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One can't help but notice that Remus hasn't really held the spotlight outside of Remus Repeal Reserve

This one should be easier to find than the only older age stated release, 16 year old Russell's Reserve I am just recently coming off the heels of one of the best Russell's Reserve Single Barrel store picks

I previously reviewed the LL/JD laser code batch 1 release and it earned my top marks as well as the 'Keep Amongst the Whiskey' distinction. When I finally saw another bottle on a shelf I knew I had to have it again. If the laser code situation makes you head spin: here is a great resource from rarebird101. My bottle of batch 1 is low enough that I'll be opening this one to fill that void in my heart anyway so I'm happy to also possible do a quick head to head to offer my thoughts on in if this a different batch or what if any variants I can find between them. Other than the fact that one will be distinctly more oxidized than the other making the comparison really not worth much in the end. Regardless, I'm expecting another great release here from the Russell's line. The hype around this one still boggles my mind a little bit because I have had single barrel picks that come incredibly close to this release too, so don't feel too bad if you can't find this one. Keep in mind this review is going to be a fresh crack of this bottle. Let's get into it! Company on Label: Wild Turkey Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley Proof: 114.8° Age: 13 years Further identification: Russell's 13 comes with a white top label and a blue bottom label; it is NCF stated; this has the LL/JL laser code which is known as batch 2 amongst the people keeping track of such things and it was released in December of 2021 Nose: Decadent vanilla up front on the nose. Cherry skins and peanut brittle. Bright pepper, plum and fig sit atop a drying oak aroma. The dry peanut shells I'm finding on the nose are balanced well by the soft fruity characteristics. There doesn't seem to be much else going on so I'm going to head in for a sip now! Coming back I find that more traditional bourbon notes like caramel and well-aged oak have cropped up alongside an orange peel aroma. As the glass gets lower I find that the body and heft hasn't subsided or really evolved - it's just been consistently good throughout with sweet vanilla bean and soft spurts of butterscotch that are delectable treats. The empty glass smells of honey, campfire ash, and sweet caramel. Palate: Yum, that rich, sweet plum! It's instantly pervasive in a sweeping wave of strawberry sweetness. The mouth feel is creamy and slightly tannic like a good cabernet sauvignon will leave. Another sip and swish produces a fair bit of cinnamon on the tip of my tongue with a follow-through of cherry skins and trail mix. I love the creamy mouthfeel but I find a small flash of sandalwood in the linger sometimes which scares me a little bit. Another sip relaxes a lot of those fears with a beautiful bouquet of tart fruit. Orange wine dances on the palate well in a whirlwind of zesty effervescence. My last sip is vanilla forward with nutmeg, sandalwood and cinnamon sweeping in late. Rating: 5/5 As a bonus here are some of my thoughts about the comparison to the batch 1 release: I thought the sandalwood note was unique to batch 2, but I do find it hidden in little corners now even on batch 1. I don't find any meaningful differences between the two here, so maybe we can relax and assume any of these laser codes are delicious. It's incredible how similar the tasting notes ended up on this one when I look back at batch 1 now. I think these might be all from the same tanked batch. I don't find any negative effects of oxidation on my batch 1 either, though I will certainly start to think about killing off this bottle sooner than later. I'm intrigued by that sandalwood note though. It seems odd to me and might be something about my experiences that I had today that is changing the whiskey a bit. Read into that what you will, I'm just here to share my thoughts, as crazy as they may be. I've also noticed today that both corks on the Russell's 13 releases are running a little looser than normal. Bonus bonus... If you asked me to rank again the Rapid 2020 E/4 pick against the Russell's 13 pair tonight, I'd tell you that the Rapid pick is better. Fulfilling the July of 2021 prophecy that I could "go either way on the rank". "I had these identified correctly. Having come off the 13 year tasting I knew it had some intense figgy. & jammy sweetness that bordered on a wine profile which definitely gave it away. There also are some slight nuances in the level of the oak intensity that gave away the age difference. I honestly could go either way on these pours rank-wise. At times the 13 year is almost too sweet for my preferences, but I'm sure many will enjoy that. I think this pick from Rapid Liquors is just an exceptional example of where Russell's picks can get to in terms of quality and will likely not represent the entirety of their line, as is expected with single barrel offerings." Cheers!

