Are Special Releases ACTUALLY Special? | Russell's 13 Year vs Russell's Single Rickhouse CN-F

[@mistermom310]

I appreciate the straight shooting on price point. I wouldn't want to spend $300 on a hit or miss bottle. I don't like spending $60 on a hit or miss bottle. Thanks for more great content. 🥃❤️🥃

[@MJ-km3qz]

Omg! Erin’s eye roll (at 10:03 video time stamp ) was PRICELESS!!! If your channel ever did a “best of” compilation, that would have to be the thumbnail for the video! lol. This is such a fun channel to watch ;)

[@MichaelVanKorn]

Great video! A cool head to head would be that same camp Nelson single rock house vs a wild turkey Kentucky spirit from camp Nelson as well

[@emptysuit]

Just love your honesty on these battles. Your facial expression upon finding out this was CNF was also priceless. Thank you for this review…

[@jimmatthews6150]

I love both bottles and would not hesitate buying either again. CNF was a top 3 bottle of 2023.

[@JimTaylorFTWTX]

Once again. Great video. I love the transparency and genuineness. Thanks for being honest. Means more than saying what some might want to hear.

[@Scott-co4dq]

I agree with the restaurant pour statement. I've done this with more than a few expensive or hard to find bottles. On some bottles the experience justified looking for it and equally as many time it avoided a purchase I would have regretted. In addition if I enjoyed a pour I'm also able to set a value I am willing to pay for a bottle when I find one based on my past purchases and tastes.

[@nickp5511]

Nice review! Two of my favorite pours!

[@matthewdohrmann]

I really appreciate this unbiased perspective. And as much as I like other whiskey tubers, sometimes I can't help but wonder if they aren't just confirming a certain opinion they have about a label at times. I don't think it's intentional at all, but it's hard not to be influenced by what you see. For reasons I don't fully understand, there are so many things that can influence what you actually taste when you drink bourbon.

[@BigD_Energy]

Y’all crazy. Before you knew the price you said you would pay $75 for the bottle. After you found out the price you said you would pay $40 for a pour!!! 😂😂

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Erin literally addressed this exact thing at 11:32 😂 😂

[@sweetoak1205]

Great advice about trying a pour before you purchase a bottle blind. I just got to try an EC 18 pour a couple of days ago and I won’t be buying that bottle. All I could think of when tasting was charcoal. Thank you both.

[@BondingOverBourbon]

I did a blind between the Rickhouse, Russell's 13, and Rare Breed Bourbon. My experience was that the difference between all 3 is very small, but the difference between RB and the Rickhouse was the most noticeable. Great blind here guys!

[@austinc7963]

I have a bottle of batch one Russel’s 13 and I love it. I tried batch 2 and didn’t love it. I would be hesitant to buy another bottle without seeing batch specific reviews.

[@kevingaray1313]

Is it possible that the whiskey gets altered or possible goes bad in a sample bottle? I’ve always wondered that; bottle pour vs it’s been kept in a small bottle. Love the honesty of the channel. I have B5 RR13 and love it and also have CNF; also love.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

If anything, putting the whiskey in a smaller container with less air space should preserve it even longer. Great question!

[@blakestah]

I’ve tasted these, largely concur. The RR 13 I have definitely tastes consistently worse than the WT 12 yr 101. These were the same price, $150 plus tax. Would buy the WT 12 101 again. Would not buy the RR 13. The Single Rickhouse is a tiny bit better than the WT 12 101. $300 is a hard decision. I really wish WT 12 101 were broadly available at $150. Just great at that price.

[@duckontherun932]

Also not a big fan of Russell's 13. But after watching so many youtube channels, and drinking along with a lot of them. One thing is clear, no one know what they are talking about. Taste is so subjective. Just drink what you like.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

100% truth. Trust your gut and your palate above all else.

[@alanfinney377]

Thank you for that! $47 for Rare Breed at my local Sams Club is where I'm headed this weekend. I live vicariously through your channel :D

[@whiskeyisajourney]

When I had Russell's 13 the first few times I thought it was one of the best things I've had in a while. I have since put it into blinds and it has not fared so well. It's still good on its own but matched up with similar pours it lacks a certain something that knocks it down a few notches.

[@KyaniteXFR]

What have you been comparing it to that beat it (in your eyes)?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

For me (Josh) it’s that there’s a bit of a lack of sweetness in RR13 to balance out the oak, and for Erin (who typically likes less sweet pours) the oak leans a touch bitter usually. It’s a great pour still, but not 100% in either of our wheelhouses. Batch 2 is apparently the worst of the bunch if the internet is telling the truth. We’ve tried at least a couple of other batches and do agree that we’ve liked those more.

[@christinecamley]

Exactly! You can only speak to what you taste and think about whisky! Don't worry about what others might think! I wouldn't splurge on a Russell's 13 either! Terrific channel!! 🙂

[@brettheiner7125]

Wouldn’t hesitate to buy either of these - even on secondary. They smoke the other Turkey products in blinds for me…. Palates definitely differ!

