Showing posts with label Best Bourbons of 2021. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Best Bourbons of 2021. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

[PRESS RELEASE] Russell's Reserve® Reintroduces Limited Run of Critically Acclaimed 13-year-old Bourbon

Named "Best American Whiskey of 2021" by Bourbon Expert Fred Minnick, This Coveted Release Will Be Available for a Limited Time

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky., July 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --Straight out of the Commonwealth of Kentucky comes the highly-anticipated second release of Russell's Reserve 13-Year-Old Bourbon, the oldest expression of the core range ever released by the fan-favorite Russell's Reserve. Described as a "once in a lifetime bourbon" by world-renowned spirits critic and bourbon authority Fred Minnick, this extremely rare, high-age whiskey quickly sold out upon its initial release last year. Bourbon lovers can rejoice that this celebrated whiskey will return with a limited second release this July and will continue to be released in small quantities as part of an annual release series moving forward.

Honoring the family ties that bind, Russell's Reserve 13-Year-Old is a fitting offering to celebrate Master Distiller Eddie Russell who celebrated his 41st anniversary at the distillery this summer. Paying tribute to the distillery's heritage and the legacy pioneered by celebrated Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, the exemplary 13-Year-Old Bourbon showcases his son Eddie's innovative talents and expert ability to develop complex flavors through careful aging and a keen sense for identifying only the highest quality barrels.

Eddie Russell first introduced the 114.8-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon in June 2021, serving as ashining example of the Russell family's mastery of bourbon-making. By maintaining the barrel proof and opting not to chill filter the 13-year-old whiskey, Eddie retains all the natural character of the bourbon, resulting in a more robust mouthfeel, just as he intended it.

"Given the tremendous response to our last release, we are excited to release another small quantity of our Russell's Reserve 13-Year-Old Bourbon," said Eddie Russell, Master Distiller at the Wild Turkey distillery. "This bourbon is one that's near and dear to my heart, and I'm proud to be able to share a glass with my dad and son, Bruce, as we celebrate our family's legacy and this special distillery that we all call home."

Savoring Russell's Reserve 13-Year-Old is a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. Described by Minnick as showing both "power and elegance in a single glass," the barrel-proof bourbon coats the palate with sweet and warming flavors rising from the harmonious marriage of dried dark fruit and charred confectionary notes. Those sweet and woody notes give way to rich flavors of honey, chocolate and nougat throughout, followed by a strong and lasting finish. As Minnick said, it's the whiskey he'd "love to sip every day for the rest of my life."                                                              

The re-introduction of Russell's Reserve 13-Year-Old is the latest in the Russell's Reserve lineup, which boasts an award-winning portfolio of bourbon and rye whiskeys to suit the palate of any drinker, regardless of where they are on their journey of bourbon enjoyment.

Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, Russell's Reserve 13-Year-Old will be available nationally at $100 SRP per 750 ML bottle for a limited time at select retailers in the U.S. Whether you're enjoying Russell's Reserve 13-Year-Old with your family or with friends, please remember to do so responsibly. To sign up for brand and product availability alerts for future releases, please visit russellsreserve.com.

About Campari America

Campari America LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano N.V. (Reuters CPRI.MI - Bloomberg CPR IM).  At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry.  The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY® Vodka.  The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world's finest whiskeys since the 1800's.  Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers.  Campari America manages Campari Group's portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Grand Marnier®, Campari®, Aperol®, Wild Turkey® Kentucky Straight Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell's Reserve®, The Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Forty Creek® Canadian Whisky, BULLDOG® Gin, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Montelobos® Mezcal, Ancho Reyes® Chile Liqueur, Appleton® Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew® Rum, Coruba® Rum, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Averna®, Braulio®, Cinzano®, Mondoro® and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®.

Campari America is headquartered in New York, New York.  More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica, Instagram: @CampariAmerica, and www.camparigroup.com.  Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation.

About Fred Minnick

World-renowned spirits critic and best-selling author Fred Minnick has been deemed a leader in the bourbon and spirits industry featured in The TODAY Show, Men's Health, Forbes and many others. Minnick continuously revives the age-old traditions and cultures of bourbon and spirits through his media empire which includes the Bourbon Pursuit Podcast, DASH Radio's "Minnick Minute" show and his Hermes Creative Awards Platinum-winning Podcast The Fred Minnick Show (PodcastOne). A Louisville, KY-based father of two, Minnick is also an avid music fan, curating his annual Bourbon and Beyond festival which has welcomed acts like Lynn Kravitz, John Mayer and Stevie Nicks to its stages. He has authored several books, including Wall Street Journal best-seller Bourbon Curious.

