Russell's Reserve 13 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey - 2026 Release 45th Anniversary
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
About This Spirit from the Maker
Source: The Bottle
A tribute to Eddie Russell’s 45 years of whiskey-making mastery. Barrel proof and non-chill filtered, this exceptional bourbon is aged a minimum of 13 years, with hand-selected, higher-aged additions that showcase Eddie’s unique ability to develop deep, complex flavors through maturation. Russell’s Reserve 13-year-old is the pinnacle and truest expression of the barrel, created by Eddie to be savored, shared, and celebrated.
The Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon, Spring 2026 Release is a limited, highly anticipated tribute release honoring Master Distiller Eddie Russell’s extraordinary 45 years of whiskey-making mastery. Crafted from select barrels aged a minimum of 13 years, including thoughtfully chosen higher-aged components. This year’s batch is non-chill filtered and bottled at a new, unique barrel proof point, celebrating Eddie’s signature style: deep complexity, exquisitely aged, and remarkable balance, crafted to highlight deeper fruit, spice, and cola notes.
TASTING NOTES
Non-chill filtered and bottled at a barrel proof of 121.2, the 2026 Russell’s Reserve 13 is a rich and full bodied bourbon.
Proof
121.2
Aroma
Notes of vanilla and oak layered with brown sugar, coffee, and a vivid orange peel.
Taste
Taste of bright cherry and citrus upfront, followed by warm nutmeg and allspice, and sweet notes of cola.
Finish
A medium-long finish of caramel, toffee, and hints of oak tannin.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
How We Feel About the Spirit
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year 45th Anniversary: A Collector’s Toast to Mastery
Written by Nancy Fae for His, Hers & the Good Life
Introduction
Some bottles don’t just sit on a shelf — they hold court. Our Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the 2026 Release celebrating Eddie Russell’s 45 years of whiskey-making mastery, is exactly that kind of bottle. We didn’t stumble upon it; we won the right to buy it. Total Wine Nashville called our number — literally — and off we went on a special trip to pick up this rare, barrel-proof beauty.
At $259.99 and steeped in heritage, this bottle feels less like a purchase and more like an inheritance. A future moment waiting patiently for its perfect occasion. And until that day arrives, it sits in our collection like a quiet legend — unopened, admired, and absolutely treasured.
His Take (Jeff)
There’s something about a 45th-anniversary tribute that hits differently. Eddie Russell has been shaping bourbon longer than I’ve been shaping my career, and that kind of mastery deserves respect. When I held the bottle for the first time, I felt like I was holding a piece of Wild Turkey history — barrel proof, non-chill filtered, and aged well beyond the minimum 13 years.
We haven’t cracked it open yet, but I already know this one’s going to be a powerhouse. The kind of bourbon that doesn’t whisper its story — it tells it with confidence. Deep fruit, spice, cola notes … that’s a flavor profile built for contemplation. And honestly, I’m in no rush. Some bottles earn their time, and this one can take all the time it wants.
Her Take (Nancy Fae)
I’ll admit it — I’m still learning how to pick out flavor notes beyond “ooh, that smells nice.” But even without opening it, this bottle feels special. Maybe it’s the weight of the glass, maybe it’s the way the label honors Eddie Russell’s 45-year legacy, or maybe it’s just the thrill of winning the lottery to buy it. Whatever the reason, this bottle has presence.
I keep imagining the tasting notes — vanilla, oak, brown sugar, orange peel, cherry, nutmeg, cola. It sounds like a bourbon that knows exactly who it is. And while I’m excited to someday experience it, I’m equally content letting it shine as the crown jewel of our collection for now.
Closing in the His, Hers & the Good Life Style
His (Jeff)
This bottle is a reminder that craftsmanship still matters. It’s a tribute to patience, skill, and the kind of legacy you build one barrel at a time. I’m proud to have it in our lineup.
Her (Nancy Fae)
To me, this bottle feels like a celebration — of Eddie Russell’s mastery, of our little lottery win, and of the joy in collecting something truly rare. It’s a story in glass, waiting for its chapter.
The Good Life
The Good Life isn’t just about what you drink; it’s about the moments you curate. This Russell’s Reserve 13 Year 45th Anniversary bottle is a future celebration waiting to happen. A milestone bottle for milestone moments. And that’s exactly why it belongs in our Good Life.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
How to Enjoy
Since we’re saving this bottle for a special occasion, here’s how we plan to enjoy it when the moment arrives:
Neat in our best crystal glasses — a bottle like this deserves clarity.
Slowly, intentionally — no rushing a 45-year tribute.
With a celebratory playlist — something smooth, something classic.
In the Sipping Room — where good lighting and good company meet.
Paired with a quiet evening — because some bourbons deserve your full attention.
When we finally open it, it will be a moment worth remembering.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Disclaimer: Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age. Life’s Rants promotes the responsible and legal enjoyment of premium cigars and alcohol by individuals of legal age. We do not endorse or encourage smoking or drinking among minors.
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