As if Wild Turkey needed to introduce another 2025 limited release after the sheer impressiveness of Master’s Keep Beacon (my current choice for “Whiskey of the Year”), yet here we are welcoming the fourth edition of the Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse series. This time, well-aged barrels were pulled from the fifth floor of Camp Nelson’s rickhouse E and bottled at a noteworthy 128 proof – the highest-proof Russell’s Reserve expression to date.
Similar to fan-favorite Camp Nelson F (CNF), Camp Nelson E (CNE) sits adjacent to the Kentucky River; however, CNF flanks the water, while the rear of CNE faces the river. It’s an observation that, while seemingly minor, may explain some of the flavor differences between the two next-door-neighbor rickhouses. Until today, experiencing those profiles were largely limited to younger, proofed-down single barrels like Kentucky Spirit, Wild Turkey 101 Private Select, and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel. With the release of Single Rickhouse CNE one can now compare its profile to past Camp Nelson Single Rickhouse releases, such as the aforementioned CNF (and I intend to do just that).
But before I venture a comparison tasting, it’s probably best that I share my thoughts on Single Rickhouse CNE on its own. It should also be noted that this bottle arrived courtesy of Wild Turkey’s parent company, Campari, without an obligation to review. The following tasting notes, as well as the opinions expressed, are sincerely my own.
Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse: Camp Nelson E (2025)
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 128 (barrel strength)
Age: Not stated (likely 10-15 years)
Misc.: Composed of choice barrels from the fifth floor of Camp Nelson’s Rickhouse E, Jessamine County, KY; distilled & bottled non-chill filtered by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY
Price: $300
Availability: Select retailers
Tasted neat in a Glencairn …
Color: deep copper
Nose: (intense, fragrant) French vanilla, cherry pie filling, rickhouse oak, Mr. Pibb soda, dark chocolate, blackberry jam
Taste: (rich, syrupy) cola, sweet & spicy oak, barrel-aged medicinal cherry, baked brown sugar & cinnamon, boozy cake frosting
Finish: long & flavorful w/ molasses, charred oak, savory cherry, tobacco, sweet clove, antique leather
Impression: I was convinced the best of the Single Rickhouse series was behind us. After tasting Single Rickhouse CNE, I’m not so sure. The more I think about it, this may be the best of the lot. The nose leads with an incredibly dark and robust combination of vanilla and cherry – almost like a cherry creme brulee, should something like that exist. And though the signature Camp Nelson soda notes are present, I particularly love the chocolate and blackberry notes, layered at just enough volume to add nuance without distracting from the undeniable oak-rich, mature Wild Turkey DNA. At 128 proof it’s an intense bouquet, though immensely enjoyable with little to no ethanol kick.
The taste, while akin to the nose, ratchets things up a significant notch. We’re talking Wild Turkey cranked to 11. The cola, charred oak, and woody medicinal cherry dominate the palate in the best possible way. The second this bourbon hits your tongue, your tastebuds win the lottery. The sweetness, the spice, and the interplay between the two weave a tapestry of elaborate satisfaction. In some ways I’m reminded of Master’s Keep Beacon and Russell’s 15, and in other ways I liken it to the best parts of Wild Turkey Generations. And if you’re curious how “hot” this one sips, the hefty ABV doesn’t bother me one bit (and I tend to lean towards moderate-proof whiskey). Simply exceptional.
And the finish … Hang on folks, this ride ain’t over yet!
Cherry. Oak. Leather.
That’s right – this is a Trinity pour. These three descriptors constitute my favorite notes in bourbon – especially Wild Turkey – and Single Rickhouse CNE showcases them with flying colors (for a substantial duration). Not only that, but they’re supported by complementary flavors I always appreciate, like tobacco and clove. The bottle may not be age stated, but if there’s something younger than 14 years in this expression I’ll be genuinely shocked. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if this whiskey hovered around the 15-year mark.
Overall, an incredible bourbon, and I’m not using that adjective lightly.
As for how it compares to past Single Rickhouse releases, I’m limiting my comparison to Single Rickhouse CNF. Single Rickhouse CNB and CNC have their merits and others are encouraged to try those comparisons at their leisure, but for me CNB and CNC don’t quite stand up to Single Rickhouse CNF. I’ll also cut to the chase – both are top-tier Turkeys. That said, each shines in their own way. Each has a lovely nose, with CNE coming across darker and “boozy,” while CNF is loaded with fragrant oak and spice. The palate goes to CNE, with its syrupy barrel-aged medicinal cherry. And finally, the finish goes to CNF, which goes on, and on, and on. As long as CNE’s finish may be (and it’s plenty damn long), CNF’s is somehow longer. Go figure.
In closing, Wild Turkey has hit yet another home run in 2025. Is Single Rickhouse CNE better than Spring 2025’s Russell’s 13? Sure. No debate there. Is it better than Master’s Keep Beacon? As much as I’d like to say no, I’m honestly not certain that I can.
dj
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