve been for Eddie Russell when curating these particular barrels – barrels that we know aged at the Camp Nelson campus and were tasted by Eddie no less than 10 times over the past 15 years. The sheer fact he’s been earmarking these behemoths for some time speaks volumes. Which brings me to the first talking point commonly found in recent reviews and their accompanying comments: If Russell’s Reserve 15 is so special then why wasn’t it bottled at barrel strength? 

With rumors of hazmat barrels playing a major role in this release, I suppose the howling and barking from proof hounds was inevitable. Was there a noteworthy amount of 140+ proof bourbon in the initial batch of Russell’s 15? To date there has been no official confirmation or denial, but let’s say there was. Eddie Russell has mentioned in past conversations that he doesn’t put his name on something he isn’t proud of. He is a master distiller. If the batch was proofed down to 117.2, it was in all likelihood done by taste and to Eddie’s satisfaction. 

Speaking of master distillers, I should address another point I’ve noticed in reviews on social media – the fact that Jimmy Russell’s name is on a bottle of notably mature whiskey (in both stated age and profile). While it’s fairly common knowledge that Jimmy prefers bourbon aged eight years, that doesn’t mean that Jimmy can’t recognize quality. Besides, long before Eddie Russell was a master distiller, Jimmy proudly released 10- and 12-year-old bourbons, not to mention 14-year and 17-year limited editions in the early 2000s. Regardless of his personal preference, Jimmy is no stranger to older whiskey. I’d also argue his signature is a mark of approval – not only for the liquid inside the bottle, but of Eddie’s prowess. 

Lastly, like most Wild Turkey limited editions released post pandemic, Russell’s 15’s price is a hot topic. Admittedly, $250 is a lot of money for a bottle of bourbon. But, if you step back and look at what’s being offered – a highly curated 15-year bourbon from a heritage distillery, bottled at a fraction over two points from barrel-entry proof – it makes sense. Also, consider Russell’s Reserve 1998, which was priced at $250 nearly a decade ago. I don’t think I’d have to twist anyone’s arm to pay $250 for 1998 now. All that being said, if you are one of those unwilling to pay and you happen to stumble across a bottle of Russell’s 15 for $250, I sincerely hope you phone a friend. They will be eternally grateful.

Before I close I’d like to circle back to the most important statement in this review: Russell’s Reserve 15 is a masterpiece. While I don’t put a lot of stock in ratings these days, it is without question a perfect 5/5 and worth every penny of its suggested retail price. Furthermore, the list of modern Turkeys that could compete with Russell’s 15 is slim. It’s quite possibly the Cheesy Gold Foil of our generation. For those who’ve been fortunate enough to find a bottle, please share and enjoy. For those who are still without, don’t give up just yet. I hear there’s a lot more out there to be found.

dj

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