Russell's Reserve 2003

The aroma begins with a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting alongside a decadent carrot cake, followed by candied fruits like pears, apples, and oranges, then subtle floral notes, light spices, gentle oak, and minimal ethanol burn. The flavor starts with a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting mouthfeel and a decadent carrot cake, progressing to candied fruits such as pears, cherries, apples, and oranges, then light floral notes, milk chocolate, mild spices, slightly astringent oak, and a low ethanol burn. The finish is lengthy, featuring chocolate, cream cheese frosting, carrot cake, lemon drop candy, and subtle barrel spices that linger for several minutes. Considering its modest 44.75% ABV, this possesses one of the richest mouthfeels I've ever encountered, and I can't recall tasting cream cheese or carrot cake in any other whiskey. It exhibits remarkable balance, with the cream cheese harmonizing with fresh cake, candied citrus, floral elements, and barrel spices, culminating in a long finish that compels another taste. This was shared with friends and was the highlight of the evening, outperforming Michter's 10 Year Rye, Old Carter Rye, Chicken Cock 15 Year, and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. It's unfortunate I couldn't acquire more, as secondary market prices now exceed $800, but I will remain vigilant for a chance to find one at its $250 retail price in a forgotten liquor store.

Served neat. Opened it yesterday, so it's close to the neck pour. I love this aroma. So rich and indulgent. The oak smells like smooth chocolate. Deep, dark cherry. Cinnamon and clove. Vanilla frosting. A hint of pear. The oak is the star but it's surrounded by deliciousness. Smooth and slick mouthfeel, like melted ice cream. It's simply milk chocolate, melted ice cream. Matches the aroma. Deep, dark cherry. A whisper of apple. Vanilla and honey notes linger in the aftertaste. I have mixed feelings about this one. It's incredibly rich and flavorful, the mouthfeel is outstanding. There's a lack of complexity and nothing particularly extraordinary on the palate. It's simply enjoyable to drink but not an exceptional experience. Eager to compare this blind against another aged whiskey. Based on first impression, I preferred the other one more than this, but we'll see what the blind tasting reveals.

Smell- wow… I got a splinter in my nose from the intense oak character. Truly… I can detect the oak from where it sits on my end table. Once the oak passes, it's mostly smoke. I'm really stretching here, but I perceive some dark fruit and maple. Incredible smell. Taste - oak and smoke are the main components here. But the supporting flavors really elevate this one. Herbal tea, caramel, leather, sap, honestly, it brings pine to mind… Overall- Incredible… the finish is extremely long for 89.5 proof. And I can only imagine how divine this would be at a higher proof. But I'm still giving this a 5… because it is a lower proof bourbon. I don't often encounter something this aromatic and flavorful at such a low abv… It's absolutely remarkable.

Sweet and red fruit on the nose, with a whisper of oak. Loads of caramel dominate the initial scent, making it a caramel explosion as it develops. A bit more cherry candy emerges with time. Texture: light Flavor: caramel, vanilla, pretzel Aftertaste: extended, smoky, caramel, a touch of spice on the tongue. Comment: decided to open this to compare with a different whiskey for an online event. This is a mellow yet delightful drink. The finish is surprisingly long for the proof. Quite good.

Nose: Vanilla; butterscotch; mild baking spices; peanuts; powdered sugar Palate: Begins with a rush of candy sweetness; vanilla; butterscotch; fresh herbs; caramel Finish: Medium, oily finish; peanuts; subtle baking spices; caramel This is exceptionally good. It strongly reminds me of older Wild Turkey products from the 80s/90s. If the proof were slightly higher, this would be a 5/5 whiskey for me.

I have a fondness for Turkey and Russell's, so I admit my bias. Drinking this makes me envision a dramatic entrance, perhaps with a loud exclamation, followed by a powerful declaration of approval. I'm astonished this is under 90 proof. This is what it feels like to be truly alive.