Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Rye is the hand selected expression of Wild Turkey's celebrated rye whiskey, drawn one barrel at a time under the eyes of Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell, whose combined tenure stretches well past ninety years. Where the standard Russell's Reserve Rye is a small batch blend, this release isolates a single barrel from the prized center cut of Wild Turkey's traditional timber rickhouses, floors three through five, where seasonal temperature swings drive the deepest interaction between spirit and wood. The result is bottled non chill filtered at a robust 104 proof, preserving the full body, rich color, and creamy texture that gentler filtration would strip away. Built on Wild Turkey's single rye mashbill of 51 percent rye, 37 percent corn, and 12 percent malted barley and matured in number four char American oak, this is a muscular yet balanced rye that carries no age statement but is widely understood to mature six to eight years. Single barrels are genuinely uncommon in American rye, and each bottling carries its own distinct character, so no two barrels drink exactly alike. It stands up beautifully in a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned yet rewards patient neat sipping, making it a versatile choice for the enthusiast who wants both cocktail backbone and contemplative depth in one bottle.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Wild Turkey, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey |
| Expression |
Single Barrel, Non Chill Filtered |
| Mashbill |
51% Rye, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley |
| Maturation |
No. 4 Char American Oak |
| ABV |
52% |
| Proof |
104 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep burnished amber with copper highlights.
Nose: Soft caramel and earthy rye grain lead, layered with vanilla, lemon pepper, herbal tea, and a faint whisper of dill and tobacco.
Palate: Medium bodied and creamy, delivering brown sugar, butter toffee, spicy vanilla, cherry, and cinnamon against a building wave of black peppercorn and rye spice.
Finish: Long and warming, with toasted caramel, leather, pipe tobacco, gingerbread, and a lingering rye grain note braced by oak tannin.
FAQ
What is the proof of Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Rye? It is bottled at a consistent 104 proof, or 52 percent ABV, non chill filtered. While the proof is fixed across barrels, the flavor profile varies slightly from one single barrel to the next.
What is the mashbill? It uses Wild Turkey's single rye mashbill of 51 percent rye, 37 percent corn, and 12 percent malted barley, the same recipe behind all of their rye whiskeys.
How old is it? There is no age statement on the bottle, but barrels are drawn from the center cut of the rickhouse and are generally understood to be six to eight years old.
How does it differ from standard Russell's Reserve Rye? The standard rye is a small batch blend bottled at 90 proof, while this is a single barrel bottled at the higher 104 proof, offering more intensity and barrel to barrel individuality.
Is it good for cocktails? Yes. At 104 proof with a bold spice and oak backbone, it holds its own in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned while remaining smooth enough to sip neat.
Where can I buy Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Rye online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
