Tyrone, Kentucky is home to Wild Turkey Distillery’s rickhouses, where Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel bourbons age. While each barrel develops unique characteristics, the rickhouse location influences the whiskey’s overall profile. This article explores and compares five 2020 Tyrone-aged Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel private selections from rickhouses A, B, E, G, and S, offering a snapshot of their distinct flavor profiles.
Comparing Tyrone’s Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Profiles
The notion of a “best” rickhouse is subjective, dependent on environmental factors and personal preference. However, comparing barrels distilled and bottled around the same time allows for general profile distinctions to emerge. The following tasting notes, compiled from multiple tastings, provide insight into each rickhouse’s influence on these particular selections:
Rickhouse A – A Classic Wild Turkey Profile
- Barrel: #20-0077, Floor 4
- Selected by: Carmen Defalco and John Jurkovic for Bub City, Chicago, IL
- Age: 9 Years
- Proof: 110
Tasting Notes: Nutty toffee, Apple Jacks cereal, toasted caramel, zesty oak, and nutmeg on the nose. Palate reveals apple butter, confectioners sugar, and cinnamon. Medium-long finish with fruity vanilla spice, herbal tea notes, and hints of clove and pepper.
Impression: This barrel exemplifies a well-balanced, traditional Wild Turkey profile.
Rickhouse B – The Sweet Treat
- Barrel: #20-0419, Floor 4
- Selected by: Dallas Bourbon Club for Lakewood Medallion
- Age: 8 Years, 7 Months
- Proof: 110
Tasting Notes: Nutty candy bar, warm vanilla pudding, cookie dough, brown sugar, and nutmeg dominate the nose. Palate features salted caramel, butter toffee, and molasses. The finish is medium-long with burnt sugar, vanilla extract, charred oak, and cinnamon/pepper spice.
Impression: A decadent bourbon with prominent dessert-like flavors.
Rickhouse E – The Unique Bird
- Barrel: #20-0021, Floor 4
- Selected by: Martin Wine Cellar, New Orleans, LA
- Age: 9 Years
- Proof: 110
Tasting Notes: A distinct fruity-mineral funk reminiscent of Dickel whiskey, tangy citrus, Fruit Loops cereal, and salted caramel on the nose. Vanilla Tootsie Roll, zesty oak, Twizzlers candy, and boozy orange peel on the palate. The finish is medium-long with notes of Red Zinger tea, sweet minerals, Fruit Stripe gum, and spiked cream soda.
Impression: An outlier with a unique, funky, and tangy profile that stands apart from the rest.
Rickhouse G – Bridging Fruit and Bakery
- Barrel: #20-0196, Floor 4
- Selected by: Columbia Bourbon Collective, Columbia, SC
- Age: 8 Years, 7 Months
- Proof: 110
Tasting Notes: Cherry cordials, chocolate orange, fruity vanilla, herbal spice, and citrus with a hint of mint on the nose. Palate offers grape-orange soda, nutty caramel-toffee, and nutmeg. The finish is medium-long with burnt sugar, singed orange peel, vibrant oak, and hints of cinnamon.
Impression: Balances fruit and bakery notes, showcasing a more complex “core-Turkey” profile.
Rickhouse S – The Aromatic Spice
- Barrel: #20-0821, Floor 5
- Selected by: Barrels United for Pop’s Wine & Spirits
- Age: 8 Years, 11 Months
- Proof: 110
Tasting Notes: Zesty maple, sweet potpourri, cedar-like oak, and enticing woody/holiday spice aromas. Toasted caramel, brown sugar, and sweet & savory herbs on the palate. The finish is medium-long with waves of smoky orange peel, burnt honey, cinnamon, and clove.
Impression: A unique and flavorful bourbon characterized by fragrant woody and herbal spices.
Conclusion: Exploring Tyrone’s Diversity
These five Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel selections demonstrate the diverse range of flavors that can emerge from Wild Turkey’s Tyrone rickhouses. While individual barrel variation always exists, these profiles offer a glimpse into the nuances imparted by each location. Ultimately, the “best” choice depends on individual palate preferences. Exploring different rickhouse selections, through samples or shared experiences with fellow enthusiasts, is the best way to discover your personal favorite.
