Why Is Everyone Talking About Russell's Reserve 10 Year Again?

[@BuddyFulton]

When I first heard of this and RR 10 being one of my favorites I went out turkey hunting. The first store I stopped in happened to have a couple so I bought both. Brought them home and did a comparison with a bottle I had open. Even a novice like myself I could tell a difference between the two. Thanks for the review and keep up the good work!

[@ScottW4631]

Nice review as always. I have a LL/ME 05/20. It is fantastic. I too prefer Eagle Rare, but this bottle is a real banger.

[@jberks1213]

Found a bottle yesterday. I did a blind with with Eagle Rare last night. Both 10 year, both 45%. I picked the Eagle Rare. Wasn't even really close. The nose and pallet of the Eagle Rare was more complex. Of course, this for my pallet. I will go back in a week as the Russell's was just opened and the Eagle Rare was half way finished.

[@UCLAMike1992]

I have a bottle of LL/ME19 (May 19, 2024) and it’s quite good. So good, in fact, that I quickly grabbed a second bottle. I also compared it directly with my bottle of LL/MB21 (Feb. 21, 2024) and it was noticeably better.

[@loveandlight8286]

Ll/mb just as good to me

[@pickleeater3102]

I bought a RR 10 at Costco a few weeks ago; $31.99. It was so good, I went back and got 3 more. Just checked the laser code; they are LL/MD. So delicious.

[@theakk8117]

The MD is supposed to be better than batches of old. Hopefully you can get an ME to compare it to the MD

[@smittysmitty481]

Good juice but I like the Wild Turkey Rare Breed for the proof point.

[@perfectophil]

@@smittysmitty481 And less than $10 more

[@kirklandeche937]

It just so happens that, while watching the Red Wings at the Blackhawks this evening, I'm enjoying the Turkey Trot. That would be Russell's Reserve 10yr, Kentucky Spirit CN - F, Russell's Reserve Single Barrel, and Wild Turkey Rare Breed. This is a great lineup. Great show as always! Cheers!

[@kirklandeche937]

The Russell's Reserve 10yr I have looks exactly like yours but, I can't find anything about any LLME.

[@kirklandeche937]

I have found it. Mine is an LL/MD.

[@STHR13]

Go Hawks!!

[@josiahgaza4501]

Laser code is found on the back side of the bottle but all the way at the bottom below the labels. I spent probably 20 minutes trying to find the code on my bottle, haha. Have a dark table top or something in the background when looking for the code because it is faint and the lettering is white.

[@mattschmitt9924]

​@@josiahgaza4501if you "steam" the area with a hot breath, the laser code pops out a bit.

[@bobfriedel9323]

Did Cam tell you to start this madness ?? 😂 you the man Jason !!

[@boswineguy5461]

I’ve got LL/ME and it’s my favorite bourbon under $60 these days. It tastes so much richer and older than the typical RR10. I have done a side by side with my previous favorite from 2020 and the 2024 edges it out.

[@Richie.Z]

I grabbed an LL/ME17 a week or so ago and it was a great pour! No previous RR10’s to compare it to but I’d buy another bottle again😊🥃 Cheers, Jason!

[@dancindan85]

I bought two LL/ME17's yesterday and I am glad I did! I had a poor of RR15 a couple weeks ago and this RR10 is VERY similar. So similar in fact that I will be going back to where I bought the two ME17's and buy two more bottles.

[@BuckMcAntlerson]

1:12 the fact you whipped this old gem out made my morning.

[@MA-iq5nu]

Great review as always Jason! I have the ME20 and it’s fantastic. Bought an ll/md and it wasn’t as nearly as good for what it’s worth.

[@kayakangle]

I scored a bottle thanks to a freind of mine who gave me the heads up on this. It was the only bottle coded as LL/ME in one of my local shops. I will be tasting it with him first

[@StillLivinginthewoods]

Wild Turkey needs to return to it's roots, with a regular 8 yr 101 product... and it shouldn't cost any more than about $30-$40. Make it happen, Wild Turkey!

[@MutsCreditCardDebt]

@@StillLivinginthewoods Maybe next year

[@TheMashandDrum]

It is happening. They are releasing an 8 year 101.

