Russell's Reserve 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

A lovely bourbon from a father-son dream team.

Believe it or not, you wouldn't be here without your dad. And his dad. And his dad's dad. What we're trying to say is all the fathers in your bloodline are important. And to understand yourself (or anything, really) is to look at your lineage. The same goes with Kentucky racehorses or a new Bourbon.

Russell's Reserve Bourbon is a small-batch release distilled at the Wild Turkey Distillery, owned by Campari Group. But it’s also the pet project of father-and-son master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell — and they have hung their name and reputation on it. There are three bottles in the Russell Reserve line, including an 8 YO, a 10 YO, and a single-barrel version.

The Russells not only distill Bourbon for Campari, but they get to taste and match casks, too. They set aside — reserve — the best casks of aging bourbon to create Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old. The formula is simple and classic — a solid mix of corn, wheat, rye, and a dash of barley distilled and aged a full ten years in dark #4 char, white oak casks. Awards? It’s got nine of them, including a rare double-gold medal in San Francisco.

Russell's Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon is also one of the best bourbons around thanks to its flavor profile, palate, and aroma that draws you in for another sip. Right off the nose, you're welcomed by caramel, vanilla, and aged oak. Then, as you get into your first smooth sip, you'll notice a harmony of flavors that blend perfectly with the most notable notes of this melody: vanilla, caramel, and even some tobacco.

Overall, it's a balanced bourbon that's smooth enough to be enjoyed straight or with a splash of bitters and simple syrup for a classic Old Fashioned. While it may be a nice bottle, make sure you don't let it sit around collecting dust because you'd be making this father-son duo very disappointed.