Military Bourbon Review: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year

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History – Russell’s Reserve 10 Year. As a father and son company the Wild Turkey Distillery has made a name across the country as a trusted source for bourbon lovers. With their Wild Turkey Brands up to the Russell’s Reserve Brands these bourbons live up the hype. Particularly the Wild Turkey 101 offering has always been something to be excited and proud of. This bourbon has a history of success from their master distillers. This bourbon now in the main market is what many say is comparable to the bourbon that everyone holds up on a pedestal today and cannot seem to get enough of (Buffalo Traces Eagle Rare 10 Year). People see this bourbon on the shelves and they say to themselves “Look at another big name that is probably just like the rest of them”. At first I thought the same but as you can all probably guess this is not my first tasting of this one. This is one of the bourbons that got my journey started into this realm and even as an amateur bourboneer I liked this one. I was very excited that I was able to battle my partners for this review as it has so much to offer from. Lets see how it stands up to the test and dig in!

Value – The value of this bourbon is perfect as it is affordable so that the moderate spender that is looking for a big name and a 10 year age statement won’t have an issue buying.

Appearance – Medium Mahogany. I think it looks great with an unmistakable bottle that you know is Russell’s Reserve just as they have done with their Wild Turkey bottles.

Nose – Fresh wood, nutmeg, pepper and raisin really pull on the nose with this one pushing through a very pleasant introduction.

Palate – It’s big, with pepper, cinnamon, allspice and very smooth. Woah I am drawn back by this. It pushes familiar but deep flavors through. Those typical bourbon flavors that you would expect are all there but way more impactful likely due to its heavy age.

Finish – Maple Syrup, Honey Sweetness and a lingering light heat that is very pleasurable to sit on. It coats your mouth and settles nicely on the tongue so you can savor the flavor.

Summary – I can tell you that I really enjoyed this one and especially the thick mouthfeel that it provides and the robust go to bourbon flavors that it pushes through. I am circling back to how people compare this to Buffalo Traces Eagle Rare and I have to admit that I prefer this over that one. To me this provides the drinker everything that he or she desires when purchasing this bottle with really nothing to complain about. There is not a bunch of complexity but it gives more than what you expect and that is robust and bold cinnamon, pepper and honey rounding it out with a smoothness that is hard to find.

Uniqueness – 1-10 – 5

Appearance- 1-10 – 8

Nose- 1-20 – 16

Palate- 1-20 – 18

Finish- 1-20 – 18

Value- 1-20 – 20