Russell's Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B Bourbon Whiskey: A Legendary Expression of Place and Time
Unleash the extraordinary depth and singular character of Russell's Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B Bourbon Whiskey. This highly coveted, limited-edition release from Wild Turkey Distillery, launched in October 2024, stands as a testament to the profound influence of a specific aging environment, offering a unique and unrepeatable profile that celebrates the artistry of Master Distiller Eddie Russell.
Each bottle of this exceptional bourbon hails from a single, hand-selected rickhouse—Camp Nelson B—a historic aging warehouse built in the 1940s and known for its unique climate and ideal conditions for maturation. Specifically, the barrels for this release were selected from the sixth floor of the seven-story rickhouse, an elevation known for increased sun exposure and warmer temperatures, which significantly impacts the aging process and contributes to its higher proof. While the exact age is Not Stated (NAS), it's generally understood to be 10-15 years old. This meticulous aging allows the traditional Wild Turkey high-rye mash bill (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley) to interact intensely with the new, heavily charred American white oak barrels. The specific microclimate within Camp Nelson B imprints a distinctive character on the whiskey, distinguishing it from other Russell's Reserve releases. Bottled at a robust 60.1% ABV (120.2 Proof), this non-chill filtered, barrel-proof expression offers a full-bodied, authentic taste of the barrel, capturing the true essence of its legendary rickhouse. It is the highest-proof whiskey ever released from Russell's Reserve.
Key Characteristics:
-
Single Rickhouse Release: Sourced entirely from the sixth floor of Camp Nelson B, highlighting the unique impact of its specific aging environment and higher elevation.
-
Barrel Proof & Non-Chill Filtered: Bottled at its natural barrel strength without chill filtration, preserving full flavor and character.
-
Aged 10-15+ Years (NAS): Matured for a significant period in new, charred American oak, developing deep complexity.
-
Highest Proof Russell's Reserve: Bottled at an impressive 60.1% ABV (120.2 Proof), the highest proof for any Russell's Reserve bottling to date.
-
High-Rye Mash Bill: Utilizes Wild Turkey's distinct mash bill (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley) for a balanced profile of sweetness, spice, and robust character.
-
Limited Edition: A highly sought-after, annually released series that captures the distinct personality of each rickhouse.
-
Master Distiller Selection: Hand-picked by Eddie Russell, ensuring exceptional quality and character.
Tasting Notes (as described for the 2024 Camp Nelson B release):
-
Appearance: Deep amber to rich mahogany.
-
Nose: Rich notes of oak, vanilla, and sweet cream, transitioning to hints of cinnamon, spice, and floral undertones. Expect huge brown sugar, honey, toffee, orange peel, with a hint of blueberry and date, and a light cola character.
-
Palate: Robust flavors of cherry, raisin, and dark honey give way to herbal notes of clove, spearmint, and thyme. A moderate mouthfeel with satisfying richness, loads of honey, toffee, butter cream, more blueberry, cola, and a crackle of pepper.
-
Finish: A long and complex finish featuring spice, mature oak, char, and pepper notes. Long, oaky, fruity, loaded with vanilla bean, berries, toffee, orange peel, and some funky peppery spice.
Awards & Recognition:
Russell's Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B, and the Single Rickhouse series as a whole, has garnered immense critical acclaim:
-
Consistently Rated 93-96+ Points by Leading Critics: Such as Whisky Advocate, Bottle Raiders (94 points), and Breaking Bourbon, recognizing its exceptional quality and unique profile.
-
Highly Sought After: Recognized as one of the most anticipated and well-regarded annual limited releases in the bourbon world.
-
Praised for its uniqueness and transparency: Celebrated for showcasing the distinct influence of specific aging environments.
Overall Impression:
Russell's Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B Bourbon Whiskey is a profound expression of the interplay between spirit, wood, and environment. Its intense aging on the sixth floor of a singular rickhouse, combined with its barrel-proof and non-chill filtered presentation, offers a truly authentic and powerful bourbon experience. For collectors, bourbon aficionados, and those seeking to explore the nuances of Kentucky's finest aged spirits, Camp Nelson B is an unmissable and highly rewarding journey into the heart of Wild Turkey's legendary warehouses.
