While we were re-tasting our latest Mission Exclusive single barrel of Russell’s Reserve this past week, one of our sales team members noted: “The aromas remind me of walking through Ganahl Lumber on Colorado in Pasadena. It smells like sawdust and wood in the best possible way.”
In a flash, we were transported back to our childhood days at the hardware store, walking with our dads through the aisles, the smell of lumber and freshly-cut beams permeating our senses. It was like nostalgia in a glass, with hints of peanut shells that reminded us of going to baseball games.
In addition to the woody notes, there’s a healthy dose of baking spices and plenty of fruit on the finish. Red berries and cloves take over towards the back with just a sprinkling of cinnamon as well. Everything about this latest 55% ABV single barrel is vintage Wild Turkey, that earthy, somewhat dusty essence of wood combined with just the right amount of sweetness.
The richness of the red fruits is also quite pronounced. As another of our sales team members added: “It’s almost like Bourbon Merlot.”