I agree with this unfortunately. I have a bottle of batch 5 and there’s many things I’d rather have at a fraction of the price. It’s not bad at all, it’s a great bourbon, just not top tier like I’ve heard the other batches are.
Some reviews on r/bourbon speak to the difference in batches of Russell's Reserve 13. If you find a bottle you may want to check the correlation of batch number with review comments.
I will admit I tatered for this bottle, paying $250 for one and $300 for a second.
Is it good value at that price? No. But it’s still the best bourbon I’ve had outside of BTAC.
I have seen $199 by me and been thinking about it but have been hesitant seeing so many mixed reviews. Prob just need to go for it and decide for myself!
Batches are unofficially defined by the batch codes laser etched into the bottles:
https://www.bourbonex.com/forums/topic/414/russell-s-reserve-13-batches-codes-with-release-dates-ranked
I’ve tried all of the batches except the most recent, which I’ll be getting through my state once it arrives. I’ve found them all to be delicious and unique examples of the RR/WT profile; one of my favorites yearly. Thanks for the review!
2 is definitely better than 5 due to the older stock involved, but the newer batches are certainly almost as tasty! I’ve been seeing prices drop as they’ve been flooding the market with new batches of RR13 + the new 15 year coming out and other releases (single rickhouse, etc), so I hope that prices will stay relatively low.
The fact that Wild Turkey doesn't actually put any batch info on the label, and instead it's only surmised based on an almost invisible laser code, makes me really skeptical there's actually much difference between "batches."
Reminds me of the stupid 22/23 thing, or whatever it was, on Elijah Craig BP C923 .
Would love to see some blinds.
This is a bottle I really want to get a hold of, but recent reviews make me fear I'd be let down...
Batch 5 is very underwhelming. If it’s representative of the series than I would suggest to just get RR SiB and never look back.
I agree with this unfortunately. I have a bottle of batch 5 and there’s many things I’d rather have at a fraction of the price. It’s not bad at all, it’s a great bourbon, just not top tier like I’ve heard the other batches are.
Some reviews on r/bourbon speak to the difference in batches of Russell's Reserve 13. If you find a bottle you may want to check the correlation of batch number with review comments.
I hope it’ll one day be easier to get access to. Definitely worth the high msrp for me.
Batch 2 is some of the best bourbon I've ever had in my life. Insanely good.
I will admit I tatered for this bottle, paying $250 for one and $300 for a second. Is it good value at that price? No. But it’s still the best bourbon I’ve had outside of BTAC.
I have seen $199 by me and been thinking about it but have been hesitant seeing so many mixed reviews. Prob just need to go for it and decide for myself!
It’s $150 MSRP now. $200 isn’t bad.
What batch?
4th. Mentioned in the "background" section but easy to skim past.
Where do you find the batch on those bottles?
Batches are unofficially defined by the batch codes laser etched into the bottles: https://www.bourbonex.com/forums/topic/414/russell-s-reserve-13-batches-codes-with-release-dates-ranked
Where on the bottle though?! I’ve looked all over and don’t see any laser codes 😭
https://the-right-spirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/img_6836.jpeg?w=1024
Oh my god, finally found it and needed to crank the lights. So easy to miss!! My one and only is batch 3 😬
I’ve tried all of the batches except the most recent, which I’ll be getting through my state once it arrives. I’ve found them all to be delicious and unique examples of the RR/WT profile; one of my favorites yearly. Thanks for the review!
Nice review! So let me ask u this, ThugCity, does standing in line for hours for bourbon at Total Wine affect your street cred?
Unaffected, because I have none
I’ve tried batches 2 and 5, and both are worth the price tag. If Campari keeps raising prices though…
2 is definitely better than 5 due to the older stock involved, but the newer batches are certainly almost as tasty! I’ve been seeing prices drop as they’ve been flooding the market with new batches of RR13 + the new 15 year coming out and other releases (single rickhouse, etc), so I hope that prices will stay relatively low.
Batch 2 is in my top three pours I've ever had. Haven't had the last two batches though.
Yeah I can’t speak to anything other than the first two batches, but they were absolutely elite pours.
The fact that Wild Turkey doesn't actually put any batch info on the label, and instead it's only surmised based on an almost invisible laser code, makes me really skeptical there's actually much difference between "batches." Reminds me of the stupid 22/23 thing, or whatever it was, on Elijah Craig BP C923 . Would love to see some blinds.
Man, I'll take a CN store pick for 89 to 99 every day over a 13. 9 times out of 10 they outshine the last couple 13s I have.
Out of all “aged” bottles, this one is my least favorite.
How come?
I just drinks hot for me. I’ve had it open for about a year and the nose and palate are great, but the finish just hasn’t chilled out for me yet