[@peaceandwealthseeker4504]

Isn't the 70th 101 8 year

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@peaceandwealthseeker4504 it's an 8 year 9 year blend

[@peaceandwealthseeker4504]

@ ahh thank you! It tastes so good. I was shocked to find a large supply at my local Costco

[@WhiskeyOutside]

Thanks for the Tip… I was super hesitant to buy another R10. The Cherry on the nose and palate blew our minds.

[@markbrooks6788]

Thanks for the heads up on this Jason. I've found MD and MG but no ME yet.

[@peterb.3278]

I’ve got the ME - it’s excellent!

[@JayMannStuff]

Checked here in North DFW metroplex. Only checked one store, but all they had was the LL/MF and not the coveted LL/ME serial number range.

[@markpoani2558]

Previous batches of RR10 were undrinkable for me. As much as I wanted to like it I just couldn’t. This batch is a game changer. I heard about this a couple weeks ago and went out and found one and now I have three.

[@35057]

buddy and i were just talking about this too. i picked up some russel’s years ago when i got into this and it was meh. but recently revisiting some newer russel’s SiB Rye tho, and they’re just fantastic and way better than i remembered. buddy got a Russel’s 10 newer also and he loves it.

[@vrudy6]

I haven’t had it in a long, long while. I’ll get it next. Thanks!

[@johnferron3709]

Just found one of these bottles and there is definitely something different... great video Jason

[@MrWildbill60]

Never knew about the lazer code. Just happens this is what I was sipping while watching. Mine is LL/MG so July - a few months later.

[@napotn1k]

I have a LL/MG as well.. This is a very good bottling! Don't have any old RR10s to compare to however.

[@justinhernandez1219]

So I compared my older bottle of Russels (can't remember the code) and a bottle of LL/ME17 that I found today. Right off the bat the color and nose out of the bottle were noticeably different. Palate wise they were similar but the LL/ME17 was...I'd like to say more enhanced. The most noticeable difference was the finish. LL/ME17 went on a bit longer and heavier. Same same...but different!

[@denniswheeler4872]

Just got one at Sam's for MSRP. Have not tasted it yet but can't wait. Thanks for the heads up. Love your videos.

[@sharxboy]

"This rumor could be true" = "this does not preclude the possibility", thanks for the vid!! Subbed

[@UncleSpacely]

I have an LL/MA 2024 it’s pretty solid you don’t notice how thin it is till you try it beside a single barrel. At $30 a bottle it’s pretty good. Better than some of the higher priced bullshit out there.

[@drgallup]

I could have bought a couple of these but I've got 7 RR on the shelf already (Single barrel bourbons, Single Barrel Rye's, Camp Nelson F, 13 yr & 15 yr) so I find it hard to get excited about 90 proof whiskey even IF some percentage actually is 15 years old. Do a double blind and let me know how it turns out.

[@Jared40]

I've had two bottles easily two best RR 10 I've ever had. There is one store here in Colorado that has many on shelf 😂🥃🦃

[@markanderson8677]

Thanks for the heads-up!

[@stevegellas7869]

Guess I’ll go looking, thanks man. Great review.

[@chadschupbach450]

I’ve looked at every store in my area and haven’t found any in NEO. Everything has been LL/MB so hopefully it’s sitting in an Ohlq warehouse.

[@tracemunday4712]

I picked up a bottle a while ago the taste blew my mind for a 40 bottle it's a ll/md a month prior but it puts alot of my more expensive bottles to bed wouldn't doubt the rumor

[@marklynch4050]

I've always enjoyed RR10 but I feel like its price has risen quite a bit more in my area over the past few years than other similar bottles ($10 more than Knob Creek 9). Saw it on a shelf today for $42 sitting right next to a bottle of Rare Breed for $48.

[@jporterz2873]

Well, well... I just checked the code on my current bottle of Russell's, it's LL/MD! LOL I had to pour from it and it one of the better Russell's I've had, although I know it's not the sought after ME.

[@crellis13]

Nice one J, the LL/MF's aren't bad either as that's all I've been able to find in Austin. Still has that medicinal cherry and some oak weight behind it.

