It’s a lot of pressure being Russell’s Reserve 6 Year Rye Whiskey and well… not all of us handle pressure well.
The line is an increasingly popular and ever-expanding collection from Wild Turkey. The line was named in honor of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who have contributed a combined 100 years of service to Wild Turkey. To date, the Russell collection has rolled out a single barrel bourbon, a ten-year-old small batch, a 13-year-old barrel proof, and two rye whiskeys. The two rye whiskeys actually share the same mash bill, which just happens to be the sole rye mash bill for all of Wild Turkey. Okay so no biggie- just have to live up to a legacy name and uphold a legacy mash bill. It could have been a manageable task for Russell’s Reserve 6 Year Rye Whiskey until Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye came along.
The Single Barrel Rye is a whopping 14 proof higher, putting even more pressure on the 6 Year Rye Whiskey to hold its own. We all love rooting for the underdog, but this rye whiskey is sadly middle of the pack.
This rye whiskey opens up with an absolute blast of oak smell, which gives way to a very subtle vanilla. The shy vanilla carries over into the mild rye flavors and slightly watery viscosity. Just as you start to make out the rye-y allspice and herbs, the flavor moves onto a strong, peppery finish. Nothing about this sip is unpleasant, but it left us searching for more – particularly more rye flavor. Ironically, this flavor journey shows a strong family resemblance to Russell’s Reserve 10 Year, so at least the line is consistent.
Russell’s Reserve 6 Year Rye Whiskey shows so much promise, but the 90 proof isn’t doing its flavor profile any favors. We hate to say it – but if proof really is the problem – Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel and its 104 proof might just be the way to go.
STATS: Russell’s Reserve 6 Year Rye Whiskey
- Price for us: $34 for 750 mL
- Proof: 90
- Aged: 6 Years
- Distillery: Wild Turkey, Owned by Campari
- Recommendation: Neat
