Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)

Master Distiller, Eddie Russell planned this release for years, finally adding it to the range in 2016. Intended as a robust whiskey to stand up to any cocktail, it's another Turkey bottled non-chill filtered and at high proof, reportedly matured for 6 years in 'Alligator' level char barrels. Expect a balance of spicy pepper, vanilla and tobacco flavours. 52% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... The Russells are known for their love for bourbon and the passion they put behind their bourbon making. They also aren’t shy about their feelings towards rye whiskey either. A whiskey maker having a favorite type of whiskey isn’t the same as having a favorite child, and the Russells don’t hold back from letting you know they prefer bourbon above rye. Wild Turkey has been making rye for over a half a century, but it still comes off as an afterthought for the company and doesn’t receive as equal footing as their bourbon. It’s hard to say with certainty if this lack of attention trickles down directly affecting the quality of their rye, but it’s safe to say that Wild Turkey rye doesn’t stand toe to toe with their bourbon. That’s not to say Russell’s Reserve rye whiskey doesn’t have traits that make it stand out from other ryes on the market. Its lemon, slight cherry aftertaste, and its more heavy-handed oakiness helps to define it, but it also doesn’t feel like that’s quite enough either. It lacks a certain amount of wow factor despite its overall quality. With the flood of young rye whiskeys hitting the market that might not be able to directly compete with the Russell’s distilling prowess and time in the barrel, many are offering something Russell’s Reserve ryes struggle with: making a lasting impression. - breakingbourbon.com

...This rye features a quite fruity nose, offering notes of banana, almonds, mint, and vanilla. Racy and heady from the hefty alcohol level, it doesn’t let up at all. On the palate the flavor profile is also quite fruity, mixing some apple and rhubarb in with notes of banana cream and vanilla custard. The spirit comes across as surprisingly young, with some grain notes making it through to the finish, but I also get touches of coconut and chocolate late in the game as well, keeping things fairly sweet. It isn’t a particularly peppery rye, but it does have some astringency to it — pronounced on the nose but just as detectable on the finish — that might be mistaken for some kind of “spice” character. All told this is a credible rye, but as with Crown Royal’s latest, the fruit is pushed too far. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye has a better balance to it, but frankly I think the standard Russell’s Reserve Rye is more representative of what a solid rye should taste like. - drinkhacker.com

Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition: "Best Rye Whiskey'.