Russell’s Reserve 13 YO

Overview & Background

Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old is a limited‑release, barrel‑proof bourbon from the Russell family (Wild Turkey / Russell’s Reserve line). (Russell’s Reserve) First introduced in 2021 as a tribute by Eddie Russell to his father, Jimmy Russell, it was originally bottled at 114.8 proof (57.4 % ABV) and non–chill filtered. (Fred Minnick) Over the years, it has become an eagerly anticipated annual (or occasional) release. (Fred Minnick)

In 2025, the expression was relaunched in a “reimagined” format, with the proof bumped to 123.8 and each future batch to carry its own proof and seasonal labeling. (Food & Wine) The brand positions it as a showcase of the Russell family’s whiskey craftsmanship and maturation capability. (Russell’s Reserve)

Technical Details & Specifications

Here are some of the key specs and production notes for Russell’s Reserve 13:

Tasting Profile & Impressions

Because of barrel strength and long aging, Russell’s Reserve 13 is often rich and bold. Below are aroma, flavor, and finish notes from both the brand and independent reviewers.

Aroma / Nose

• According to Russell’s Reserve, the 2025 release displays aromas of vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, with cherries, spices (clove, nutmeg), and a “dusty funk” signature to Wild Turkey. (Russell’s Reserve)
• Earlier versions showed dark fruit (black cherry, plum), roast oak, sweet vanilla, smoke/char, nuttiness, and some rickhouse/funk character. (Paste Magazine)

Palate / Taste

• The official description cites flavors of honey, chocolate, nougat, and charred confection notes. (Russell’s Reserve)
• Independent reviewers report combinations of dried dark fruits, caramel, toffee, baking spice (cinnamon, clove), toasted oak, and some marshmallow or burnt sugar nuances. (Tastings)
• Some describe it as dense, with a full mouthfeel, with heat from proof but enough structure to allow complexity to emerge. (Tastings)

Finish

• The finish is typically long, warming, with mature oak, char, spice, and hints of smoke or campfire character. (Russell’s Reserve)
• In some reviews, the finish evolves with chocolate mousse, mint, peppercorn, and lingering sweet‑spice tones. (Tastings)

Community / User Impressions

• Many bourbon drinkers express high praise, noting that it “smells like vintage whiskey” and that the balance of oak, fruit, and spice is impressive for its age. (Reddit)
• Some also mention that oak influence can be a bit drying or tannic, especially in high‑proof pours. (Reddit)
• Others highlight that earlier batches (Batch 1) had particularly favorable character, including floral perfume, deep oak presence, and nostalgic “old whiskey” notes. (Reddit)

“People Also Ask” — Common Questions & Answers

Here are likely user queries with answers based on available information.

1. What proof is Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old?

Originally, it was bottled at 114.8 proof (57.4 % ABV). (Fred Minnick)
In the 2025 release, the proof is increased to 123.8 proof (61.9 % ABV). (Food & Wine)

2. How old is Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old bourbon?

It carries a 13‑year age statement, meaning the youngest barrels used are at least 13 years old. (Russell’s Reserve) Some barrels may be older depending on selection. (VinePair)

3. Is Russell’s Reserve 13 non‑chill filtered?

Yes. The expression is non‑chill filtered, preserving more fatty compounds, mouthfeel, and character from the barrel. (Fred Minnick)

4. What is the mash bill of Russell’s Reserve 13?

It uses the typical Wild Turkey mash bill, broadly estimated as 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley. (The Whiskey Wash)

5. Is Russell’s Reserve 13 still produced / how often is it released?

It is a limited release, not a core year-round product. (Fred Minnick) After a pause to focus on a 15‑year expression in 2024, the 13 was relaunched in 2025. (Food & Wine)

6. How does Russell’s Reserve 13 taste / what are its flavor notes?

• On the nose: vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, dried fruit, cherry, oak, rickhouse funk. (Russell’s Reserve)
• Palate: dark fruit, molasses, caramel, baking spice, charred sugar, and oak. (One More Dram)
• Finish: long, smoky, peppery, mature oak and char lingering. (The Beer Connoisseur®)

7. Is Russell’s Reserve 13 worth the price / hype?

That depends on how much you value rare, mature, barrel‑proof bourbon, and what you pay:

• Arguments in favor: It delivers a high‑age, full‑flavor profile with non‑chill filtration and proof strength. It’s seen as a prestige release in the Russell’s Reserve lineup. (Russell’s Reserve)
• Caveats: Because of limited availability and collector demand, prices on the secondary market often far exceed what many feel the liquid is worth. Some reviewers and consumers caution that oak influence can dominate or make it drying in some bottles. (Paste Magazine)

In short, if you find it at a reasonable price and you appreciate deep, complex bourbon, it can be worthwhile; paying steep premiums is riskier.

Strengths & Risks / What It Does Well & What to Watch

Strengths

• Maturation + depth: The extended aging (13 years) gives complexity, wood influence, and richness not seen in many standard bourbons.
• Barrel proof & non‑chill filtration: Preserves character, intensity, and texture.
• Balance of flavor elements: Fruit, spice, sugar, oak, and the signature Wild Turkey “dusty funk” provide layered complexity.
• Brand heritage & prestige: It sits near the top of the Russell’s Reserve line and is tied to Russell family legacy.
• Collector appeal: The limited nature, variable proofs, and seasonal labeling add to its desirability.

Risks & Potential Drawbacks

• Oak dominance / drying: With long aging and high proof, some bottles may skew toward over‑oaked or tannic.
• Inconsistency: As with many barrel‑proof, small lot releases, variation between batches or barrels can be significant.
• High secondary prices: The markup in many markets can put it at risk of overpayment.
• Strong proof: The heat may be intimidating, especially in early pours or for less proof-tolerant drinkers.
• Limited supply: Difficult to obtain, making it more of a “chase bottle” than a stable expression.

Conclusion

Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon is a standout expression in the Wild Turkey / Russell’s Reserve portfolio. It combines the maturity of long aging with the punch and depth of barrel proof, offering a rich tapestry of dark fruit, caramel, spice, oak, and restrained funk. The recent shift to a higher proof (123.8 in 2025) and the move to label each batch uniquely add to its collectibility and intrigue.

However, it is not without risk. The oak influence can become heavy, and in some bottles the heat may overshadow subtler flavors. Because it’s limited and highly sought after, many buyers end up paying large premiums, which tempers the value proposition for some.

If you can obtain a bottle at a fair price and enjoy bold, mature bourbon, Russell’s Reserve 13 is a thrilling dram worthy of exploration. But it’s wise to temper expectations and appreciate it for what it is: a high-end, expressive, and occasionally uneven gem in the bourbon world.

If you like, I can also pull up recent retail or auction prices across your region and compare whether current offers are fair or overpriced. Do you want me to check that for your area (Cameroon / Africa)?