Barrel and Bloom

When it comes to Wild Turkey’s Russell’s Reserve line, 10-year versus the 13-year, both bring something unique to the table—and honestly, they each earn a place somewhere in my drinking career.

Russell’s Reserve 10 Year –

Let’s start with the 10-year. At 90 proof, it’s easy to drink and smooth—an easy sipper. On the nose and palate, this bourbon screams vanilla. From the first sip, you get a soft vanilla entry, followed by just a whisper of spice, finishing with a warm sweetness that lingers nicely.

It’s honestly one of the first bourbons I’d consider using in a baking recipe—I would love to see what the vanilla flavors would do. It’s dependable, well-balanced, and for under $50, hard to beat as an everyday pour.

Russell’s Reserve 13 Year –

Now let’s turn up the heat—literally. Russell’s 13 clocks in at a fiery 114.8 proof (Batch 5 in this tasting), and you feel it—but in the best way possible. The color alone is a visual feast: rich, deep, and bold. On the nose, I pick up oak and delicate floral notes. The swirl showcases a thicker more complex bourbon, with lots to offer.

The first sip is sweet up front, but then the real character comes in: spicy caramel, floral bursts, hints of vanilla, and a subtle cherry finish that makes you lean in for more. It’s intense, sophisticated in flavors, and undeniably special.

The Verdict:

Russell’s 10 is your perfect nude lipstick—subtle, polished, and flattering for any occasion.

Russell’s 13 is your red lipstick moment—confident, spicy, and impossible to ignore. The one you only bring out when the moment calls for something memorable. At an MSRP of $150 (and often much higher on the secondary market), the 13 isn’t easy to find or justify for daily sipping, but if you enjoy bold spice and long finishes, it’s worth every penny when you can get your hands on it.

While I’ll always keep a bottle of the 10 on my shelf, Russell’s 13 edges out as my personal favorite. That spicy caramel and cherry finish just speaks my language. If you can find it—snag it.