Russell’s Reserve “Small Batch” 6 Year Old Rye 90 Proof (750ml) $39.99 View

92 points Wine Enthusiast

 The warm and fruity scent is reminiscent of fresh apples drizzled with caramel. On the palate, spicy cinnamon leads, softening to caramel midpalate and finishing with sizzling cinnamon, clove and cayenne pepper. Adjusted with water, a saline note emerges, creating a pleasing salted caramel-like sipper. (KN)  (7/2015)

Whisky Advocate

 Incredibly smooth for a rye whiskey (almost too smooth), but still with plenty of character to make the journey very entertaining. Notes of evergreen, almonds, and bright fruit lie on a bed of caramel, honeyed vanilla, and banana bread. Lingering spicy finish. (JH, Spring 2008) 

K&L Notes

One of America’s finest and most authentic rye whiskeys. Great price for an excellent 6-year-old rye.

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) 90 $59.99 View

90 points Wine Enthusiast

 A word of warning: don’t drink this straight. Don’t even try. At 110 proof, it can be downright painful. But with proper dilution, this Bourbon is still rich and deep flavored. Maturation time in dark “alligator char” barrels yields hazelnut, oak and toffee seasoned with nutmeg and clove.  (7/2013)

Whisky Advocate

 Clean on the palate, with honey-kissed citrus, summer fruits, crisp mint, and cinnamon, balanced by creamy vanilla and soft toffee. A solid bourbon that’s nicely rounded and vibrant. It’s very much with the current trend of American whiskeys toward no age statement; youthful and playful in nature, and versatile. (Vol. 22, #1) 

K&L Notes

Bottled at 110 proof, the Russell’s Reserve single barrel isn’t labeled as “cask strength” but seeing that most single barrels of Wild Turkey we’ve tasted clock in at around 55% naturally, it might as well be. Wild Turkey isn’t a big, dark, rich, tannic style of whiskey. It’s a softer, more cinnamon and clove spice-dominated, easier-sipping style of Bourbon and the single barrel Russell’s Reserve might be the best product available from the distillery. It’s entirely drinkable at the full proof due to its more elegant style, but takes water or ice quite splendidly. Having recently visited the distillery, we’re now big fans of the kickin’ chicken here at K&L. The Russells have refused to alter their production methods to fit in with the current economic Bourbon boom. They still make old school Bourbon in an old school way and the single barrel is perhaps the best way to ascertain the quality of what they’re doing. Candy corn, mellow caramel, baking spices, and long, spicy richness that goes on forever, with just enough pop from the higher proof to really add that extra high note. Lovely, lovely stuff. **Gold Medal 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition**