2025 Russell's Reserve 13 Year Bourbon Review: Is Consistent Greatness Truly Achievable?

"Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else."

— Marsha Mellows

Russell's Reserve 13 year is back after a year hiatus with its spring 2025 release. Let's be honest, though, did you notice its absence in 2024? If you weren't living under a rock, then chances are Russell's Reserve 15 Year had your attention, your affection, or, at the very least, had you running around to liquor stores far and wide in 2024. It's okay to admit that you may have forgotten that Wild Turkey typically releases Russell's Reserve 13 annually, which they didn't do in 2024. So, the 2025 release is significant for a few reasons. One, it's following in the footsteps of its older sibling, who arrived late to the scene and took the limelight as if it were no big deal. Two, the proof on this release is the highest yet, and I know you proof hounds are swiping a bit of drool off your lower lips. It's okay, no judgment here. And the third reason this release should be marked as "kind of a big deal" is that this release will leave your wallet a little less full than perhaps you were anticipating. Although given the trend in the market, who's really surprised at the price hike at this point? All of that aside, the speculation that Wild Turkey may have put an end to their 13 year releases, following the smashing success of the 15 year release, has been put to rest.

While I took to the page to write my thoughts on this release, my fellow co-writer (and generous provider of the sample I've been tasting) went to the screen. Nick breaks down this release in comparison to previous ones, offering his expertise in spoken form—a must-watch for both seasoned and new Wild Turkey fans.

Let me know in the comments, did our experiences align? To be completely transparent, I haven't watched it yet, as I wanted to remain true to my own experience before hearing about another's. So, with that said, let's dive into the Spring 2025 release of Russell's Reserve 13 year!

Company on Label: Wild Turkey

Whiskey Type: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey

Mash Bill Percentages: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% barley

Proof: 123.8°

Age: 13 years

MSRP: $200

Further Identification: Batch 6 comprises an unknown number of barrels aged at least 13 years and was released in the Spring of 2025

Nose: The glass opens with a proofy punch, characterized by effervescence. Moving past the evident proof, I find rich baking spices, chocolate-covered coffee beans, salted pretzel dough, under-ripened plums, burnt brown sugar, and lime zest. Yes, the start here is a bit all over the place, and, to be frank, the burn in my nose has me setting my glass down for the moment. Now, I wait.

. . .

Returning to the nose after additional rest time has transformed the aromas into richer tones, with caramel and molasses now shining through. This is fruit-forward, leaning towards well-ripened stone fruits—plums, and cherries—but the oak continues to swing in and out in a distracting way. Swirling the liquid releases a vanilla note that has been hiding, apparently, with a quality reminiscent of saltwater taffy, complete with a wax paper wrapper. Patience, however, does wonders for the nose. The longer I sit with this dram, the creamier the aromas become. Like a first date, after the initial awkward thirty minutes (or an hour if you're me), a rhythm sets in and those involved begin to settle a bit. As the liquid in my glass lowers, it takes on more earthiness, reminding me of rippling prairie grasses and sun-drenched wildflowers, with a damp old rickhouse in the background. I wish the glass led with this bliss, rather than arriving only when the liquid is nearly gone. The empty glass smells of Nesquick powder, stale ground coffee, and fruit cup juice.

Palate: On first taste, I am blown away by the incredibly creamy palate. I find oodles of vanilla custard with ribbons of silky caramel and flakes of dark chocolate. It's chewy, which I love, and the oak isn't overpowering; it's found most prominently on the mid-palate. The back end palate is sweet and sticky, like a bowl of fruit punch with Granny Smith apple skins floating about. The linger is long and lovely. This Kentucky hug is holding on tight, and I don't mind in the least. Another sip reveals more sweetness, accompanied by a hint of spice, table sugar, plums, and cinnamon sticks. The creaminess is the star here, reminding me of the froth left at the bottom of a quickly consumed cappuccino. The linger is where I find the age—earthy funk, oiled leather, and pages in a well-used history book.

Additional sips continue to take me on a fascinating journey of zig-zagging flavors. A moment of caramel quickly gives way to a pop of fruit, followed by a rush of baking spice, then transitions to a sweet vanilla syrup, and finally, a crack of black pepper. It's certainly keeping me on my toes, although I can't help but notice how unsure of itself this dram seems to be. Regardless, the creaminess remains consistent and does not falter. Nearing the end of the glass, I'm brought back to notes of milk chocolate, baking spices, and, perhaps because I've spent a long time with this pour, a touch of anise now. I think it's time to say goodnight to this dram, but not goodbye. I will be asking for a second date.

TL;DR: a consistently creamy palate in a somewhat disjointed flavor profile

Rating: 3.5/5

Good enough. There's something to enjoy here.

This year's release had a hard act to follow, given its hiatus in 2024 for the elusive Russell's 15 Year. Perhaps this explains why the proof reached its highest point yet for these 13 year releases. Unfortunately, the higher proof didn't offer a "wow" factor for me, and instead resulted in a jostling of aromas and flavors. Time, however, is in this dram's favor, and it's my hope this will positively influence the idea that consistent greatness is achievable ... with time.

I look forward to raiding my co-writer's whiskey study for a dram in the near future, if he doesn't sample out his entire bottle first.

WRITTEN BY: JES SMYTH

With what started as a genuine curiosity for the “water of life,” fiction writer and published author Jes Smyth has nurtured her enthusiasm for whiskey ever since. From learning the vast history of whiskey making to celebrating the passion of the industry, she tastes each sip with intention and purpose while expressing the intricacies of whiskey in a relatable and heartfelt way. She is thrilled to be a contributing writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com and hopes her words will resonate with those ready to explore the beautiful world of whiskey.