Russell's Reserve Private Barrel Selection (Barrel #25-1244 - C.O.L.A.) - Rare Bird 101 & Keg N Bottle Private Barrel Pick 750 ml

BARREL DETAILS

• Distilled - 02/01/17
• Dumped - 11/19/2025
• Bottled - 12/08/2025
  
• Warehouse - Camp Nelson, E, 4th Floor
• Age - 8 Years, 294 Days
• Proof 110 (115.6 @ barrel selection)

TASTING NOTES

• Overall:  lightly toasted caramel, bourbon-vanilla ice cream, white-peppered oak, French cruller, faint golden raisin; toffee drizzle, sweet charred oak, cherry-vanilla, cream soda, nougat; medium-long finish w/ brown sugar & cherry glaze, butter toffee, rickhouse oak, fizzy cola/Cheerwine, hints of leather
  
• Impression: This was Bryant's favorite barrel at Wild Turkey, and I know precisely why: Cherry, Oak, Leather, And more. The nose is somewhat familiar, as it shares a few traits with the ENDALZ selection (they’re the only two barrels that have the same distillation date); however, the taste and finish chart their own course. I’m particularly fond of the soda notes, which transition from cream soda to cola and Cheerwine as the experience progresses. The finish is moderately long with a well-balanced oak presence (reminds me of tasting it in rickhouse A), as well as a subtle, leather-esque fadeaway. 

  Overall, this is a crowd-pleaser for sure. The Camp Nelson vibe is undeniable, as is the quality of the profile. For those who seek Camp Nelson standouts, make sure “C.O.L.A.” is on your list.