Store Picks: Russell’s Reserve–Beverage Warehouse Pick
Pick Information - This offering was chosen by the barrel selection team at Beverage Warehouse in Beverly Hills, MI. This barrel was picked in person at the Wild Turkey distillery and they chose a barrel from Rackhouse H, 4th floor, row 22. I am reviewing bottle 52 of 156. This pick is 110 proof and was aged 9 years and is unfiltered. This sample was provided to me by Blake Johnson. Follow Blake on Instagram
Color – Deep, rich amber. It is a great color, typical of Russell’s Reserve single barrel pics.
Nose – On the nose I get vanilla and stone fruit at initial nosing. Second nosing brings some baking spice as well as some chocolate notes. Very pleasant nosing.
Palate – Vanilla bean and cinnamon spice come through as the predominant flavors on the palate. I also get some baking dough, yeast type flavor with chocolate as well.
Finish - Nice coating mouthfeel gives a long finish with lots of fruit on the finish.
Wallet – This bottle sold for $56.99 so it is in line with non-pick Russell’s Single Barrels. For me, Russell’s store picks are some of the best out there. They are about $10 higher than Old Forester and Knob Creek picks but I feel they are more robust and complicated from a flavor profile. Anyone who purchases this bottle will agree that it is money very well spent.
Head to Head – In comparison to a non- pick single barrel, the Beverage Warehouse stands out with the heavy vanilla and cinnamon flavors as well as that fruit burst at the end. All single barrels are different so it is hard to compare. I will say that compared to the Russell’s 10 Year, this beats it hands down. This pick is much more complex than the Russell’s 10 Year.
Bourbon Wes says – Overall, this is one of the best Russell’s Reserve private barrel picks I have had. It drinks incredibly easy for 110 proof but still has those complex flavors to go along with the signature spice from Wild Turkey. Most if not all of these picks have sold but if you get a chance to find one on the secondary market then do so.
Rating (tasting notes + price point + uniqueness) – I would rate this store pick a 7 out of 10.
Wes Hardin
You can find me on Instagram @bourbon_wes and Twitter @BourbonWes
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Ratings System: 1-2 – Would not suggest to anyone. Literally not drinkable neat.
3-5 - Solid pour but not considered special. Would not purchase second bottle
6-8 - Excellent pour. Robust, interesting, and different compared to regular offering.
9-10 - Outstanding. Hunt for multiple bottles. On par with allocated releases.