A little background

Russell’s Reserve 2003 is the third release in the “Vintage” series from Master Distiller Eddie Russell as a homage to his father, Jimmy Russell. This bourbon was aged for 16 years in the Tyrone warehouses and marks the very last of the 107 barrel-entry proof whiskey. There were approximately 3,600 bottles released across the United States in 2020.

Manufacturer: Wild Turkey
Mashbill: 75% Corn / 13% Rye / 12% Malted Barley
Bottle Number: 1,503
Proof / ABV: 89.5 / 44.75%

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Amber

Nose

Nose is heavy and rich with baking spices, a hint of citrus, heavy butter, vanilla and dark fruit.

Palate

Light and creamy viscosity which rushes every part of the palate with flavor. It starts out with toffee coming upfront with just a hint of sweetness which turns into a butterscotch flavor bomb mid palate with dark fruit and just a hint of butter coming in on the back palate.

Finish

The finish is a butter bomb with hints of char and oak coming afterwards. There is a subtle heat which settles in the chest with aromas of oak and dark fruit coming in between sips.

In closing

From start to finish, Russell’s Reserve 2003 is as incredible as it is complex. The nose is captivating; luring the drinker in with every breath. There is no ethanol just pure aromas of a 16 year old whiskey. The palate only continues the amazing experience by rushing your taste buds with flavor. It’s a steady build from semi-sweet to that butterscotch bomb. The creaminess of the palate almost mimics a Werther’s original candy with the dark fruit really leading into the finish beautifully. The finish really puts the exclamation mark on the entire experience. The buttery note seems to continue for an eternity with just a subtle heat that just puts a smile on your face.

I love Russell’s Reserve 200 simply for how amazing whiskey can be when given the time and effort. The talent, experience, and dedication of the Russell family is on full display with this offering. I would buy it again and again and believe it is worth every penny of the $250 dollar price tag.