“When will you review the new Russell’s 13?”
That’s a question I’ve been asked frequently this year. It’s a fair inquiry. After all, I typically start my review process for Wild Turkey limited editions as soon as they’re purchased or received. That wasn’t the case with the spring 2025 edition of Russell’s Reserve 13-Year. It’s not that I haven’t contemplated the task. I have plenty to say about the highest-proof batch in the series. I’ve just lacked the best way to illustrate it. After a fellow whiskey enthusiast asked what I thought about this year’s Rare Breed, it clicked. Why not compare Russell’s 13 to Rare Breed?
I must admit that the Spring 2025 batch of Russell’s Reserve 13 came as a bit of a disappointment. It’s not that it’s a bad whiskey. On its own it’s a solid representation of barrel-proof Wild Turkey bourbon. But for those of us fond of previous batches, the profile shift was a 180-degree turn from our expected journey. This isn’t the first time Wild Turkey has thrown a curveball in the form of a profile change. It’s just one I had to grapple with for much longer than I anticipated. Instead of the mature cherry, oak, and leather notes of past Russell’s 13 releases, Spring 2025 gave us confectionery notes like vanilla, toffee, and cinnamon. I typically associate these confectionery notes with Rare Breed, not Russell’s 13, hence my tendency to affectionately refer to this year’s Russell’s 13 batch as “Rare Breed Plus.”
Perhaps it’s time I put my armchair observation to the test. If the spring 2025 edition of Russell’s 13 is indeed “Rare Breed Plus,” then a comparison of the two expressions feels appropriate. I’ll preface this tasting by stating that this Russell’s 13 bottle was filled on May 14, 2025, while the Rare Breed was filled on August 7, 2025. If you’d like to recreate this comparison yourself, check the laser codes on your bottles. It’s possible our bottling dates will line up (or at least come close). I should also mention that I started this comparison blind. Since it became obvious fairly quickly as to which whiskey was which, I simply moved forward with a standard face-off.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon (Spring 2025)
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 123.8 (barrel proof, NCF)
Age: 13 years
Misc.: Distilled and bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY
Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …
Nose: (confectionery) boozy toffee, cake batter, sweet oak, caramel, nutmeg
Taste: (notably sweet) vanilla frosting, oak, brown sugar, baking spice, savory citrus
Finish: long w/ toasted caramel, baked apples, cinnamon honeybun, diet cola, white pepper
Wild Turkey Rare Breed (Summer 2025)
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 116.8 (barrel proof)
Age: Not stated (reportedly a blend of six-, eight-, and 12-year bourbon)
Misc.: Distilled and bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY
Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …
Nose: (sweet, inviting) vanilla, grilled sweet corn, rickhouse oak, crisp apple, nutmeg
Taste: (“neo-classic Turkey”) caramel, toffee, charred oak, baking spice, singed orange peel
Finish: long w/ brown sugar, toasted honey, spiced citrus, oak char, cinnamon
Referencing my notes, you’ll find the two bourbons have a great deal in common. Russell’s 13 is the richer of the two – the more developed and layered as well; however, it’s not a far cry from Rare Breed. Russell’s 13 showcases a robust 123.8 proof, as well as a significant age statement, but at 116.8 proof (with a noteworthy 12-year-old component), Rare Breed isn’t what I’d consider a weak contender. This isn’t two sides of the same coin – it’s the same side of the same coin, with one minted in gold and the other in silver.
As much as I miss the former Russell’s 13 profile, I’ll give credit to Bruce Russell for going a new direction – arguably one more “Jimmy inspired.” And the more I think about it, Bruce is doing a fantastic job bridging the Jimmy-Eddie profile juxtaposition that’s existed for the last decade. Whereas Wild Turkey 101 8-Year and Spring 2025 Russell’s Reserve 13 are grounded in the Jimmy camp, Master’s Keep Beacon and Single Rickhouse CNE are releases I’d consider falling more in the Eddie camp. Regardless, each of these 2025 expressions have a “twist of Bruce.”
And finally, it’s time to talk about pricing. Is Russell’s Reserve 13 Spring 2025 worth spending $200 when you can buy Wild Turkey Rare Breed for $70 or less? Unless you’re a diehard Turkey fan who must try everything (raises hand), I’d say it’s not. While I’d happily pay the suggested retail price for Wild Turkey 101 8-Year, Master’s Keep Beacon, or Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse CNE, I’m not 101% sold on this year’s Russell’s 13 – not at its current retail price. Profile-wise, I feel a 2025 Rare Breed will get you 80% there. That’s the truth, plain and simple.
There will be some enthusiasts who disagree with me and I’m fine with that. I appreciate the diversity of opinions in the Whiskeysphere. But to say that this year’s $200 Russell’s Reserve 13-Year stands up to past batches that retailed for $70-$150 … I just can’t get on board with that. If anything, an increase in price should accompany an increase in impressiveness (not just an increase in ABV). Nevertheless, I have faith in the Russells and look forward to future Russell’s 13 batches. With 101/8, Beacon, and Single Rickhouse CNE, they gave us one of the best years in the brand’s history. As a fan, that means something.
dj
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