I previously reviewed the LL/JD laser code batch 1 release as well as the LL/JL batch 2 release and they both earned my top marks as well as the 'Keep Amongst the Whiskey' distinction. When batch 3 came around I knew it would be a no brainer to at least try it since I was lucky enough to find one thanks to a great friend who sent me to a local store who had it. I will again link this great resource from rarebird101 on reading Turkey laser codes. Hopefully I can shed some light on the batch 1 vs 2 vs 3 debate by the end of this; my previous finding was that 1 was roughly equal to 2. It was so close in fact I went out and stated: I don't find any meaningful differences between the two here, so maybe we can relax and assume any of these laser codes are delicious. It's incredible how similar the tasting notes ended up on this one when I look back at batch 1 now. I think these might be all from the same tanked batch. Well, now that batch 3 is out I want to make sure that statement is still fundamentally roughly accurate. I have heard that batch 3 ended up being a different barrel blend makeup so the 'same tank' theory is definitely out here. Once again rarebird101 is the authority in all this and he states: December is batch 2 and is pretty much the same as batch 1, but with some barrels from higher floors. Batch 3 has 20-year whiskey in it, but in similar ratio to batch 1 and 2. So let's dig in and see what we get! Company on Label: Wild Turkey Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley Proof: 114.8° Age: 13 years Further identification: Russell's 13 comes with a white top label and a blue bottom label; it is NCF stated; this has the LL/KE laser code which is known as batch 3 amongst the people keeping track of such things Nose: Up front I find stewed plums, brown sugar, walnuts and a touch of fig. It feels dense, heavy and bold. There's an great barrel influence definitely teetering into hyper-aged territory as leather and tobacco tones begin to ooze out of the glass. Bright grape tones rise up with good heft from deep inhales. Warm printer paper, hazelnut and fresh earth cover scent present softly. There's a nice vanilla aroma here but the glass falls off a bit at this point in intensity. Time for a sip. Returning I find molasses, hints of black pepper and a touch of clove has developed in the glass. Mmm the nose has developed marvelously now that the glass is warming up and getting a little lower. I begin to find balsam fir and more leather - though now it's laced with something sweeter. An incredibly traditional / classic Wild Turkey caramel, butterscotch, and funky nuttiness begins to pervade the glass. Mmm mmm mm. Emphasis on the butterscotch. The funk returns late in the glass. There's a pleasant consistency in this two-act show that started slow but built into a real treat. The empty glass smells of gummy peach rings, smoked vanilla ice cream and leather. Palate: Spice forward for certain on the first sip. Cherry skins, raisin, plum and tart strawberry flavors fill my mouth. There's a heft to this despite the mouth coating being a touch drying. It feels weighty in gaseous terms, but little in the way of a liquid linger. Another sip produces distinct herbaceous molasses, clove and prunes. Patience between sips is rewarding here as I find much sweeter tones beginning to flourish - strawberry vanilla smoothies come to mind. Tannic notes build near the bottom of the glass similar to the bright grape aromas of the early nose. The linger is much longer & more consistent after a few sips warm this pour up. I find peanut brittle and ciabatta bread in the slow wave that follows taking a small gulp. My last sip is enjoyable with cinnamon, tobacco and balsam fir incense. Rating: 5/5 Wow, that one started slow but really came into its own by the end. Do not write this batch off at one sip! This leans heavily on classic Wild Turkey notes that fans of the brand will know and love. I personally prefer some of the sweeter tones that tend to be more rare in these barrels, though some warehouses (like Warehouse E) produce them more consistently for me. I am glad this pour eventually reached those same heights - so I am glad to call this one another favorite of mine! As a quick confirmation I will have a small sip of batch 1 and 2 alongside and see if I notice anything different, as I did when I reviewed batch 2. Comparing them I find batch 1 (easily the lowest fill level / most oxidized mind you) has more orange peel and something bordering on bubblegum going on which I didn't find on batch 3. Otherwise it is very similar overall and certainly on the same quality level. Batch 2 has some light perfume-like floral tones that I didn't have on 3 but again nothing exceptionally different here either. Revisiting batch 3 for good measure shows off its own unique highlight: tobacco funk. So if you stuck me up at gunpoint and told me to rank them I'd still give them all an honest overall equivalency. My personal preference and how my palate is working today prefers the orange peel citrus sweetness of batch 1 just a touch. They're all exceptional and that is all that matters! Some may try to rank them differently, but for me the only difference is the one main one-liners from the above paragraph. The rest of the whiskey is really built up from the same parts. As for the barrel blending information I did dig up some info that I was not able to confirm the accuracy of so do with this as you please: Batch 1: 135 barrels of 13 year and 35 barrels of 19 year whiskey Batch 2: Similar blend to batch 1 Batch 3: 41 barrels of 20 year, 17 barrels of 18 year, and the rest being 15 year and 14 year barrels from warehouses CNA, CND, CNE I'm not surprised to see CNE amongst the list of warehouses given the flavors this release has been producing... I hope this was helpful! Cheers!

