Russell's Reserve Private Barrel Selection (Barrel #25-0954 - Riley Children’s Hospital) - SLB Drinks & Keg N Bottle Private Barrel Pick 750 ml

OVERVIEW:  Rare Bird 101 (David Jennings)

Back in August, Kurt and Trent from SLB Drinks met the Renegades at Wild Turkey for a very special barrel selection to support Riley Children’s Hospital. If you follow SLB Drinks you’re likely aware of the backstory and how much that organization means to their family. After an incredible day sipping whiskey straight from the barrel with Eddie and Bruce Russell, we eventually landed on our favorite - an eight-year bourbon aged on the fourth floor of Camp Nelson’s rickhouse D. 

BARREL DETAILS

• Distilled - 01/12/17
• Dumped - 09/29/2025
• Bottled - 10/03/2025
  
• Warehouse - Camp Nelson, D, 4th Floor
• Age - 8 Years, 262 Days
• Proof 110 (117.9 @ barrel selection)

TASTING NOTES - Rare Bird 101

• Overall:  warm caramel, boozy trail mix, candy apple, rickhouse oak, baked brown sugar & cinnamon; butterscotch toffee, syrupy charred oak, spiced apple cider, autumn spice, hints of dried citrus; medium-long finish w/ peppery vanilla, toasted caramel, creme brulee, oak spice, singed tangerine peel 
• Impression:  Well, I couldn’t be happier. In fact, the minute I tasted this bourbon from a glass, I sent Kurt a text to let him know it was the winner we remembered. Caramel, candy apple, trail mix, and rickhouse oak are the predominant aromas of this Russell’s Reserve private selection. That being said, no single note steals the show, as they seemingly arrive in synchronized harmony. The nose transitions exceptionally well to the taste, with chewy, sweet toffee up front and autumn spice accompanied by dried citrus following shortly behind. And like clockwork, another seamless transition - this time from the palate to the finish. I’m discovering a lot of “toasty” notes here, such as creme brulee, oak, and singed tangerine peel. As for the finish’s duration, it’s just about perfect - far from short and just long enough to keep you hanging on for another sip.