Wednesday, October 28, 2015

RUSSELL'S RESERVE LAUNCHES ITS RAREST BOURBON TO DATE

Campari America has announced the launch of Russell’s Reserve 1998, the rarest bourbon release to date from Russell’s Reserve.

Russell’s Reserve 1998 (51.1% ABV) is the most complex and mature to be released under the Russell’s Reserve brand, having spent its lifetime maturing in the distillery’s timber rickhouses and taken out of the barrels at the peak of its maturity.
Russell's Reserve 1998 Small Batch Bourbon

In 1998, before Jimmy Russell’s 45th anniversary at Wild Turkey, his son Eddie set out to create a bourbon fitting of his father’s legacy as “the Master Distiller’s Master Distiller.” Enter Russell’s Reserve 1998, a small batch bourbon that honours one of the most endearing father and son distilling teams in the spirits industry.

Said to deliver notes of dried apricots, pears, bananas, nutmeg and cinnamon, this is the smallest batch ever under Jimmy and Eddie’s watch, with only 23 barrels of bourbon bottled.

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

This limited edition bottling joins the other award-winning whiskies of the Russell’s Reserve portfolio, including Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon, Russell’s Reserve 6 Year Old Rye, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye, released just last month.

Limited to 2,070 bottles, Russell’s Reserve 1998, will be available across the US next month for a RRP of $250.00.

Posted By Steve Rush