[@chasesimmons6451]

I agree with the pour statement. If I’m considering a $300 bottle, id pay an extra $40 to try it first. $340 bottle I know I love is better than a $300 bottle of unknown

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Well said!

[@umami0247]

Price certainly doesn’t mean great juice. And unfortunately most of these are way over what I’m willing to pay for alcohol. And honestly the older I get the more I go with the basic stuff WT 101 and Knob creek it just is so easy to get and affordable. Great review as always. Enjoy!!

[@clemonsjoey]

I always struggle pulling the trigger on any bottle over $100.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Nothing wrong with that! There is a point of diminishing returns.

[@brianclick7080]

I was thinking it before you got spicy at all of us LOL

[@hazydavo]

I love spicy Erin!! It’s so simple and it’s a lesson for life. Good advice 👌

[@s_gold]

True story. When I blinded these two, “fluffy” was literally the first thing I said too for my CNC Single Rickhouse 😆

[@WhiskyForBeginners]

Josh, I have to tell you that I'm not a Bon Jovi fan. 🙂 The only Russell's I've had is the 10 year. I love Wild Turkey 101, but whatever they do differently with the Russell's I don't like at all. After about four glasses I just gave up - every glass I liked less. My palate just doesn't agree with something in that profile that a lot of other people love. 0:48 Erin, I love your singing, but in this case I'm glad you didn't. Wait for the Cars or Blondie or Black Sabbath or KISS or the Kinks or the Rolling Stones or something else good. 🙂🎶 11:50 $40 is $260 less than $300 - but that's simple math, which these days is over a lot of people's heads. 😕

[@AMWhiskey-kl8qh]

Had RR13 and CNF in out blind tasting for whiskey of the year last year and RR13 beat out the single rickhouse. Interested to try it again

[@SparkyBreaks]

I love both of these bottles and they're both 2 thumbs up for me. (Batch 3 of RR13)

[@justinvandee9428]

I got a bottle of Wild Turkey Single barrel out of Camp Nelson Rickhouse. Wonder how it compares to that Single Rickhouse bottle. Cheers 🥃

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Some single barrels are VERY good to great while others are simply solid. We’re big fans of Russell’s picks in general but haven’t had any that rival this CN-F release. I’m sure they’re out there though.

[@BuffaloBourbonEnthusiasts]

We blinded them and it wasn't even close. Now, is it worth the price? That depends on the person.

[@Roman_Carter]

So Rickhouse is worth the coin? at msrp big turkey so I should bite the bullet? Thanks for sharing as always

[@stuffandwhiskey]

It’s a tough call as it’s a lot of money, especially if it’s for something you’ve never tried before. Having now tried it a few times, had I the budget and access to a bottle at $300, I’d begrudgingly bite the bullet to have it as a special bottle to share with friends. Do I wish it were 50% of the cost? Absolutely. I might buy a case at that price. It’s very, very, very good whiskey to be sure.

[@brettmchan2855]

I was lucky enough to have a pour of single rickhouse. It cost 30 bucks. It was incredible and 30 bucks felt fine because it was honestly one of the best pours I have ever had

[@jondilly1974]

RR13B2 was a stinker for me too. B3 & B5 were much better. Haven’t had B1 or B4. CNC was just ok, but CNF is a great one for me. Generations is also very good for me. Bardstown Disco 11 is very similar to some of the great Russels. Snag them if you see them.

[@eviltrain24]

Non sequin or: Based solely on Josh (not much online), I am buying a Nashville Barrel Co. 6yr Batch 001 cask strength. Wish me luck Josh!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Best of luck! We do prefer their single barrel picks but some of the cask strength batches are super delicious and a great value for the proof and flavor.

[@clemonsjoey]

Would love to have a Rickhouse, but they just want too much for it!

[@mattklaren3545]

Tommy used to work on the docks... unions been on strike, he's down on his luck its tough

[@stuffandwhiskey]

So tough. 🎸

[@stephenhumma4772]

4:47 You finally got there

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Sometimes it takes a while. 😂

[@kevinkeller3720]

I am on a low carb diet and your descriptions are killing me.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Oh man, we feel your pain there!

[@eviltrain24]

I know you said , “which maybe I shouldn’t have been” but I heard, “ which maybe I shitn’t a bin” 😂 since there was no second slip of the tongue, the episode is still at least pg-13.😊

[@stuffandwhiskey]

😂😂

[@chrishughes9202]

Erin was strictly business on this episode.

[@chozen_juan]

Im going to guess you guys both had covid or something during this video. Both of these bottles are bangers! I have blinded russells 13, 15, and a couple of the single rickhouse and they've consistently been top pick or close to it. Are you sure you like bourbon?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Love bourbon and Tirkey. Just not Russell’s 13. Russell’s 15 is 15x better for our palates.

[@nickp5511]

To me the hindsight of whiskey comes into play. If you both had a 40.00 dollar pour now the Rickhouse is 220.00 so knowing that you like it turns into I should have bought the bottle. So agreed, 80.00 would be less than 300.00. So many times it’s a “oh man, why did I buy that” Cheers!

