Russell’s Reserve reveals 15YO Bourbon

Campari Group-owned Russell’s Reserve will release a 15-year-old Kentucky straight Bourbon in July.

The Bourbon is said by the brand to ‘push the boundaries of extended ageing’ and is described as the ‘spiritual successor’ to its 13-year-old expression.

The Bourbon was overseen by master distiller Eddie Russell and his team, who handpicked barrels that had been laid down through Kentucky’s ‘frigid’ winters and ‘intensely hot’ summers for 15 years.

The distillery noted that the new 15-year-old is ‘distinctly different’ from other expressions it has released in the past.

Russell explained: “While it wasn’t an easy decision to release something other than Russell’s Reserve 13, the added complexity from extended ageing was too exciting to pass up.

“It’s been humbling to watch what started as a passion project – a place to celebrate my family’s shared love of Bourbon making – turn into something that’s coveted by collectors the world over.

“We stay committed to bottling only the best, and only when it’s ready. This year, that’s brought to life in these bottles of Russell’s Reserve 15-Year-Old.”

The 15-year-old’s profile consists of intense molasses and oak, along with the distillery’s signature earthiness. Other notes that can be identified include dried and spiced fruits, caramel, coffee and tobacco.

The finish is long lasting with hints of dark cocoa, caramel, and smooth oak.

Bottled at 117.2 proof (58.6% ABV), it is available for a limited time for US$250 per 750ml bottle in the US and Asia from 1 July.

In other releases from Russell’s Reserve, the brand also recently introduced the second whiskey in its Single Rickhouse series. The brand was created in 1998 by Eddie Russell as a tribute to his father Jimmy’s legacy.

Campari Group recently reported flat sales for the first quarter of 2024.