Russell's Reserve Single Barrel

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Also, I forgot to mention some of the Russells reserve or wild turkey stuff can be dependent on what you had during the day and if you’ll let it breathe in the glass. There was one time I brushed it, and it was super spicy. When I let it mellow it was much better. I don’t think I ever had issues with viscosity.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I realized that as well, but my biggest discrepancy in the taste of whiskey is the time of day I have it. I feel the later I have it the better it is.

[@davevogelsang6791]

Russell’s Select store picks are so good. 🥃

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I have a few and each one is very good. Better than the bottle I reviewed in this video.

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Do you both think the current pricing for Russell’s Reserve store picks is worth it? I’m seeing $90 price tags for Russell reserve store picks. Do you both also choose the Store picks based on the warehouse or age?

[@TheReal_DeanD]

I also think it’s the warehouse location that plays a factor in the flavor. The rare bird 101 webpage can drive you nuts when you start looking at the laser codes of these bottles. I have so many store picks of this I stopped buying these. I have a dusty old label in the bunker. I’ll give it a go

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Speaking of laser codes...I shot my Russell's 10 LL/ME, LL/MD and a 2022 bottle comparison video a month ago. It is finally coming out the February 14th. No big surprises. I basically came to the same conclusion as everyone else.

[@TheReal_DeanD]

@@whiskeyisajourney ooohh. I’ve got my popcorn ready for that video. In every store I’ve gone to the associates laugh at me or roll their eyes because I’m checking the laser date codes.

[@motohead077]

Listening to you talk about the single mash bill made me think of some things; It's possible they use different yeast strains. They wouldn't have to disclose that to the public. Different yeast can have as much or a bigger effect on flavor as a different mash bill. Also, everything else being equal, the proof it is distilled to & barrel entry proof leads to wide variations in taste profile. WT may not do this (or tell us), but others do.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Doesn't Four Roses do that with all their different recipes?

[@motohead077]

@whiskeyisajourney Yes, until recently, was 2 mash bills, 5 yeasts. Now there are 2 new mash bills out (4 total) & will be more to come as those barrels come of age to be bottled.

[@garondugas5853]

I got lucky enough to get one of these last month. Your right an ice cube really opens this juice up. I was very impressed.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I got a store pick from Trevor's Liquor here in town and it's one of my favorite bottles I have of RR.

[@gregflores5839]

I like the 10 yr better . Good info on your channel 👍

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Thanks. I appreciate that feedback. Cheers!

[@Pogue4]

Man I watch a lot of whiskey vids these days as I'm new and learning and I have to say your details are amazing just great vids.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Thanks. I really appreciate your feedback. I hope you are enjoying your journey so far. Cheers!

[@kpclemens]

Big Russel’s fan here and I agree with most of what you said to describe it. The store picks are way better and I’ve got two shelfers that are night and day apart so I’m finding it’s lucky of the draw with them with the exception of store picks

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I have a few store picks as well and they are better than the standard release of the single barrel reserve.

[@lyacoubian]

Being a single barrel whiskey, batch variations are expected. The bottle I own comes across as rich, creamy and a cinnamon/Vanilla Crème Brûlée explosion in my mouth. For me it's a splendid pour and a must-have sipper.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Wow! That sounds amazing. I have a single barrel pick that I just purchased from Trevors Liquor here in Phoenix and it's one of my favorite RR bottles I have.

[@graveshotx]

The single barrel non-store pick RR I have is caramel, orange and cherry. Pretty enjoyable really, if a little simple. My guess is they put the skipped SBs into this line

[@whiskeyisajourney]

All of the store picks I have of the RR are better than this one. I still like it, but it's not as good as the others. Oh well. Cheers!

[@kingkrow420]

Love love love all the Russell products. Wish I could get my hands on the entire line and 100 store picks lol

[@whiskeyisajourney]

That would be quite the collection. I got the Russell's 13 this year and did not think much of it. I went back to it the other day and oh man is it good! I guess it needed to open up a little. Cheers!

[@turcotte5]

Is that a "Fresh Clean Threads" t-shirt? I love mine and have em in all different colors.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

No I'm going with prAna T-shirts these days

[@samueld1]

I find non disclosed single barrels to be highly variable across most brands. I usually don't touch them anymore without a taste. Old Forester and Four Roses have the same variance. I'll stick to Rare Breed.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Fair assessment and I agree.

[@CGsYTChannel]

I commented on the other video about how Russell's 10 showed well in a 12 bottle 10yr bourbon blind. That result impressed me so much that I'm trying to squeeze in another one of my whiskey/cigar clubs with a Wild Turkey theme, to blind a lot of their offerings. I already have Jack Daniels set up for next Saturday and Heaven Hill for January. February is best of 2023 tournament before the Super bowl game.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Sounds like a great group you have going. Are you the person that supplies all the alcohol or do others chip in? Let me know the results of the flights. Sounds like they will all be great!

[@CGsYTChannel]

@@whiskeyisajourney I usually supply the alcohol and they chip in for food. Some of them chip in money for the booze as well, but I never ask for that. Last month, one guy came up with the idea of raffling off a bottle to raise money for the tastings.

[@umami0247]

One of my favorites I’m a big WT fan and I’ll take the single barrel over the Ten year every day of the week. Though I’d go rare breed over the Russell’s. But it’s a palate thing as is the case with whiskey some like a certain brand and others don’t. Personal preference that’s how it works.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I'm with you on the Rare Breed. I prefer it over this as well.

[@kevinnordby4808]

Nice review Peter! I’m on my second Russell’s store pick and I fully agree with your tasting notes however I favor a woody bourbon to a dessert sweet bourbon. I would favor a Knob Creek 12 or Store pick to this for sure.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I think i have a RR and KC in my blind samples. That will be an interesting matchup when it comes up.

[@hombreleon]

I’m a big fan of the RR Single Barrels, but it’s been a while since I’ve opened a new bottle. I’m also a fan of Rare Breed and RR 10 year, but the Wild Turkey 101 has just been ok. 🤷‍♂️ I’ll have to try a newer bottle of the Single Barrel to see what I think. I was expecting a much higher rating (4+), but bottles and palates vary. Nice job as always. 👍🏼

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I have a single barrel pick that is fantastic. If that was reviewed it would have been up there around 3.9

[@Jack-kt8bs]

I HAVE YET TO FIND SOMETHING THAT I ENJOY DRINKING MORE❤

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I have a few single barrels that I enjoy very much. They certainly can hold their own. Cheers!

[@hakanforsling7118]

What is the rye mash bill

[@whiskeyisajourney]

51% rye, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley.

[@dattexboy]

The store picks are the way to go on these as the variations on the single barrel varies too much to get a consistent bottle every time. I love some of my bottle and I like some of them but I don’t hate them at all.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

If you like the store picks then tune in for tomorrows video. I am doing a flight fight of all Russell's Reserve bottles. Cheers!

[@cuba1266]

I never met a person who knocked Russels Reserve.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I have a few RR single barrel picks that I like much more than this bottle. It's good, but not my favorite profile.

[@1111jrk]

No way he can get detect/ differentiate all those scents and flavors

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I didn't know how to respond to this comment other than to ask you how many notes do you get when drinking this whiskey? Cheers!

[@durzagon88]

Disliked alot I have tried but got a camp Nelson one that I love that is 8 years old.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Nice! I picked up a store pick from CN-E and enjoy it very much.

[@cuba1266]

That’s the problem with reviews . Also never heard honeydew profile on any bourbons . You gotta find someone with your palate . Nobody is better than Jon C

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I'm not sure I know Jon C