The Russell’s Reserve One and a Century was picked by David of Rare Bird 101. Which, if you haven’t checked out his site please do. He’s not only a great reviewer but just an all-around awesome human I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know over time. Especially if you’re a WT fan, he’s worth a read and a follow.

Not much else to say about this one up here though. It’s an indie pick done by RareBird to celebrate Jimmy and Eddie getting to a combined 101 years of experience at the Wild Turkey Distillery… on to the bourbon review.

Russell’s Reserve One and a Century Review: Details and Tasting Notes

In Rare Bird’s Words:

“For those unaware, One & A Century is a Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel private selection in which I participated. The barrel was chosen by me, Adam Howard of Lexington Beverage Outlet, and Eddie Russell back in September of this year. It was a special day and I have incredibly fond memories of it. It was also important to me personally, as my father was in attendance. Wild Turkey has always centered around family. Having my dad at the tasting gave it that perfect touch. As for the barrel we selected, let’s just say we went for something different (thank you Adam and Eddie).”

Details (price, mash bill, cask type, ABV, etc.)

Region: Kentucky, USA

Distiller: Wild Turkey
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 8 Years
ABV: 55%

Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Batch: One And A Century
Barrel: 18-0643
Warehouse: F 5-37-2

Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller

Tasting Notes

EYE
Dark Caramel

NOSE
Cavalcade of spice followed by molasses, oak, chalk, dark fruit and hints of herbal and vegetal notes.

PALATE
Spice (nutmeg, cinnamon oil and clove driven), cocoa, chalk, dark fruit, oak, caramel, char and nuts with bits of leather and dirt.

FINISH
Long -> Spice, dark fruit, caramel, oak, smoke and soap.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, full round body and a silken oily feel.

Russell’s Reserve One and a Century Review: Overall and Score

Damn, this was a good pick. The Aroma is uniquely spicy with a nice sweet underpinning; Palate is a wonderfully spicy bird, and a bit of a dirty bird, with that same underpinning sweetness; Finish is warm and a tad smoky.

I don’t get any lighter/brighter notes in this one; no vanilla, citrus or orchard fruits; it’s all dark and heavy but in a complex and layered way that comes through balanced. The Russell’s Reserve One and a Century is a heavy bourbon with an oddly smoky finish, like the day after smoking a cigar. This is definitely one Rare Bird.

SCORE: 89/100 (B+)

*Disclosure: This Russell’s Reserve One and a Century sample was graciously sent to me for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.

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