Russell's Reserve 9 Years Old Private Barrel Selection Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey The Prime Barrel x BTBS Pick

Nothing beats crossing the curving bridge over the scenic Kentucky River and arriving at Wild Turkey for a Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel selection.  An excited group of returning Prime Barrel members and first-timers joined us for the walk to historic Tyrone rickhouse A, each with one goal in mind:to find the best-tasting barrel from six exceptional choices.

Russell’s Reserve remains a showcase of the Russell family’s commitment to traditional bourbon craftsmanship and exceptional barrels.  For this year’s Private Barrel Selection, we chose a 9 1/2 year old barrel that spent its entire maturation on the fourth floor of Camp Nelson D, one of Wild Turkey’s historic rickhouses.  Here, Kentucky heat, humidity, elevation, and airflow work together to create a distinctly bold expression of the Russell’s Reserve profile.

Distilled on January 24, 2017, and bottled at 110 proof, more than 9 years of maturation in Camp Nelson D produced a rich, layered Kentucky bourbon showcasing sweet vanilla and caramelized sugar balanced by cherry compote, warming baking spice, and mature seasoned oak. 

The result is a classic yet distinctive Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel—rich, balanced, and deeply influenced by its time in one of Wild Turkey’s storied rickhouses. Experience a remarkable expression of Kentucky bourbon tradition hand-selected by The Prime Barrel.

Barrel Details:

• Barrel #25-1526
• Distilled: 1/24/2017 in Lawrenceburg, KY
• Age: 9 1/2 years on 4th floor of Camp Nelson D
• Mashbill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
• Barrel Entry Proof: 115 proof
• Proof: 110

Tasting Notes:

• Nose:  Vanilla bean, rich caramel, brown sugar, cherry compote, baking spice, touch of sweet oak
• Palate:  Toasted vanilla, caramelized brown sugar, baking spice, charred oak
• Finish:  Vanilla, caramelized sugar, leather, lingering baking spice, seasoned oak