Today is a special day. Not only is it Turkey Day, but this marks my 400th blog post. How about that? And I can’t think of a better whiskey to review than Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse CNB. Enjoy! dj

Believe it or not, it’s been three years since the introduction of Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse. Yet, here we are. 2024 is coming to a close and like clockwork, another Single Rickhouse release is here to serenade us out. Like past expressions, the bourbon aged at the Camp Nelson maturation campus in Jessamine County, Kentucky. But what makes this year’s offering unique is that it was aged on the top floor of Camp Nelson B. Those educated on Wild Turkey’s single barrel program know that Camp Nelson B has produced some impressive barrels over the last few years. But there’s a huge divide between $70 and $300. Can Russell’s Single Rickhouse CNB justifiably bridge that gap? We’ll soon find out.

Before I begin the tasting I think it’s important that I stress, or in this case re-stress, the premise of the Single Rickhouse series. Outside of a means for the producer to make a profit, which applies to every bottle of liquor, the Single Rickhouse series was created to capture the essence or “spirit identity” of select aging locations owned by Wild Turkey. One of the things I appreciate most about the Russells is their fondness for whiskey aged naturally – without the assistance of artificial climate control. For Wild Turkey’s premium offerings (and with very few exceptions), maturation takes place in traditional wood/clad rickhouses, as opposed to single-story palletized rickhouses. The Camp Nelson campus features five government-bonded, mid-20th Century rickhouses – A, B, D, E, and F – all of wood/clad construction. 

Taking the original premise of the series into consideration, in order for a Single Rickhouse release to be successful it must capture exceptional flavor from a specific rickhouse. Master Distiller Eddie Russell has determined this takes place within the 10-15-year range, from barrels pulled from the middle to top floors (rickhouse depending), and bottled non-chill filtered at full barrel strength. I feel the first two releases, CNC and CNF, achieved that goal with flying colors. Single Rickhouse CNC was a confectionery delight, loaded with salted caramel, brown sugar, English toffee, and chocolate chip cookie dough, while CNF offered heaps of fragrant oak, medicinal cherry, antique leather, and spicy tobacco. 

My only gripe about Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse is the suggested retail price. What began at $250 per 750ml in 2022, quickly jumped to $300 by 2023 and remains the SRP today. That’s a lot of money when you consider the alternatives in Wild Turkey’s portfolio. From Rare Breed at $60 and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Private selections at $80, to Russell’s Reserve 13 at $150 and Russell’s 15 at $250, Single Rickhouse looks less attractive. But it would be unfair to judge a whiskey solely on its price. Perhaps Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse CNB’s profile will warrant the expense. 

Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse: Camp Nelson B (2024)

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Proof: 120.2

Age: Not stated (reportedly 10-15 years)

Misc.: Composed of choice barrels from the sixth floor of Camp Nelson’s Rickhouse B, Jessamine County, KY; distilled & bottled non-chill filtered by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY

Price: $300

Availability: Select markets

Tasted neat in a Glencairn …

Color: copper

Nose: (familiar, inviting) lightly toasted caramel, nutty English toffee, rickhouse oak, dark chocolate, nutmeg, savory orange peel, leather

Taste: (rich, well-rounded) vanilla bean, brown sugar, sweet charred oak, savory grape (almost red-wine-esque), maple syrup, warm baking spice

Finish: long, robust finish w/ craft cream soda, buttery molasses, baked cinnamon, singed cherry skins, cola, clove, faint blood orange 

Impression: This is seriously good bourbon. I wouldn’t call it entirely unique, however. There is a significant range of notes in Single Rickhouse CNB that can be found in other Wild Turkey products – particularly 2022-2023 Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel selections from Camp Nelson B. Granted, this is all sixth-floor aged and barrel strength, and as such the profile notes are more intense, but the comparison is relevant. If the Russells’ job was to craft a whiskey representative of the best Camp Nelson B has to offer, then mission accomplished. It’s just unfortunate that it was released on the heels of the cheaper and more available CNB Russell’s Reserve private selections, not to mention Russell’s 15 or even Russell’s 10 LL/ME. 

As for how Single Rickhouse CNB ranks compared to past iterations, I’d say it’s certainly not last place but it’s not necessarily first either. I suppose it depends on the day. I find 2023’s Single Rickhouse CNF to be more of a “special” pour, for lack of a better descriptor. That being said, it’s not something I’d reach for casually. It’s also not a bourbon I’d consider “crushable,” or one I’d continually revisit. It’s a whiskey to contemplate and savor. Single Rickhouse CNB, on the other hand, comes across like a well-conceived, well-aged, easily sippable, immensely enjoyable Wild Turkey bourbon. Hell, it’s 120.2 proof and it sips softer than Single Rickhouse CNF at 117.6 proof. 

Which brings me back to Single Rickhouse’s price. I have no issue with brands charging whatever they wish for their products, but that doesn’t mean I have to buy them. In the case of Wild Turkey, the grand majority of their catalog – the whiskey most of us enjoy on a regular basis – is affordable and readily available. Do I think $300 is too much for Single Rickhouse? In light of the less expensive options stated in this post, I think there’s an argument to be made that it is. At the same time, I’m happy with my purchase (special thanks to Bros. Liquors). Besides, Camp Nelson B is a personal favorite. Make it uncut, NCF, and selected by the Russells themselves, and that’s an opportunity worth considering. If you’re a Camp Nelson fan and don’t mind rolling the dice, I think you’ll be happy as well. For those unsure, seek out a pour at a reputable establishment or possibly a sample from a friend. As they say, tasting is believing. 

Cheers, and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

dj

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