[@erikibarra14]

Do you still offer a free tier on Patreon? I've checked the mobile app and the website and neither show a free tier.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

It’s there. Poke around. The three dots on the right side on desktop. Should be super apparent on mobile.

[@erikibarra14]

@@stuffandwhiskey didn't know about the three dots. Thanks!

[@brianfrydl2741]

The ONLY thing spicy about this tasting is Erin! $40 is less than $300! I understand! Please don't punish me! Hahahaha 😂😂😂

[@bullseye0112]

Did he just say brutally budget-minded😂😂😂. I call it smart haha

[@carlosbarrera87]

“Frugally” but your point stands

[@wheelchairhillbilly]

With all due respect, an expensive night out plus the drinks adds $80 more, and you might as well pay the $300 and get 15 drinks. Lol I get it, I just figure someone's gotta say it. Have a good day.

[@kamahhl]

Erin with the big FACTS 300>40 🤣

[@CPGumby]

I can only find these bottles in ONE store near me, and they want waaaaaaaaaaaaay too much for each--$400 for RR13 and $600 for RR SR. Needless to say, Homey don't play dat. The good news is that there are so many other great bottles out there that I'm not losing any sleep or FOMO-ing out about it. I did manage to get a BBC Disco #11 for MSRP, which is supposed to be 70% RR13 juice, so I think I'll do alright.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Disco 11 is the FOMO killer to all these higher priced Turkey releases for sure!

[@SirOttis]

CNF is worth the 300 for me. R13 hasn’t been great since B1.

[@heatherharrison264]

I keep hearing great things about the single rickhouse Russell's, but so far, the price has put me off. I saw one (I forget which one) for $350 recently, and I left it there. I never see the 13-year. It is a tater bottle that sells out immediately unless it is marked way up. This surprises me given its mixed reputation, but I suppose tater bottles are sometimes driven by hype more than quality or consistency. In the past, I have paid $300-$400 for bottles of booze multiple times, but in this price range, I am looking for a truly unique flavor profile, not just exceptionally high quality. I can find high quality for under $200. Compared to many other spirits (i.e. Scotch, rum, agave spirits, baijiu), classic Kentucky bourbon has a very narrow stylistic range, so it is hard for me to imagine that one would be interesting and unique enough for me to pay more than $200. If I ever pay more than $200 for a bourbon, it will probably be for one from outside its core region (likely Texas) or for a finished bourbon that is exceptionally well crafted and stylistically interesting. An unusually high age statement might be a possibility too, but bourbon starts to go funny after 12 years, so it might be hard to find one at an advanced age (i.e. over 18 years) that still holds together well. If the local whisky bar gets a Russell's single rickhouse, I'll try it there, or maybe one day, some money will be burning a hole in my purse and I'll decide to splurge even though I don't expect it to meet my standard for a $300+ bottle. For a more reasonably priced option in the Russell's line-up, grab a store pick single barrel if you see one. A while back, I saw one in BevMo and decided to buy it since I like the standard issue single barrel. It is a high quality, well balanced bottle of booze, noticeably better than the standard version, and it was under $100.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Great comment as usual Heather and especially great point about wanting something truly unique for this price. Bourbon is a narrow spectrum to be sure, and there are certainly diminishing returns as the price point climbs. Do some of the "better" pours come across as more concentrated, well balanced, flavorful, impactful, and longer finishing? Sure, a few. But do they still taste like bourbon? By and large, they do, and 90-95% of the experience and flavor can be had for quite a bit less than premium prices.

[@jamesgroff2512]

Reminder @everyone....$40 IS OBJECTIVELY LESS THAN $300

[@stuffandwhiskey]

😂😂 hey that’s true!

[@robschoenung9543]

I've never had Rickhouse, but I've never been impressed with the Russell's products. Likely just the flavor profile.

[@drgallup]

Curious which RR13 you had. I've got a bottle with laser code LL/LC290712. I've got a bottle of Camp Nelson F too, that's one I think I let the FOMO override my better judgement.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Good question. Batch 2 is all we know.

[@kingkrow420]

Alright its official. You guys do not like Russell’s 13. Send me rest of bottle please😁

[@StevenWalt]

Confectioners sugar 😉

[@xXGETR0CKEDxX]

per ounce, it's less. You mine as well buy the bottle. J/K lol

[@stuffandwhiskey]

👀😂 cheers and thanks for watching!

[@christopherryan7654]

40 IS LESS than 300!!!!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

FACTS!

[@vinceduncan429]

I like spicy Erin!

[@ediecervantes8008]

We like you spicy lol

[@markwood6625]

Can confirm batch 2 is the worst! Very disappointing

[@stuffandwhiskey]

That’s a bummer

[@dopey621]

I have not liked any RR13 B1-3. I didn't even bother to try 4 and 5. RR SRH CN-F blows it out of the water or would rather drink RR SIB (Store Picks) any day over RR13

[@brianclick7080]

Someone has been watching the Bon Jovi documentary

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We haven't but that sounds like good viewing!