Campari releases Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye

Campari America has announced the launch of new Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye in response to “skyrocketing” rye whiskey volumes.

The whiskey offers “spicy pepper, vanilla and caramel” on the nose and palate

In a report released this month, the Distilled Spirits Council of the US (DISCUS) reported that consumer demand for rye whiskey grew by 536% from 2009 to 2014.

Russell’s Reserve master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell have responded to the boom with the release of their latest creation, a 52% abv Single Barrel Rye expression.

The variant is created from barrels primarily from the ‘center cut’ locations – levels 3 to 5 – of the rick houses, and is non chill filtered.

It is said to offer a balance of “spicy pepper, vanilla and caramel” on the nose and palate.

E. Russell said: “Jimmy and I have always been passionate about Rye – it’s why our Wild Turkey and Russell’s Reserve expressions all have that spicy kick – and why we’ve also had a staple of Rye Whiskey in our portfolio for decades.

“We know bartenders love to experiment with Rye, but what’s equally exciting is seeing the uptick in consumer interest.

“I’m having just as many conversations in the global marketplace about our Rye offerings as I am about our Bourbon offerings.”

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye will be available year-round as a permanent addition to the Russell’s Reserve portfolio, which includes Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon, Russell’s Reserve 6 Year Old Rye and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon.

It will be sold across the US in 750ml bottles at an RRP of US$59.99.

Earlier this month, the Russell’s Reserve brand redesigned the packaging for its Bourbons and ryes to highlight “craftsmanship”.