In my personal mission to taste each and every bourbon on the market today, I must admit that some bourbons are much (much!) harder to drink than others. Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old is a Wild Turkey product from the legendary 3rd Generation Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, and Wild Turkey is not my friend. Naturally, I leered at the bottle with apprehension.
The bottle, however, is beautiful – classy and unassuming, and the bourbon itself almost glows a rich amber color. But, of course, looks can be deceiving.
I pour a little in a snifter and ponder what I will do with the rest of the bottle if this stuff turns out wicked. Even though Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Small Batch Bourbon is only $30 a bottle, it would still be $30 wasted. “Maybe I can make bourbon balls with it”, I thought.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Small Batch Bourbon Tasting Notes
My nose is met with the aroma of cinnamon toast and vanilla…this whiskey smells so luscious it could almost be turned into a scented candle. A few whiffs and my mouth is watering. A few swirls and then I sip.
Relief washes over me….followed by waves of pleasure. “Wow”, “Oh man!”, “whew!” are my first descriptors. At first taste, there’s a little spice kick – but not enough to turn you off – followed by savory vanilla and caramel, molasses and a little oak. As it finishes on my palate, I am met with the taste of dried fruits – maybe raisin? – and some wood residuals. The texture of the bourbon is very light, requiring me to take several sips before I am able to pin down the full panorama of flavors.
Our Verdict
B+
Drinking Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old is pure pleasure. Its smooth as hell and almost elusive in its texture. This was better than a good buy – at $30 a bottle its priced just right. At 90 proof, its perfect for a neat pour. And with its sweet and spicy flavor profile, its a great bourbon to enjoy during the fall.
I give this bourbon a B+.
Learn how we grade our bourbons.
Would I buy this again? Hell yes.
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5 comments
Mint Julep Cups ·
Thanks for the review..gonna have to try this now
BourbonDaily ·
When you try it, let us know what you think and whether or not we were spot on!
nailz420 ·
New to bourbons. Just tried this one and I like it. It is sweeter and more flavorful than others I have tried.
monk_75 ·
Other reviewers have said that they prefer WT101 to this one, for value if not for taste as well. How would you compare the two?
Kearse ·
To the eye: deep gold approaching the fringe of amber. On the nose: spice, gently charred wood, & tobacco. On the palate: body is medium oil/viscosity with prominent notes of vanilla, spice, chocolate orange and leather. Long finish with transient refrains of maple, honey, smoke and spice.
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