Russell's Reserve Private Barrel Selection (Barrel #25-0987 - Long Way Home) - Rare Bird 101 & Keg N Bottle Private Barrel Pick 750 ml

BARREL DETAILS

• Distilled - 01/24/17
• Dumped - 11/182025
• Bottled - 12/08/2025
  
• Warehouse - Camp Nelson, D, 4th Floor
• Age - 8 Years, 300 Days
• Proof 110 (120.9 @ barrel selection)

TASTING NOTES

• Overall:  salted caramel, warm cherry pie filling, cellar oak, blood orange, Rain-Blo bubble gum; medicinal cherry, brown sugar glaze, syrupy charred oak, candy apple, faint leather; medium-long finish w/ barrel-aged cherry sours, molasses, vanilla bean, savory grape soda, spiced jam 
  
• Impression:  “Long Way Home” is a barrel for cherry lovers. Its name, as well as “Delta Blues,” stems from my travel woes due to the federal government shutdown last fall. Instead of flying back home, I hitched a ride with Bryant (thanks again, sir). But I digress … Let’s talk cherry. Nose = cherry. Taste = more cherry. Finish = even more cherry. Naturally, this whiskey showcases plenty of notes besides cherry. It’s more of a strong accent than a foundation, though it gives this barrel a unique identity so it’s worth noting. Caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, and oak all play their part in the symphonic union, though cherry is without question the star of the show. 

   

• Whether or not this barrel is for you depends solely on your sipping preferences. If you’re a fan of dark fruit, I think you’ll be more than satisfied with this one. If, however, you prefer more traditional bourbon notes and/or a stronger volume of barrel spice, the other CND picks are safer bets (not to mention one or two of the CNEs). That’s the best thing about multi-barrel drops - there’s something for everyone