Russell's Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B Bourbon Review

Steve Coomes -

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Wild Turkey
  • MASH BILL: 75% Corn | 13% Rye | 12% Malted Barley
  • AGE: At least 10 years old
  • YEAR: 2024
  • PROOF: 120.2 (60.1% ABV)
  • MSRP: $300
  • BUY ONLINE: Reserve Bar

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any bourbon fan, especially lovers of Wild Turkey Bourbon.

WORTH THE PRICE: No. I've had Russell's Reserve Single Barrels, which were better, and I paid $55 to $65 for those for years. Those fabulous barrels are now set aside for ultra-premium releases like this one. It's just how businesses pivot when better money is to be made.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar. Or, hopefully, a pour from a generous friend.

OVERALL: The news release for this bottle tells a nice story about Camp Nelson and its rickhouse B. Built to a height of seven stories in 1946, this rickhouse gets the most sun of any house on the Camp Nelson grounds. Previous Single Rickhouse releases were either closer to the Kentucky River and its cooler temps and higher humidity, or in better shaded areas. Master distiller Eddie Russell wanted a sun-beaten rickhouse to showcase how high-temps amplify oak character.

“The higher we went, the hotter it got, and the more oak we were getting on the whiskies," he said in the release. "For Camp Nelson B, we wanted to make sure we were really showcasing the rich, dark honey and char notes that we tend to get from that rickhouse, and we had a feeling that the bourbon we were looking for was sitting up there, enjoying the sun.”

Mission accomplished, and without it becoming a sun-drenched tannin bomb. This is a terrific, classic bourbon in every way: bold, balanced, dark fruit forward with honey and spice everywhere in between. Vibrant on the palate, warming all the way down and barely dry on the finish. Who could ask for anything more?

Not surprisingly, at 120.2 proof, the nose is ethanol-forward and largely obscures the ripe cherry and grilled peach notes below it. You can back off to get some warmed honey and golden raisins, but given that I'm here to drink whiskey, I go in for the taste.

It's golden all over ... apples, raisins, PX sherry cask (though that's not in play here), honey and lemon, a toddy stirred and poured by angels. The proof that was tough on the nose is only tingly on the tongue, simmering perfectly as it rolls 'round, hither and yon. The oak character Russell was after is there, but it's well-mannered, crisp and taut, delivering spice and spine to this well-balanced pour. The leather so common to the flagship 101 proof is non-existent. Though I've always loved that note, its disappearance (due to extended aging?) is not a drawback.

There is zero, zip, nada to dislike about this whiskey except for the egregious price. If you've got the money to get it, get it. You'll thank me for it.

BRAND NOTES

The Single Rickhouse Collection explores whiskey “terroir” by examining how the specific location of barrel aging influences the final whiskey. Each release in this series is crafted from a small batch of rare stocks sourced entirely from a single rickhouse. Now available in select markets, the latest release from Camp Nelson B showcases how the unique aging conditions influence the whiskey’s proof point and shape its distinctive taste.

TASTING NOTES

AROMA: Notes of oak, vanilla, and sweet cream transition to notes of cinnamon, spice, and floral

TASTE: Flavors of cherry, raisin, and dark honey give way to herbal notes of clove, spearmint, and thyme

FINISH: A long finish with spice, mature oak, char, and pepper notes

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.