Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel (Store Pick) Review
In-Depth Review
At K&L Wines and Spirits, every Russell’s Reserve store pick single barrel seems to have a story. Known as one of the best spirit stores in Southern California – K&L seems to have almost unfettered access to some of the best stocks in Kentucky. Whenever David Othenin-Girard - the spirits buyer at K&L - heads to Kentucky, he chooses the cream of the crop to be bottled for K&L. So when I found out that David had chosen three new barrels of Wild Turkey’s famous Russell’s Reserve single barrel for the shop, I knew I had to jump on it.
Enter HIKO-A-MON, the name of this 9 year old barrel that lived its entire life in warehouse Tyrone F on floor 4. What’s the story here? And what’s with the name? I’ll let David explain.
“This incredible series of three barrels were bottled to commemorate our favorite stops on the way to and from the wonderful distillery in Tyrone Kentucky back in Fall of 2024. Hiko-A-Mon is truly a secret that few are daring enough to explore. This little sushi spot in a suburb of Louisville looks like any other middle America sushi spot when you first walk in. It's usually packed with happy people enjoying chicken karaage and tempura. But, if you're bold enough to book an Omakase reservation for the bar in the back, you'll find Chef Hiko San waiting stoically. He's serious demeanor quickly softens when he realizes you "get it!" All of the fish is direct from Japan, aged and cured in house, and preparations are extremel traditional and high quality. This world class sushi experience is hiding in plain site in the middle of Kentucky and we are honored that he agreed to let us use his name on one of our favorite casks of Russell's in ages.”
Like all Russell’s Single barrels, this one is bottled at 110 proof and features non-chill filtration. This is barrel #24-0443 and was bottled on 1/23/25. With an MSRP of $74.99, is it worth the extra coin over Wild Turkey’s own Rare Breed expression? Let’s dive in and find out.
Age: 9 Years
ABV: 55%
Cask: New oak
MSRP: $74.99
Distillery Name: Wild Turkey
Review Date: 4/17/25
Color: Amber
Nose: First time putting my nose in the glass, I’m hit with a soft wave of cinnamon covered tortilla chips (is that a thing?). Theres a savory sweetness that slowly morphs into warm caramel sauce over brioche bread pudding, with splashes of oak and milk chocolate. Very well restrained heat with a bit lighter of a nose than I was expecting at 110 proof.
Palate: The palate is full of mint chocolate chip ice cream, light fruits, and fresh baked pie. It’s bright peaches covered in caramel sauce, cardamon, nutmeg, and more bread pudding. There’s a rye spice that comes in unexpectedly in the midpalate, bringing some herbaceous earthy tones to match the bright fruit. The mouthfeel is decent but falls off quickly as it moves into the finish.
Finish: Long finish with waves of minty freshness that lingers with spiced nuts, old oak, and lemon peel.
Final Thoughts: Whenever someone asks for a gift recommendation for bourbon between $60 and $80, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is always on my list. It’s a solid, high proof, delicious single barrel that often punches way above its weight. Unfortunately, this HIKO-A-MON isn’t one of those barrels. It is still very good but does not rise to the ranks of something truly remarkable. But that’s the fun of Russell’s single barrels – you get some of that classic Wild Turkey earthy, herbal quality, with a little splash of something different. For HIKO-A-MON, it could have easily fooled me into thinking this was a barely legal rye. And while it may not be one of the greatest Russell’s picks out there, it still remains heads and shoulders above many others at this price point.
