What's Thanksgiving Without Turkey?
This past August, David OG and I went to Kentucky to see if we could pad our Bourbon supply before the holidays drained our struggling stocks. Thanks to Jimmy Russell and the gang over at Wild Turkey who put a mad rush on our first two barrel selections, we've got K&L hand-selected juice on the shelf just in time for Thanksgiving. Because, really, what's Thanksgiving without Turkey? If you're in need of something bold to help ease the pain of dealing with in-laws, or to numb the stress of holiday drama, we've got you covered. These are two beauties and they're not at all shy. They'll easily over power your mother-in-law and any insult she throws in your direction. Check out the specs below:
Russell's Reserve "K&L Exclusive" Single Barrel #246 Kentucky Bourbon $64.99 - Fresh off our late Summer visit to Kentucky, we've got two new K&L single barrel selections ready to go just in time for the holiday season. It's no secret we're big fans of the Kickin' Chicken and getting the chance to go around with the legendary Jimmy Russell and pick barrels out of the Wild Turkey warehouse is an opportunity we'll never pass on. Barrel #246 is one of the more spicy and concentrated whiskies we've ever bottled from the Russells. Whereas most Wild Turkey whiskies have a mellow, toasted corn creaminess in their profile, this particular barrel showcases more of the wood. It's full of pepper on the nose and palate, followed by an intense oakiness and more spice on the finish. Tasting it blind, I would have said this was from Heaven Hill rather than Wild Turkey. It has a rugged power and explosive spice from front the back and that's something I associate more with Elijah Craig cask strength, but this is indeed a 55% ABV barrel of Russell's Reserve. A damn good one, too.
Russell's Reserve "K&L Exclusive" Single Barrel #3181 Kentucky Bourbon $64.99 - Barrel #3181 is a dialed up version of everything you love about the Russell's Reserve whiskies: big Red Hot cinnamon spice, sweet oak up front, leaner on the palate, with a finish that brings more of that clove and baking spice we love so much in the Wild Turkey whiskies. Whereas barrel #246 was almost un-Turkey-like, this is quintessential Russell's Reserve at 55% ABV. The finish is full of bold oaky notes that meld seamlessly with the spice and continue to increase in intensity for a good twenty seconds. For holiday drinking, this is quite the festive whiskey!
-David Driscoll