Bourbon

Russell’s Reserve Small Batch Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
55% ABV
$49.99
Website

What the Distillery Says:
When it comes to whiskey making in the United States, Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie are America’s bourbon aristocracy. After an incredible 90 years combined experience distilling award-winning whiskey, the two are rolling out one of their richest and most flavorful bourbons to date: Russell’s Reserve® Single Barrel Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. This much anticipated bottling at a take-no-prisoners 110 proof is nonchill filtered, resulting in an unparalleled burst of flavor in every sip. As the crowning glory of America’s famed Wild Turkey bourbon family,
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel promises to not only be the choice for bourbon connoisseurs, but it will also be what Jimmy and Eddie reach for time and time again. As they say in Lawrenceburg, “Our experience guarantees yours.”

What makes Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel unique is not only its high proof, but the fact that the whiskey bypasses the chill-filtration process. Chill-filtration is a common process whereby the whiskey is chilled at temperatures below freezing and is passed through an absorption filter thus removing fatty acids and other flavor contributors such as esters and proteins. By avoiding the chill-filtration process, the whiskey is bottled with more flavor compounds and a deeper color which is denoted by an impressive haze when ice or chilled water is added.

Every expression of Russell’s Reserve – both the Bourbon and rye Whiskey – is matured in only the deepest number 4 or “alligator” charred American white oak barrels to ensure the richest flavor and color. Jimmy and Eddie insist on this char level and are among only a handful of whiskey distillers who use it. The best aged whiskey barrels are hand selected by this legendary pair themselves and only from the center cut of the rick house – since that’s where
the optimal maturation occurs. Adamant about quality, the Russell’s will only use the natural, weather-driven process for maturation – never air conditioned or heated “because it’s the right thing to do.”

“This is Bourbon at its best,” declares Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller. “What is incredibly special about the Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is that each barrel has its own personality, but still captures the rich, creamy toffee vanilla style of Russell’s Reserve. This bottling celebrates what we love about Russell’s Reserve, but takes it to another level.”

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel delivers a burst of intense vanilla and hints of burnt orange, along with tastes licorice and anise seed, on the palate, culminating with a rich and long finish.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Honeysuckle and butter cookies.
Palate: Lots of cinnamon, vanilla, and buttery sweet without being cloying.
Finish: A little wood and black pepper heat on the finish.
Comments: Nice and solid. I had to chuckle a little bit at being “small batch” and “single barrel” though. Isn’t single barrel the ultimate small batch? Classic Wild Turkey flavors in a well structured middle of the road bourbon.
Rating: Stands Out

I like to thank Mr. Rotondi at exposureusa for sending me a sample to review.

Vintage 17 Years Old Bourbon Whiskey
47% ABV
$60
Website

What the Distillery Says:
Our Vintage Bourbon is selected from the very rarest lot of barrels. Each Barrel is hand-picked and chosen according to our strictest criteria for taste, aroma, and bouquet. The extra years that we allow these barrels to age imparts flavor and taste characteristics not found among other bourbons. Unfortunately the many extra years of barrel aging also limits the quantities from each barrel to only a few precious bottles. Please enjoy this rare Vintage Bourbon in moderation. Best savored by sippin’ neat, of course.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Vanilla, cinnamon, and rum cake.
Palate: Creme brulee, cinnamon, and toasted oak.
Finish: Dry wood, leather, aged tobacco, and chalky mint.
Comments: This is a lovely aged bourbon. Given the skyrocketing prices for aged bourbon this is almost a steal at $60.
Rating: Stands Out

Bowman Brothers Pioneer Spirit Small Batch Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey
45% ABV
$35
Website

What the Distillery Says:
John, Abraham, Joseph and Isaac Bowman were Virginia militia officers in the American Revolutionary War. In 1779, they led thirty pioneer families to Madison County, Kentucky and established Bowman’s Station. Later, the brothers helped establish and settle Fayette County. They were legends, admired and respected by fellow settlers for their courage and bravery. This hand-crafted bourbon whiskey is a tribute to these four heroic Bowman brothers from Virginia.

What Richard Says:
Nose: A little medicinal, dark and rich with notes of tart berries, honeysuckle, dried apricots, and chocolate truffles.
Palate: Smooth and slow to evolve. You have to roll this one around a bit. Your reward is a little caramel sweetness, rich butteriness and a dangerous drinkability.
Finish: Warm, comforting, dried popsicle sticks, and black pepper.
Comments: Sadly, I had rare occasion to try any Bowman whiskeys until Truman Cox’s passing. This fact makes a sad occasion even sadder. A fine bourbon to show the bar stool geniuses that no, bourbon is not only made in Kentucky.
Rating: Stands Out