For the full list of Minnick's Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2021, visit fredminnick.com/2021/12/30/best-american-whiskeys-of-2021.

SOURCE Russell’s Reserve

CONTACT: Campari America, Zuri Plair, zuri.plair@campari.com, 401-595-2241; Image Land, Charlotte Elliott, rare@imageland.nyc, 212-367-8008

 


Saturday, January 1, 2022

Best Bourbons of 2021 - List Roundup

Picture from Gearmoose [https://gearmoose.com/]

As 2021 draws to a close, we are once again inundated with yearly roundups of the best of 2021 lists. It seems everyone and their brother has come out with some version of the Best Bourbons of 2021. Below are a few of these lists.


Our first list comes from Liquor.com. 

 

  • Best Overall: Henry McKenna Single Barrel 
  • Best Value: Maker’s Mark
  • Best for Sipping: Widow Jane 10 Year
  • Best Kentucky Bourbon: Evan Williams Single Barrel
  • Best Tennessee Bourbon: Heaven’s Door
  • Best Under $50: Four Roses Single Barrel
  • Best Under $100: Willett Noah’s Mill
  • Best High-Proof: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
  • Best Barrel Strength: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
  • Best Wheated: Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch

 

Digital media website VinePair brings us our second list.

 

  1. Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series FAE 01
  2. Old Forester The 117 Series “High Angels” Share
  3. Knob Creek 12-Year-Old
  4. 1792 Single Barrel
  5. New Riff Single Barrel
  6. Pinhook Vertical Series “Bourbon War’ 5-Year
  7. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
  8. A. Smith Bowman “John J. Bowman” Pioneer Single Barrel

 

Our next list comes from Wine Enthusiast and is based on price and overall satisfaction. (Highest price to lowest).

 

  • Angel’s Envy Finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak Casks Bourbon; $350.
  • Four Roses 2020 Limited Edition Small Batch Barrel Strength; $150.
  • Barrel Private Release A01A Bourbon; $110.
  • 18th Street Distillery Spirit Thief Selection Bourbon; $100.
  • Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Spring 2020 Edition; $90.
  • Kuiper Belt Aged 8 Years Straight Kentucky Bourbon; $85.
  • Peerless Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon; $70.
  • Milam & Greene Single Barrel Straight Bourbon; $55.
  • Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon; $45.
  • George Remus Bourbon; $40.
  • Navigator Straight Bourbon; $40.
  • Blue Note Juke Joint Bourbon; $30.
  • Winchester Double Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Sherry Cask Staves; $30.

 

Digital media website Mashed.com brings us our next list based on price and overall satisfaction.

 

  1. Maker’s Mark 46
  2. Noah’s Mill Bourbon Whiskey
  3. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
  4. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
  5. Four Roses Small Batch Select
  6. Black Bourbon Society’s Maker’s Mark Private Selection: Recipe 2
  7. Knob Creek 12-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon
  8. W.L. Weller 12-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey
  9. W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B
  10. Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 Year

 

Whiskey blog Whiskeybon.com supplies the next list. This is "a list of [their] personal preferences for what [they] enjoy the most but many of the choices do correlate positively with popular opinion."

 

Seven best bourbons that are not easily obtained:

 

  1. W.L. Weller
  2. George T Stagg
  3. Pappy Van Winkle 15
  4. Pappy Van Winkle 23
  5. Four Roses Al Young
  6. Michter's 20
  7. Four Roses Limited Edition Single Barrel

 

Nine best bourbons that are obtainable:

 

  1. Weller 12
  2. 1792 Full Proof
  3. Rebel Yell 10
  4. Smooth Ambler Old Scout 10
  5. Old Forester 1920
  6. Blanton's Gold
  7. Blanton’s SFTB
  8. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
  9. Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition

 

Two best budget bourbons:

 

  1. Four Roses Single Barrel
  2. Eagle Rare 10

 

Individual Awards:

 

Best Overall: W.L Weller (BTAC)

Best High Age (15 years +): Pappy Van Winkle 23

Best Pound for Pound: Weller 12

Best Value Budget Bourbon: Eagle Rare 10

Best Barrel Proof: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

Best for First-Timers: Buffalo Trace

Best from Small Craft Distillery: Kings County Distillery Barrel Proof

Best Single Barrel: Four Roses Single Barrel

Best Small Batch: Elijah Craig 12

Best Bottled in Bond: Colonel EH Taylor Bottled In Bond

Best Wheated: Rebel Yell 10

Best High Rye: Wild Turkey 101

Best Smooth Bourbon: Blanton’s Gold Edition

Best Non-Kentucky Bourbon: Balcones Baby Corn

Lots of differing opinions but I've always said the best bourbons are the ones you enjoy.