Some fathers and sons like to throw the ball around the yard or build models together. Jimmy Russell and his boy Eddie like to distill bourbon. The pair have been working together at Wild Turkey for 30 years, with Jimmy serving as Master Distiller and Eddie working his way up to Associate Distiller. The two seem to work well together, as they’ve produced a string of very nice adult beverages and have been inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame.
Around ten years ago, they decided it was time to put their heads together and create a bourbon as father and son. The result is Russell’s Reserve 10, a smooth and leggy charmer with a spicy finish featuring hints of orange peel and lots of warming oak.
Don’s the whiskey expert, and he reviewed Russell’s Reserve 10 last year, so I won’t duplicate his efforts here, except to say that this is the good stuff for sure, especially if you’re into smooth, slow burners. I recently received free (!) bottle of Reserve 10 from Wild Turkey and have been happily reacquainting myself with its well-rounded goodness.
The reason I received the bottle was to bring attention to a Father’s Day promotion Wild Turkey is doing with Operation Once in a Lifetime, a non-profit group that provides resources to service members of the US armed forces. Here’s the deal, right from the Turkey’s mouth:
– Wild Turkey 101
– Russell’s Reserve
– Wild Turkey Rare Breed
– Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit
– Wild Turkey American Honey Liqueur
Only 90 proof ahhhhhh man!
There are plenty of outstanding whiskeys at 90 proof, and this is one of them.
I cut my teeth on 101 so I built up sadistic desire to be kicked in the face by my bourbon. Now doubt its good just dissappointed in the 90 proof. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Fat Cat. And if you want to taste the fire, go for the Kentucky Spirit – it’s delicious but will make your eye twitch!
If you want the full 101, don’t buy the Russel’s reserve buy the Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel or the Rare Breed. Rare Breed is barrel proof around 117 or so. That ought to bust your teeth in! 😉
The Rare breed is one of my favorites along with bookers. I want to try and get my hands on some George T Stagg but can’t stomach the ebay price. You guys try the new knob creek 120 proof its pretty good too.
It still hasn’t made its way to Idaho yet. I keep hoping….