Alright! I'm finally digging into another community sample. This Russell's pick basically jumped into my hand so I thought it was meant to be. This sample comes courtesy of Vin (@bourbonspirits) and I thank him for his generosity and kindness in the whiskey community! I'm no stranger to Russell's picks... Let's see how this one tastes! Company on Label: Wild Turkey Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley Proof: 110° Age: Not listed, but likely somewhere near 9 years Further identification: This West Islip Wine & Liquors store pick Barrel 20-0945 that came with a neck tag from Warehouse G, Floor 4 Nose: Dusty & bright upfront. Hints of peanut brittle come up and greet me. Floral perfumes and vanilla tangle together. Time for a sip! After coming back from taking a drink I find the candy tones from the palate transfer well. Creamy caramel and black treacle build on deep inhales. The empty glass smells of lovely tiramisu and noble oak. Palate: My first sip puts off a beautiful cherry sweetness. The soft wave of florals and candy that follow are a delectable treat. Strawberry cereal and nerdz candy do well here. It drinks just a touch hot for 110 which is surprising, but not unwelcome. As the glass gets lower the creamier tones begin to take over. There's a lovely buttery mouth coating on this. My last sip is another sweet treat of black pepper, raisin, maraschino cherry and mixed berry pie. Rating: 4/5 (Really good; I want one of these on my shelf.) And that is the truest use of that rating I can imagine! My shelf is chock full of Russell's picks and I could easily see this one being amongst some of my favorites.

yearly Buffalo Trace "allocation season" for Pappy Van Winkle products, the 13 year Van Winkle Family Reserve branding is all you need in life, though notably, I have never before tried this Van Winkle Family Reserve 51% rye) Proof:  95.6° Age:  13 years Further identification:  The 2023 release of Van Winkle Family Reserve smells of muddled mint, milk chocolate, Angostura bitters, and just a kiss of tobacco enjoyed in a reserved

But my excitement went through the roof when I pulled out the sample and it said Remus Volstead Reserve To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Volstead Act – we are proud to introduce Remus Volstead Reserve Bottled-in-bond and 100 proof, this limited 2005-aged reserve bourbon has rich aromas of dried candied

As you can tell from the bottle fill level left at the time of review, this was a staple pour of mine for quite some time before sitting down for a formal review. Company on Label: Wild Turkey Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley Proof: 110° Age: 8 years Further identification: Rapid Liquors store pick Barrel 20-0164. Distilled 09/19/11, dumped 03/31/20, bottled 05/21/20 from Warehouse E, Floor 4. Nose: One of my favorite caramel specific note noses to date. Touched with pepper and funky oak. Oily goodness provides a rich, thick base. Cherry sits into a leather couch, not getting up for anyone. Sweet bakery confection, but also heavy like brown sugar sticky buns. Vanilla glaze definitely helps sell this experience. Explosive in the scents that jump out of the glass without any ethanol punch. Noses more like a 12 year old barrel at closer to 10 years aged in actuality. Such creamy goodness, noses up there with some really heavy hitters. Vanilla turning lighter than the beginning glaze texture now, making way for a hint of bright florals. Lemongrass citrus note is also an unbelievable addition late; where did this complexity come from? A linen note I've only specifically experienced in George T Stagg before. Yuuuum. Ugh. I have maybe two pours left of this and the nose is just exceptional. It smells like everything a bourbon should be, and what made me fall for this brand of spirit in the first place. Palate: Much of the same expressiveness on the palate; cherry and a lovely menthol lead the way. Way more herbal here on palate without the creamy caramel and brown sugar holding down the lighter notes. There is still a sweet & spicy brown sugar on the tip of the tongue but its effect is reduced on the overall blend of flavor. Perfect mouth feel, not too drying. The nose rising experience of a good sip and chew is lovely. No sting but linen & molasses rise strongly. Later in the pour things definitely transition to that sweet citrus side of things. Enjoyable oakiness where I would normally prefer other flavors works very well here. This one is definitely staying on my shelf as long as I can keep it there. May be one of the best Russell's picks out of MA. I am truly sad this is the only bottle that I have. Rating: 5/5