[@ericepperson8409]

RR 10 year pops up at my local Costco every couple of months. At less than $40 for it, I keep a couple bottles around for mixing old fashioneds. Checked both of my most recent bottles and they are LL/MD. Will be on the lookout if these hit shelves in my area. Seems like Colorado gets skipped by a lot of distilleries for the really good stuff.

[@pickleeater3102]

$31.99 at the Costco in NW Indiana. I bought 4

[@cabster7]

I think Russell's Reserve Single Barrel is better than all of them under $60

[@pepebruno1672]

So, Russell 15 was bottled on 2024-04-09 according to the bottle I saw. Batch LL/MD for Russell 10 was bottled on 2024-04-24. So if the left over theory is correct, Batch LL/MD is the closest one. I have a bottle of LL/MD, I have not tasted LL/ME, but LL/MD is very good and not the regular 10. Obviously, this is all pure speculation, but something is different about this one and perhaps the LL/ME - given people talking about it. Have any of you tried LL/MD?

[@pickleeater3102]

Yes! I have four of the MD's, from Costco, and they are excellent.

[@bloodCount8895]

LL/ME has been confirmed not to contain RR15 but it does have older juice in it.

[@elronino]

Source?

[@JoeyBananas23]

@@elroninoSource: “trust me bro”

[@StevenWalt]

I did a blind of LL/ME and LL/MF and I liked the LL/MF much better.

[@B-Squared-s6s]

good, cause I can only get LL/MF near me, and I do enjoy it! 🙂 What were the differences you preferred with the LL/MF?

[@sinfulxchangez]

I got 2 with my RR15 purchase... will try it and see.

[@MutsCreditCardDebt]

@@sinfulxchangez Cali bundle

[@brucelavender]

Great Video! I really enjoy your take on bourbon. Can you tell me what stemmed glass you are using?

[@nickp5511]

I have an older bottle LL/KI 2022 it’s decent.

[@novak94]

Tried LL/ME a couple weeks ago. Didn't stand out to me from what I remember RR10 tasting like

[@TheDrSpEd]

I was able to find an LL/ME before the hype grew. I have to say, it is definitely better than the 2023 and 2020 bottles I have.

[@ncdorito213]

Dude this was spot on. I get a marachino/dr pepper cola with some sweet oak. Knocks rhe socks off previous RR10s.

[@travisryan6593]

It’s consistent and it’s great neat or in a cocktail. $39 where I’m at!

[@jimm8799]

I have LL/MA. Will try and find ME to compare.

[@WhispyWoods.]

Interesting! Cheers 🥃

[@thomashardy1851]

I checked the laser codes at a shop and I didn't see any that matched, but to be fair there was only one left on the shelf so someone might have bought them all

[@user-da3kjk2lk4lw]

I think Rare Breed is still better… what do you think, Jason?

[@TheMashandDrum]

Absolutely. But for 35-40 bucks....this is the best 10 year Russell's in quite a while

[@timothyr8380]

I agree the only killer for me is that the rare breed is chill filtered

[@fatshernandez4593]

Rare breed $70. RR10 $45. WT101 $33. In Alaska. What happened to prices

[@peaceandwealthseeker4504]

@@fatshernandez4593never been there but would assume pricing in Alaska would vary compared to lower 48

[@robertbreslin1901]

@@fatshernandez4593damn rb is $50 in PA

[@Mykkus]

After reading it on rarebird 101, I saw a bottle and snagged it, it Definitely has more oak and is a richer than I remember the run of the mill RR10 I’ve had before and quit buying. I still think i like 101 better.

[@Mykkus]

And thanks for the great comparison.

[@Thomas-zu5ku]

A friend had me taste an LLME with out me knowing anything about this. I told him it tasted just like the bottle I have at home. I am not a fan of Rr10 and didn’t know about this is special but I was not impressed. I am about half way through my bottle of Rr15 at home and my opinion it is top shelf. The pour I had of Llme no way made me think of the flavor/taste profile of the 15. This is my personal opinion and am not arguing with anyone else that thinks differently. My palette is not very refined compared to long time bourbon drinkers.

[@davew6637]

I agree. I've got a LL/ME17 and it didnt stand out to me.

