Russell’s Reserve 13-Year Bourbon Eddie’s 45th Anniversary

Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old returns for Spring 2026 with a commemorative label honoring Master Distiller Eddie Russell's 45th anniversary, bottled at a barrel proof of 60.6% (121.2 proof).

This limited release marks 45 years of Eddie Russell's work at Wild Turkey Distilling Co. in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. What began in 1981 as a summer job became a lifelong calling, and today Eddie stands as a Hall of Fame Master Distiller whose approach has helped shape modern bourbon. Russell's Reserve itself was first created by Eddie to honor his father, Jimmy Russell, making this anniversary edition a continuation of a deeply personal family tradition.

True to Eddie's philosophy of bottling the truest expression of the barrel, the Spring 2026 batch is hand-selected and matured to draw out deep, layered flavor. Bottled uncut at barrel proof and shaped by the character of this production season, it delivers a rich, full-bodied pour built for sipping and sharing. Explore more allocated and rare releases in our bourbon and whiskey collection.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Vanilla and oak moving into brown sugar and coffee, with a distinct orange peel note
• Palate: Bright cherry and citrus, followed by nutmeg and allspice, with a sweet cola note
• Finish: Medium-long, with caramel, toffee, and hints of oak tannin

Specs

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Spring 2026 Russell's Reserve 13 Year special?
It carries a commemorative label marking Master Distiller Eddie Russell's 45th anniversary at Wild Turkey Distilling Co., and it's a hand-selected, barrel-proof batch bottled at 121.2 proof.

What proof is Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old?
This release is bottled uncut at barrel proof: 60.6% ABV, or 121.2 proof.

How should I drink a barrel-proof bourbon like this?
At 121.2 proof it's rewarding neat, and a few drops of water or a single ice cube will open up the aromatics without losing its full-bodied character.

Is this an allocated release?
Yes. Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old is a highly allocated, limited release available in small quantities.