Russell’s Reserve to release 1998 Bourbon

Campari America is to launch “the rarest offering ever” from Russell’s Reserve to honour Jimmy Russell, one half of the distilling duo behind the brand.

Russell’s Reserve 1998 is said to be the “rarest offering ever” from the brand

Russell’s Reserve 1998 is a 102.2 proof, non-chill filtered Bourbon which has been matured in the distillery’s timber rickhouses.

Given tasting notes include dried apricots, pears, bananas, nutmeg and cinnamon.

The Russell’s Reserve brand is created by father and son master distilling pair Jimmy and Eddie Russell. In 1998, Eddie held back some of the barrels which went towards Jimmy’s 45^th anniversary Bourbon. The resulting expression comes from 23 barrels, with 2,070 bottles available nationwide in the US at an RRP of $250.

“Typically, a Bourbon this old picks up a lot of flavour from the barrel and can taste quite woody and dry,” said Eddie Russell.

“We like to retain the caramel, vanilla and fruity notes in our whiskies and this particular liquid seemed to reach a sweet spot around the 15 year mark.

“It was important for us to stop the ageing before those less desirable flavours took over the overall profile of the Bourbon. I guess I am going to have to find another Bourbon to celebrate Jimmy’s retirement… if that ever happens.”

In September, Russell’s Reserve released a single barrel rye in response to “skyrocketing” rye whiskey volumes.