[@jasondillon-zt1di]

I got an LL/MF and it does taste older and more complex than the last bottle I had a couple years ago. Has an oakier less sweet profile than what I've experienced with RR10 in thr past. Still pretty thin though.

[@SamFromQueens]

Absolutely hilarious to see you do a laser codes video, especially when you consider all the hate you dished when it was pointed out that ECBP C923 varied batch to batch and that you could find this by looking at… the laser codes. Guess you were wrong…

[@jonathanlaurich1878]

That’s because the laser code on C923 was 2 separate bottling dates by a day not a different batch. C923 is one batch, no multiples.

[@SamFromQueens]

@@jonathanlaurich1878exactly, and in those two bottling dates, you find a batch variance. I sure as heck do.

[@TheMashandDrum]

No wasn't wrong. C923 was just two separate bottling dates by a day not a different batch which was confirmed by the master distiller. This is a completely different batch with different whiskey in it. The C923 controversy is still BS.

[@SamFromQueens]

@ Sure, so for C923, we both agree that the same juice was bottled on various days, leading to micro-batches. My friends and I were skeptical as well, but blind tastings don’t lie. The A233 batch was consistently the winner, with a better mouthfeel and finish. Would love to see how it performs for you in a blind, but that’s the awesome thing with whiskey we can all experience something different. I also find a big difference from batch to batch in RR13, where I think your stance on them is: they’re all the same.

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@SamFromQueens there are differences I admit in Russell's 13. But I think folks were overstating the amount of differences. Are they there, yes but dolls were making it sound like they were completely different whiskys. The only one I agree on is batch 1 of 13. That's the only one thats a step above the others. As far as c923, the one that I loved that I first reviewed was being considered as the bad one. Which I think was ridiculous. I did blind them both multiple times. And sometimes I picked one and sometimes I picked the other. I also tried it with friends who thought the one considered the better one was chosen 2nd to the one that I loved. Point being, it's not a microbatch. It's just different bottling dates. I think the differences were blown out of proportion and folks saying one is sooooo much better than the other one is overstating things. But I agree, it's cool to have different opinions and I think I took offense to the one I loved being called subpar. I can admit it.

[@eafarrar]

I think RareBird101 has since clarified that it was older whiskey in the blend, but not exactly RR15 "rejects."

[@eafarrar]

Everyone has noted the LL/ME20, so LL/ME17 is also has a bump in aged quotient? I've only been able to find LL/MDs so far.

[@Seoul_of_bourbon]

He did, he double checked and they said that there are no "reject" RR15 barrels period.

[@patrickyb8840]

Do a blind with the Jimmy 70th, see what you think. Clear winner for me was the 70th....not even close - but that's just my palate.

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@patrickyb8840 yeah I have a video about that coming.

[@patrickyb8840]

@TheMashandDrum Awesome ! Enjoy the dram....we all enjoy your videos !!

[@fouru2nite]

I noticed that the corks for the different batches are a different color.

[@durzagon88]

Found 3 they are very good.

[@peterjanetatos7061]

I’d like to know how LL/ME stacks up to other batches on shelves right now. I have an MD and MG and they are outstanding!

[@Whiskey_BS]

So where are people finding the ME’s? I haven’t seen this code in the Cincinnati area.

[@shortbusmafia7133]

Learn something new everyday, I bartend if we have one I’m trading it out. I trust Mr. C all day every day

[@lrbtechie]

I will ALWAYS have at least one or more Russell 10 on my shelf. ALWAYS

[@OakvilleKGB]

Will you be posting your 2nd half of the Bourbon Heads discussion?

[@mah00672]

Blind it with the 13 and 15 to see how it stands up

[@smittysmitty481]

Solid review

[@rsvpurgt]

No way Wild Turkey will dump 15 year old whiskey in RR10.

[@johnwill7962]

Exactly. This is not 90s

[@smthcrmnal26]

I prefer the April of 2024 batch and it was pretty awesome. LL/MD.

[@michelerivera6183]

you prefer the LL/MD to the LL/ME?

[@smthcrmnal26]

@ honestly can’t tell the difference I think it’s all a hoax.

[@justinvandee9428]

My local has the LL/ME May 2024 in the Russell's Single Barrel. Think better than the 10yr ?

