Many of you reading today are probably here because of my review of Russell’s Reserve 10-Year LL/ME. As such, I’ll refrain from diving too deep into that bottling, though it should be noted that I clarified some misinterpretations in my 2024 year-end recap. LL/ME is, however, the impetus for today’s review, as I’m curious how a recent bottling compares to May 2024’s delight. 

After a few weeks without Russell’s 10 at my local liquor store, they finally restocked. The fact that bottles were sitting on the shelf meant they weren’t likely to be LL/ME. And, I was correct. These bottles had laser codes beginning with LAMK, which is apparently a new format that started in the late summer to early fall of 2024. 

From 2013 to 2024, Wild Turkey laser code prefixes began with “LL” followed by a forward slash (/). I’m not certain if the change to “LA” (sans forward slash) is temporary or permanent. I’m also not sure what the prefix even means, though I assume it’s something to do with the bottling line, hence the first letter being “L.” Regardless, the two letters following the prefix, in this case MK, translate to November 2024. The bottle is also laser etched with 2024/11/08 on a second line (a practice that started in 2022).

But enough whiskey geek stuff. One can only talk about laser codes for so long, right? The real question is, how does LAMK (November 2024) compare to LL/ME (May 2024)? Will they showcase similar profiles or is Russell’s 10 drifting back to what it’s been for the last few years? There’s only one way to know and that requires a tasting. For science, of course.

Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Proof: 90

Age: 10 years

Misc.: LAMK08 (November 8, 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 

Nose:  vanilla, baked brown sugar, sweet charred oak, orange peel, hints of cinnamon 

Taste: caramel, woody spice, semi-sweet toffee, savory citrus, flame-kissed cocktail cherry 

Finish: moderate length w/ molasses, peppery oak, diet cherry cola, baked cinnamon, leather 

Overall: As you can probably determine from my tasting notes, this is no Russell’s 10 LL/ME. While there’s a pinch of cocktail cherry in the LAMK bottling, it’s nowhere near the intense medicinal cherry you find in LL/ME; furthermore, the oak is less fragrant compared to LL/ME and the leather is more of a background note than a feature. I think it’s safe to assume this November release is truer to its 10-year age statement. That said, I’m not dissatisfied with my purchase. In fact, I think there’s a lot to love with this Russell’s 10 release. 

As much as I prefer LL/ME’s heavy cherry, oak, and leather profile, I appreciate what this LAMK has to offer. It’s more in line with Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 101/8, albeit at a lower proof. There’s more oak on Russell’s 10 LAMK, which makes sense considering the age difference, though Jimmy’s 70th has a slightly more robust mouthfeel and a longer, spicier finish. Given that Jimmy’s 70th 101/8 is a one-off release and the newly announced 101/8 will likely lack some of the 70th’s unique subtleties, Russell’s 10 might just prove itself a worthy alternative. It really boils down to which you prefer – greater maturity or greater proof. So long as they’re priced similarly I’d be happy with either.

In closing, November’s Russell’s 10 lacks the layered richness of May’s but you’re still getting what you pay for – arguably more considering it’s an easily obtainable 10-year bourbon for $40-$50. I just hope it maintains this flavor profile. I’m officially back on board the Russell’s 10 train, but should things slide back to how it tasted in 2022-2023 I might just find myself reaching for 101/8 more often (assuming it’s affordable and widely available). We shall see. Until then, cheers!

dj

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