Time to pass the torch. Tonight we say goodbye to a great @russellsreservebourbon store pick and welcome the next. I went into these pours blinded/randomized for fairness. Will I be able to recognize my old flame? Will the new taste steal the show? Let’s find out! Left Glass Review: Nose: Delicious peanut and cherry forward. I could be smelling a Booker's batch here. Spice cut with a nice marshmallow. Rich syrupy plum and some herbal funk. Sweet confectionery sugar. Chocolate. Perfect puffy campfire marshmallow note in the back. Yum! Palate: Syrupy cherry with a big whiplash of citrus and spice. Cinnamon hots at the back of my mouth. Nice mouth feel of vanilla where some of that peanut profile can shine on the palate without being overpowering. Nice citrus proof rising well again here. A good balance somewhere between peanut and vanilla where everyone just gets along! Right Glass Review: Nose: More mellow than the left glass. Caramel and vanilla perfectly blended. Light dusty earth and oak. Citrusy proof that leaves a light sting in the nostrils. Nice clear raisin coming through. I'm reminded here of the smell of a cotton bed sheet, flapping on the clothes line on a breezy summer day. Caramel ties well to the herbal molasses blend. You never have to dig long for some nice notes here. Slight peanut late in the glass; maybe a wave hello from the left glass. A similar marshmallow says this bottle is ready to be kicked! Palate: Wow, rich citrus bite on the tongue. Beautiful caramel and molasses herbs work over much like the nose. Slightly metallic mouth coating; maybe attributed to a unique mix of citrus and anise. Definitely the easier sipper of the two, but that may be due in some part to oxidation. Final Ranking: Right Glass > Left Glass, but both are fantastic offerings Reveal: Left Glass = Liquor Junction Right Glass = Rapid Liquors Left Glass Company on Label: Wild Turkey Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley Proof: 110° Age: 8 years Further identification: Liquor Junction store pick Barrel 20-0213. Distilled 11/22/11, dumped 04/02/20, bottled 04/29/20 from Warehouse G, Floor 4. Right Glass Company on Label: Wild Turkey Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley Proof: 110° Age: 8 years Further identification: Rapid Liquors store pick Barrel 20-0164. Distilled 09/19/11, dumped 03/31/20, bottled 05/21/20 from Warehouse E, Floor 4.

Is Russell's Reserve 13 year worth chasing? Russell's Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof Bourbon Company on Label: Wild Turkey Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash identification: Russell's 13 comes with a white top label and a blue bottom label; it is NCF stated Russell’s Reserve

I've heard this called "Blanton's Jr" or something akin to that, and all my experiences with it have lived up to that stereotype so far. For one pour I attempted to put aside my preconceived notions on this bottle and give it a fair shake. Company on Label: Buffalo Trace Whiskey Type: Bourbon Mash Bill Percentages: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2 (Higher Rye 12-15%) Proof: 88.9° Age: NAS (Rumored ~8 years) Further identification: 2020 'Buffalo Trace Allocation Season' purchase Dry nose; slight apple. Hint of vanilla is present and surprising amount of ethanol for the proof. Palate improves markedly with creamy thin vanilla mouth coating soaking in a light cherry. Rye spices (black pepper) are tamped down by much sweeter notes like a light fruity oak. Not overly complex... with a short, forgettable finish. Rating: 3/5 I think this one is getting too low in proof for me to enjoy regularly. But some days when you are tired and just need an easy sipper, this could definitely be it, if you can somehow find it for below MSRP.

It's no secret I love Russell's reserve picks. Rapid Liquors 2020 Russell's Reserve single barrel stole my heart and managed to compete with an incredible Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Private Barrel Select Bourbon Company on Label: The Wild Turkey Distilling