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@justinvandee9428 worth a shot. I haven't found one yet

[@kelcey11]

I found 4 should I buy them all? 😂

[@imoffthegrid2158]

Good to know.👍🥃

[@mackal]

ahhh, that's a forward slash :P

[@adonichristie4435]

The enjoyed the LL/ME/17 5/20/24 dated bottles significantly more than the 5/17/24 bottles.

[@UEnjoyMiself]

I found an LL/ME20. I’m seeing people say better than the 17?

[@jasellsrealtygroup_boston]

Laser code show!😂

[@tonykim9395]

Is there some truth that WT 70th anniversary has some RR15 barrels in it as well?

[@ChristIsLord7]

Me new LL-MG is that good?

[@davew6637]

I'd like to know too! My local has 6 bottles of LL/MG

[@mattg450]

Any chance LL/MD is of the same quality?

[@josiahgaza4501]

I found a bottle with the exact laser code Jason is reviewing here for $31 in Florida. For that price it’s a buy all day, even to just have for friends. It’s good. It’s not my personal favorite, I don’t love the heavy cherry I get and I just prefer Turkey at a higher proof. I really shouldn’t say this, but no one check out the 101 LL/ME. The same thing is absolutely not happening with 101. Definitely not. No one buy any of that.

[@chauncey8496]

It’s was 🔥🔥🔥

[@lionelg4648]

Sharks with Laser Codes

[@WhiskeyEnthusiast]

I have to ask - what kind of tasting glasses are you using!?👍🏻🥃

[@TheMashandDrum]

They are called Eisch glasses

[@illini457]

Has any tried the RR Single Barrel that is the LL/ME?

[@jrflan]

Yes, and it’s fantastic. No one is talking about the SiB, but it’s 🔥🔥🔥

[@jaxcoop1511]

Brilliant marketing. Bourbon guys are out everywhere scouring the shelves

[@naka1backbrewery854]

Anything special with the Rare Breed LL/ME?

[@davidwainer6566]

Crazy question here Jason…why didn’t you do a head to head with the RR15?

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@davidwainer6566 it's not close. But this 10 year does show some more oak and heavy cherry more like the 13 than the 15

[@davidwainer6566]

@ - totally makes sense. Thanks for the reply. Keep up the good work, and keep on drummin!

[@Hammertime97]

So how does this compare to WT 70th anniversary!?

[@ceottolino]

01/16/2024 is the one i have code is LL/MA tho

[@rickcrist9388]

That stuff is great….

[@radiohead1911]

Any word on LL/MF June? Was this a window or is this the new normal for R10?

[@BigE_819]

👀Time to go hunting.

[@ghostshipmurmurs7917]

I really REALLY wish you had done this blind against like three other RR 10 bottles. There is WAY too much confirmation bias going on in this video. :/

[@titan584]

I still have some llgh not as great as I remembered love all rare breed

[@4Realzeaz]

Forward slash

[@alexwhitcraft2714]

This isn't an even comparison. They need to be from the same year BUT different bottling month.

[@mmm-cocobutta]

I tried LL/ME17 and LL/ME20. The LL/ME20 is substantially better. Just like the Rare Bird 101 article, near the end when he swaps a sample. He is 100% on point. I found two stores in Colorado, one with each LL/ME. After trying the LL/ME20, I bought 4 cases.

[@kamahhl]

4 cases? That's kinda lame tbh

[@CN073]

@@kamahhl Yeah, lets be honest, you're not drinking all of that unless you have some serious issues or only drink one bottle of bourbon ever.

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

​@@kamahhlbe nice, this person is probably a severe alcoholic and has a rough life. It was probably embarrassing to just have to check out in line with all that

[@mmm-cocobutta]

@CN073 Of course I'm not drinking it all. Not hoarding either. Maybe I'll keep 3 bottles. Great gifts at this time of year.

[@Best_Served_Neat_On_Ice]

RareBird said the 20 is better than the 17?

[@lawrencepenny1913]

LL/MD 4-12-24 is ridiculously good!!

[@windy_city_beerman]

This has been my sipper for a few months. Really enjoy throwing a stick of vanilla in there. Thanks for the tip 🍻