Skip to main content

Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve

malty woody
4.2
(2)€77United States, Kentucky, Rye

Flavours

Whisky character

Fresh
Warm
Mild
Full
Smooth
Spicy

Taste mentions

Facts

Eddie Russell grew up around barrels. His father Jimmy spent decades as Wild Turkey's master distiller. When Eddie took the craft further, Russell's Reserve was the result. This rye comes from the same Lawrenceburg, Kentucky distillery that has shaped some of America's most distinctive whisky. At 52% and non-chill filtered, it holds onto everything the barrel gave it. Layers of malty grain, molasses depth, and oaky warmth come through clearly. The higher strength keeps the flavours bold without tipping into heat. This is rye with real backbone: something to pour slowly and pay attention to.

Compare prices

No shops found to compare.

Good alternatives

Reviews

4.2 /5

2 reviews

1 star
2 star
3 star
4 star
5 star

What do you think?

About the distillery

Distillery

Wild Turkey

Wild Turkey Distillery, located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, has a rich heritage that spans over 150 years. Wild Turkey has established itself as a prominent name in the world of American whiskey. Nestled along the Kentucky River, the distillery showcases a picturesque setting that adds to the charm of its whisky production. The pristine limestone-filtered water sourced from the river and the region's unique climate contribute to the distinct flavours found in Wild Turkey bourbons. The Wild Turkey Distillery is that it has maintained its traditional production methods throughout its history. The whiskey is crafted using a high proportion of corn in the mash bill, aged in new charred oak barrels, and undergoes a longer-than-average maturation period. Wild Turkey bourbons are celebrated for their bold and robust flavours. The flagship expression, Wild Turkey 101, offers a balance of sweet caramel, vanilla, and oak with a spicy kick. It exemplifies the distillery's commitment to producing full-bodied bourbons with a higher alcohol content. Other expressions, such as Wild Turkey Rare Breed and Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit, showcase a range of complex flavors including rich dark fruit, toasted nuts, and hints of cinnamon and clove. Each bourbon is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to preserving the distillery's heritage.

3.8Average rating

20Whiskies on Distilld

Flag of United StatesUnited States

Kentucky

Most popular whiskies from Wild Turkey

About the Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve

Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve Rye is a Kentucky rye whisky from the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, United States. The bottle is named for the Russell family — two generations of master distillers who shaped Wild Turkey's identity. Non-chill filtered and bottled at 52% ABV, it is built to show what carefully aged rye grain can do. Wild Turkey Distillery has deep roots in Lawrenceburg. The site traces back to 1891, when Thomas Ripy built the Old Hickory Distillery by the Kentucky River. The Russell family has been central to its story ever since. Jimmy Russell joined the distillery in 1954 and became one of the most respected master distillers in American whisky. His son Eddie followed him into the craft, and Russell's Reserve is the expression that carries their combined name. What sets Wild Turkey's production apart is its low distillation cut. The distillery draws off new spirit at around 55% ABV. That is well below the legal ceiling for American rye, and the restraint keeps more grain character intact. For a rye whisky, that translates directly into flavour. The malty, woody backbone comes through clearly. The spirit carries hints of fig, honey, and molasses. Russell's Reserve Rye drinks with real authority. Sweet wood and oak run through the whole dram. They leave room for fresh fruit and a warm sweetness underneath. The non-chill filtration keeps the texture full — nothing is stripped out. At 52%, the spirit has presence without becoming aggressive, and the finish is long and satisfying. For anyone seeking a rye whisky with genuine depth, Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve Rye is a reliable choice. It is best enjoyed neat, allowing the full flavour to come through without distraction. This is rye whisky at its most serious — crafted with patience by a distillery that has never chased shortcuts.