A few weeks back, I received a comment on social media stating that I don’t review enough affordable Wild Turkey expressions. While a significant portion of my writing these days takes place on Patreon, where I cover a range of whiskeys of various prices, the past two months have been dedicated solely to limited-edition releases on RareBird101.com. I intend to remedy that today.

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon has been a personal favorite since I first started researching and writing about Wild Turkey. The general profile has varied since its introduction in 2013 – some due to production changes and some due to which rickhouses are harvested each year – but overall, it remains one of Wild Turkey’s strongest offerings. In fact, I own more bottles of Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel than any other Wild Turkey expression. Private barrel selections are largely responsible for that fact, though I do own a good many standard retail or “shelfer” bottles as well. 

In an effort to gauge the current profile of today’s Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel, I hit my local store to purchase a bottling from this year. Of course, single barrels will always be unique to some degree, but at a minimum I can weigh the profile quality against the price (I paid $70 before tax). I can also evaluate its value in comparison to Russell’s Reserve private barrel selections, which are sometimes more expensive depending on the retailer. 

Is Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon a solid value in 2025? Let’s find out! 

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Proof: 110 (NCF)

Age: Not stated (reportedly 8-10 years) 

Misc.: Distilled & bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY (March 4, 2025 bottling)

Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes of rest … 

Color: copper

Nose: caramel, rickhouse oak, baked apples & cinnamon, singed honey, baking spice 

Taste: warm vanilla, butter toffee, oak, savory orange, boozy almond, cinnamon spice 

Finish: medium-long w/ toasted brown sugar, barrel-aged cream soda, charred oak, peppery maple, faint clove 

Overall: I must admit, I’m more impressed than I thought I’d be. Not that I wasn’t confident a 2025 Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel would be a quality pour, but this is really quite excellent. The profile is grounded in the expected “core Turkey” notes, though I’d argue it’s more of a strength than a weakness. Whereas private barrel selections are the perfect outlet for outliers and off-profile barrels, the standard retail version of Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel should feel like more of a homecoming. Some variance is welcome, and I do love a surprise, but at the end of the day it should taste like 110-proof, NCF, eight-year-plus Wild Turkey … And it does. 

As for how this bottle compares to this year’s private selections, it somewhat reminds me of recent Tyrone M barrels – particularly the baked apple-cinnamon and brown sugar notes. Tyrone M is a personal favorite this year, so it only makes sense that I’m fond of this retail bottling. And while I can’t say for certain where this exact barrel was aged, Tyrone M would be my first guess. Outside of that, there’s plenty of caramel, vanilla, oak, and baking spice, leaving no doubt: This is Wild Turkey. 

If you’re unable to find Russell’s Reserve private barrel selections in your area, based on today’s tasting a retail release should scratch the itch sufficiently. Sure, you’ll lack the maturation specs and possibly a “tater” sticker, but at the end of the day the flavor of what rests in your glass is what matters most. I can’t say that a retail offering will be as complex or nuanced as a private barrel, nor can I guarantee it will taste like this specific bottle, but my hunch is you won’t be disappointed in your investment. Paying $70 for an eight-year, 110-proof, single-barrel bourbon from a heritage distillery isn’t unreasonable. And in this case, it’s worth every penny. 

After tasting this 2025 release, I’m curious to hear from readers about their experiences. Have you purchased a recent bottling of the standard retail Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel? If so, what did you think? Would you consider it private barrel material, or more of an “everyday” profile? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

dj

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