Overview: The 2024 release of Russell’s Reserve 15 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has emerged as the highest-rated top-shelf whiskey on the Bourbon subreddit, securing a score of 9.1 based on 55 reviews. Produced by Master Distiller Eddie Russell at the Camp Nelson maturation campus in Kentucky, this limited batch distinguishes itself from competitors like George T. Stagg and Bardstown Bourbon Company which placed second and third respectively.
The Full Story
Although George T. Stagg and Bardstown Bourbon Company raked in the second and third spots, respectively, the highest-rated top shelf whiskey was the 2024 release of Russell’s Reserve 15 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with a score of 9.1 based on 55 reviews. While the overall quantity of bottles released from this special batch is unknown (or possibly even purposefully kept a secret), speculation is high that it’s a small amount. Thus, the 15 Year Old bourbon is considered to be rare and expensive, costing well over the $250 retail price in the secondary market.
One dedicated member created a database of reviews from the subreddit, with over 46,000 total reviews from more than 3,700 reviewers used to determine this ranking. The spirit is aged for 15 years at the Camp Nelson maturation campus in Kentucky.
Production & Profile
Produced by Master Distiller Eddie Russell, the bourbon is bottled at 117.2% proof. The mash bill consists of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. Reviewers describe the flavor profile as having a viscous mouthfeel with notes of caramelized brown sugar, dark chocolate, toasted oak, cherries, apricots, toffee, butterscotch, black tea, nutmeg, cloves, orange peel, and cinnamon spice.
What This Means
This highly-lauded and highly-priced beverage isn’t exactly a Bourbon for beginners. Reviewers describe the 2024 release as “powerful, in a pleasant and comforting way,” further describing the liquor as “a combination of all of the good flavors in a classic bourbon, just amped up – darker, more brooding, but also refined.” Another Redditor supported the review’s perfect score, calling it an “absolutely amazing pour” and “a rare one that’s worth the hefty price for me.”
Consumer Takeaway
The finishing taste of the alcohol is described as outstanding and one of the best experienced by reviewers. For the more astute and dedicated bourbon drinkers out there, this release offers a viscous mouthfeel with notes of caramelized brown sugar, dark chocolate, toasted oak, cherries, apricots, toffee, butterscotch, black tea, nutmeg, cloves, orange peel, and cinnamon spice.
Source: Read the original article
