Just a few days ago, Master Distiller Eddie Russell celebrated his 45th year at Wild Turkey Distilling Company. With Jimmy Russell celebrating 72 years later this year, 45 years may not seem as noteworthy of an achievement. But I’m willing to bet if I asked you how many people you know who’ve worked 45 years at the same place, that list would be short (if a list at all). It’s just another example of dedication to craft and the ethos of Wild Turkey: Bold. Genuine. True. 

Speaking of Eddie’s 45th, I received a media sample of the Spring 2026 batch of Russell’s Reserve 13-Year-Old Bourbon, which serves as a tribute to Eddie Russell’s anniversary. When I opened the box, the whiskey angel on my shoulder whispered, “Save it for the review, David.” Of course, I didn’t listen. Instead, the whiskey devil on the opposite shoulder convinced me to pour half of the sample’s contents into a Glencairn and kick back on the couch. That led to another quarter of the sample getting poured later that night (pesky whiskey devil!), leaving about an ounce to gather proper tasting notes. 

Which leads me to today – writing about a bourbon that I have very little left to sip and evaluate. Granted, there’s a solid ounce remaining (maybe a bit more), but it’s not something I can spend a few days contemplating and dissecting. My sincerest apologies to Campari’s media team, but if you send me a special whiskey crafted by the Russells, I’m diving in head first. And with something like Eddie’s 45th, I almost feel like “nerding out” is the wrong approach. That doesn’t mean I can’t share my tasting notes or opinions. I’d just rather relax and enjoy the bourbon that Eddie felt best to celebrate his 45 years in the industry. 

Before I evaluate this last pour, I’d like to congratulate Eddie Russell on his remarkable tenure. Forty-five years may seem like a fraction of what Jimmy has accomplished, but if you reflect on the sheer number of stellar Wild Turkey expressions we’ve had over the last two decades, a majority happened thanks to Eddie. From the first Russell’s Reserve 10-year to Russell’s 1998 and 15-Year, Eddie is the reason. Bruce Russell may be hitting homers these days, but Eddie undoubtedly has a few left in him. Case in point, this Spring 2026 Russell’s Reserve 13-Year. 

Russell’s Reserve 13-Year “Eddie’s 45th” (Spring 2026)

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Proof: 121.2 (barrel proof, non-chill filtered)

Age: 13 years (reportedly aged 14-18 years)

Misc.: distilled & bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Company, Lawrenceburg, KY 

Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest … 

Color: deep copper

Nose: toasted caramel, boozy Crunch N’ Munch, fragrant rickhouse oak, bourbon butter, savory cherry, cookie dough, honey-maple, hints of dried blood orange

Taste: warmed brown sugar, English toffee, cola concentrate, dense barrel spice, vanilla bean, Cow Tails candy, chewy nougat, cherry pie crust

Finish: long & flavorful w/ molasses, caramel chews, maple syrup, barrel-aged cream soda, nutmeg, dried cherry, baked cinnamon, faint leather

Impression: Forget comparing this bourbon to Wild Turkey Generations, Russell’s 15, or Mater’s Keep Beacon. Russell’s 13 “Eddie’s 45th” is its own thing – a damn good thing at that. It’s not pretentious, nor is it asking a lot from the taster. It’s just … fantastic. Perhaps I’m at the stage of my whiskey journey where I take things for what they are. Sure, I could compare Eddie’s 45th to the first three releases of Russell’s 13 or some insane dusty pour from decades ago, but I won’t be spending too much time mulling over it. 

I say that, however …  

For shucks & gobbles I poured the last “OG” batch of Rusell’s 13, May 2023’s release (a/k/a “Batch 5”). As far as I’m concerned, Eddie’s 45th is as good or better than the last of the original old-still batches of Russell’s 13 and I’m elated. It’s its own memorable profile – a significant step up from the Spring 2025 Russell’s 13 release and one that only affirms the quality of stocks available in the Russell’s whiskey toolshed. 

As always, please take my tasting notes and opinions with a grain of salt. Eddie’s 45th isn’t the best Russell’s Reserve 13-Year iteration I’ve tasted, but it’s up there – the best in the last four years for sure. It may not be as heavy on the “cherry, oak, leather” Trinity combo, though it presents a profile and sipping experience that’s worth your time and effort to acquire at its $200 suggested retail price. More importantly, it’s a piece of bourbon history. 

I’m not certain of Eddie’s long-term career plan, but if this Russell’s 13 were the last thing he had a hand in crafting I’m more than satisfied. Of course, let’s hope that’s not the case. Regardless, I’m confident that we’ll continue to see great things from the Russell family. Whether it’s Jimmy, Eddie, or Bruce at the helm, the ship is in capable hands.

Cheers to Eddie!

dj

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