Today’s post has lived in my head for several weeks. Thanks to Hurricane Helene I’d been unable to focus as much as I’d like on my passion. Fortunately, the whiskey community is composed of amazing, selfless individuals. To everyone who took the time to reach out, you have my sincerest gratitude. And to those who donated food, supplies, and funds to help with repairs, etc., I can’t say thank you enough. You ladies and gentlemen are truly extraordinary folks.
Readers who support this blog via Patreon are well-versed in today’s subject. Those familiar with certain whiskey YouTube channels and social media accounts are likely in-the-know as well. As weary as I’ve become of laser code discussions, what follows is warranted.
I’ve maintained a shaky relationship with Russell’s Reserve 10-Year going back to my earliest days covering Wild Turkey. Initially, I was unimpressed and found the bourbon to be a step down from the boldness one finds in Rare Breed and other similarly priced offerings. It was the mid 2010s and my palate was still navigating its way through the brand’s catalog (and whiskey in general).
It didn’t take long for things to change. By 2019, Russell’s 10 was my favorite obtainable Wild Turkey expression. Sure, there were plenty of stellar Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel private selections that mopped the floor with their 90-proof cousin, but for something 10 years old, affordable, and available almost anywhere, Russell’s 10 was a noteworthy contender.
Then came 2022, and with it, a disappointing profile shift. Gone was the signature cherry, oak, and leather I’d loved so much. Not that 2022’s Russell’s 10 was bad whiskey, it just tasted closer to a diluted, slightly older Wild Turkey 101. Everything I’d come to expect from Russell’s 10 was no more. I went from buying a bottle a month to buying one every six months. Even then, I was simply purchasing to see if the profile may have shifted to something better. Eventually, I gave up and focused my attention on Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon, as it experienced a considerable quality jump in 2023.
So long Russell’s 10, or so I thought.
Earlier this year, I began receiving requests from members of Russell’s Renegades to give a 2024 bottling of Russell’s 10 a try. According to these enthusiasts the bourbon was a notable improvement over 2022-2023 bottlings. At first I didn’t listen. After being let down by the same unremarkable profile for two years straight, the last thing I wanted to do was drop $40-$50 on a bottle I’d seldom crave. I made it as far as September – that’s when curiosity got the best of me.
Before I dive into my review, here’s what you need to look for if you’re wanting a similar experience. Be on the lookout for a Russell’s Reserve 10-Year with a laser code of LL/ME20 (or a date of 2024/05/20). The remaining digits after LL/ME20 represent the hour and minute the bottle was filled. While it’s possible completely different batches could be filled on the same day back to back, I’m doubtful. As for LL/MD, LL/MF, and even LLME17, etc. I can’t say from experience how those versions taste. I’d like to think they’re comparable, but since I’m uncertain this review will focus solely on LL/ME20.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 90
Age: 10 years
Misc.: LL/ME20 (May 20, 2024 bottling); distilled and bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY
Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …
Color: copper w/ slightly rosy undertones
Nose: fragrant oak, medicinal cherry, antique leather, blood orange, barrel-aged molasses
Taste: toasted vanilla, robust mature oak, butterscotch, savory black cherry soda, sweet clove
Finish: medium-long w/ oak-driven spice, singed cherry, aged tobacco, leather, dark citrus
Overall: I know there’s a lot of whiskey geeks out there who roll their eyes when they hear the words “laser codes.” I’m often one of them. But when I say that Russell’s 10 LL/ME20 is exceptional bourbon – far above and beyond 2022-2023 iterations – I mean it; moreover, I’ll stake my reputation on it. There’s just something about this particular bottling, and tasting is believing.
This isn’t just the Russell’s 10 I used to love, it’s arguably better. Medicinal cherry, dense oak, and antique leather for days – nose, taste, and finish. For $40-$50 and 90 proof I’m blown away. That said, I’m one who prefers a mature, oak-driven profile. If you’re comfortable with conventional vanilla, caramel, and baking spice, stick with Rare Breed or Wild Turkey 101 (especially Jimmy’s 70th). But if you appreciate whiskey that’s spent significant time in char 4 oak, you need this bottle. Hell, if I’d known about this Russell’s 10 before writing my Russell’s 15 alternatives post it would’ve made the top of the list.
You might be reading this hoping for inside information from Wild Turkey or the Russells. If so, I’m sorry to disappoint you. I do, however, have one educated guess. If you examine laser codes on Russell’s Reserve 15 bottles you’ll see it was bottled in April 2024, a month before Russell’s 10 LL/ME20. What follows is purely speculation (so please don’t quote this as fact), but it’s possible that barrels leftover from Russell’s 15 were dumped into one or more batches of Russell’s 10.
Regardless of the reason for Russell’s 10’s profile change, I’m happy it exists. My only fear is that it won’t continue, which is why I’m unashamed to admit that I’ve already procured a case. If that seems excessive, know that I’m considering a second. It’s that good. Whether or not Russell’s 10 LL/ME aligns with your palate as much as it does mine is something to weigh, but I’d wager the majority of bourbon enthusiasts will be more than pleased with their investment.
Get ‘em while you can!
dj
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