Russell’s Reserve, a renowned name in the world of whiskey, is back with its third and most highly anticipated release in the Single Rickhouse Collection: the Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B. With each bottle crafted from a single, storied rickhouse at the Wild Turkey Distilling Co., this limited edition bourbon offers a unique taste experience, driven by the belief that “where” a whiskey ages is just as important as “how” it’s made.
Image credit: Russell’s Reserve
The Single Rickhouse Collection has quickly gained a reputation for producing exceptional, one-of-a-kind whiskeys that cater to true bourbon enthusiasts. The latest release, Camp Nelson B, stands out not only because of its intriguing origin story but also because it’s the highest proof release in the history of Russell’s Reserve, boasting a bold 120.2 proof.
The History of Camp Nelson B
Camp Nelson B, a rickhouse built in the 1940s, has a rich history that directly impacts the flavor profile of this bourbon. Located in central Kentucky, about 20 miles south of Lexington, the Camp Nelson grounds have been a key part of Wild Turkey’s whiskey aging process for decades. The Camp Nelson site is legendary among whiskey connoisseurs, with its warehouses influencing some of the most highly sought-after bourbons.
The Camp Nelson B rickhouse, specifically, was built in 1946 and is one of the few remaining rickhouses still standing on the property. Its unique location and structure have a significant effect on the aging process of the bourbon stored inside. Sitting at a higher elevation than some of its counterparts and receiving more sunlight exposure, the barrels on the sixth floor of Camp Nelson B experience intense heat. This extra exposure helps the bourbon develop its distinctive, rich flavor, marked by charred oak, dark honey, and spice.
What Makes Camp Nelson B Special?
While the previous two Single Rickhouse releases—Camp Nelson C in 2022 and Camp Nelson F in 2023—garnered high praise, Camp Nelson B is an entirely different bourbon. According to master distiller Eddie Russell, the goal for this release was to highlight the rich, dark honey and oak flavors that naturally come from the sun-soaked sixth floor of Rickhouse B. The hotter temperatures at this elevation cause more interaction between the bourbon and the charred oak barrels, resulting in a complex flavor profile.
Eddie Russell explains, “The higher we went, the hotter it got, and the more oak we were getting on the whiskeys.” This heat exposure combined with the unique characteristics of Camp Nelson B contributed to the 120.2 proof, making it the highest proof bourbon ever released under the Russell’s Reserve label. While this whiskey is undeniably bold, it avoids crossing into hazmat-level proof territory, making it an enjoyable, intense sip for those who appreciate high-proof spirits.
Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile
Image credit: Russell’s Reserve
The Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B offers a rich and layered tasting experience. From the very first sip, it becomes clear that this bourbon is something special. The tasting notes highlight a perfect balance between bold flavors and subtle complexities that unfold with every sip.
- Aroma: The nose opens with a delightful blend of oak, vanilla, and sweet cream. As it lingers, the aroma evolves into notes of cinnamon, spice, and a hint of floral undertones.
- Taste: On the palate, the bourbon is an explosion of flavor. It starts with rich cherry, raisin, and dark honey, which then transition into more herbal elements like clove, spearmint, and thyme. This combination of fruit, sweetness, and herbs creates a complex yet harmonious experience.
- Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of spice, mature oak, char, and a hint of pepper. It leaves a lasting impression that makes you want to savor every drop.
The Single Rickhouse Concept: Where Bourbon Ages Matters
The idea behind the Single Rickhouse series is to showcase the specific impact that individual rickhouses have on the whiskey’s final character. At Wild Turkey, the team firmly believes that where a barrel ages—its location within a rickhouse, the exposure to sunlight, temperature, and humidity—can drastically affect the flavor. This idea is akin to the concept of terroir in wine, where the land and climate contribute to the final taste of the product.
In the case of Camp Nelson B, the location on the sixth floor of a sun-drenched rickhouse plays a significant role in shaping the bourbon’s bold flavor profile. Each Single Rickhouse release in this series has its own distinct personality, and Camp Nelson B stands out with its robust oak and honey flavors, which are a direct result of the aging conditions.
A Rare and Coveted Release
With only a small number of barrels selected from the sixth floor of Camp Nelson B, this bourbon is extremely limited in quantity, making it a coveted release for collectors and bourbon enthusiasts alike. Priced at $300, the Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B is expected to be difficult to find. Like its predecessors, it’s likely to become even more expensive on the secondary market, where previous Single Rickhouse releases have skyrocketed in price.
For example, Camp Nelson C, the first release in this series, is now listed for over $500 on some sites. Given the acclaim and high proof of Camp Nelson B, it’s reasonable to expect this bourbon to become a unicorn in its own right. Those who are lucky enough to snag a bottle will be rewarded with a truly exceptional whiskey experience.
Final Thoughts
The Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of Wild Turkey’s distilling team. From its historic origins in a 1940s rickhouse to its bold, complex flavor profile, this bourbon is a celebration of the magic that happens when the right whiskey is aged in the right place. The higher proof adds an extra layer of intensity, making it a standout release in the Russell’s Reserve lineup.
Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or a collector looking for the next big thing, Camp Nelson B is a whiskey that promises not to disappoint. Its rich history, unique aging conditions, and unforgettable taste make it a must-try for anyone who appreciates the art of bourbon.
About Russell's Reserve
Russell's Reserve is a distinguished bourbon brand produced by Wild Turkey Distilling Co., known for its dedication to craftsmanship and heritage in American whiskey. Named after Jimmy Russell, a master distiller with over 60 years of experience at Wild Turkey, and his son Eddie Russell, who followed in his father's footsteps, Russell's Reserve is celebrated for its commitment to quality and tradition.
The Russell's Reserve line includes a range of bourbons and ryes, each crafted with a focus on premium ingredients and meticulous aging. The flagship product, Russell's Reserve 10-Year-Old Bourbon, is aged in charred American oak barrels for a minimum of ten years, allowing the whiskey to develop a rich and complex flavor profile. Tasting notes typically include caramel, vanilla, honey, and spice, with a smooth and lingering finish.
In addition to the 10-Year-Old Bourbon, Russell's Reserve offers a Single Barrel Bourbon, which showcases the unique characteristics of individual barrels selected by Eddie Russell himself. Each bottle is hand-selected for its exceptional quality, offering bourbon enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy a truly distinctive expression of Russell's Reserve.
Russell's Reserve also produces a Straight Rye Whiskey, crafted from a mash bill that includes rye, corn, and malted barley. This rye whiskey is aged to perfection in charred oak barrels, imparting a bold and spicy flavor profile with notes of pepper, cinnamon, and citrus zest. The balance of sweetness and spice makes Russell's Reserve Rye a favorite among fans of rye whiskey.
The Russell family's commitment to quality extends beyond the whiskey itself to the packaging and presentation of Russell's Reserve. Each bottle features a classic design with a prominent "RR" logo and elegant labeling, reflecting the brand's heritage and prestige in the bourbon community.
Russell's Reserve has received numerous accolades and awards for its exceptional whiskies, cementing its reputation as a leader in the premium bourbon and rye whiskey categories. The brand's adherence to traditional distilling techniques, combined with the expertise and passion of the Russell family, continues to attract whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate craftsmanship and authenticity.
Overall, Russell's Reserve stands as a testament to the legacy of the Russell family and their dedication to producing outstanding American whiskey. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, Russell's Reserve offers a sophisticated and memorable whiskey experience that honors the rich tradition of Wild Turkey Distilling Co.