Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old is one of Wild Turkey's most sought-after annual releases, and the Spring 2026 edition is a tribute to Master Distiller Eddie Russell's 45 years of whiskey-making. Eddie joined Wild Turkey in 1981 for what was meant to be a summer job, went on to work in nearly every area of production, and is now a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. The commemorative label marks his 45th anniversary at the Lawrenceburg, Kentucky distillery.
The bourbon is aged a minimum of 13 years, with hand-selected, higher-aged additions that Eddie chose to develop deep, complex flavors through maturation. One of those additions is an 18 year old barrel that Eddie and his son Bruce Russell, Associate Master Blender, tasted together while filming the documentary "His Own Way: The Story of Eddie Russell." It is bottled at barrel proof, 121.2 proof (60.6% ABV), and non-chill filtered to preserve the full expression of the barrel.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Vanilla, oak and brown sugar. Palate: Cherry, citrus, nutmeg and allspice. Finish: Caramel, toffee and lingering oak tannins.
Why Collectors Seek This Out
Spring 2026 release of Russell's Reserve 13 Year, one of the brand's most sought-after, highly allocated bottlings
Commemorative label celebrating Eddie Russell's 45 years at Wild Turkey
Barrels personally selected by Eddie Russell, including an exceptional 18 year old barrel
Barrel proof at 121.2 proof (60.6% ABV), non-chill filtered
Signed on the label by Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell
Limited quantities
Product Details
Type
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Release
Spring 2026, Eddie Russell's 45th Anniversary
Age
13 Years Minimum, with Higher-Aged Additions
Size
750mL
Proof / ABV
121.2 Proof (60.6% Alc. Vol.), Barrel Proof
Filtration
Non-Chill Filtered
Distillery
Wild Turkey Distillery, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Please drink responsibly. Must be 21+ to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Spring 2026 release special?
It carries a commemorative label celebrating Eddie Russell's 45 years at Wild Turkey, with barrels he personally selected, including an 18 year old barrel.
How old is the bourbon?
It is aged a minimum of 13 years, with hand-selected, higher-aged additions blended in.
What does "barrel proof" and "non-chill filtered" mean?
Barrel proof means it is bottled at the strength it reaches in the barrel, here 121.2 proof (60.6% ABV). Non-chill filtered means it is not chilled and filtered, which helps preserve the whiskey's full flavor and texture.
What does it taste like?
Expect vanilla, oak and brown sugar on the nose, cherry, citrus, nutmeg and allspice on the palate, and a finish of caramel, toffee and lingering oak tannins.
Is this a limited release?
Yes. Russell's Reserve 13 Year is highly allocated and released in limited quantities, so availability is very limited.
