Sips & Sites & Bites

There’s something quietly poetic about a whiskey that tells the story of the land it came from. That’s exactly what Russell’s Reserve continues to do with its celebrated Single Rickhouse Collection … a series that digs deep into the idea of “whiskey terroir,” exploring how the smallest environmental details can shape the final spirit. This year’s chapter, Camp Nelson E (2025 Edition), may just be the most intriguing one yet.

Nestled deep among the trees near the Kentucky River, Camp Nelson E is a 1946-built rickhouse with character as rich as the whiskey it helps age. Unlike the sun-drenched Camp Nelson B from last year’s release, this rickhouse enjoys cooler, shaded conditions and steady river breezes. Its dirt-floor “basement” level and north-south orientation create a slow-aging microclimate that coaxes out subtle, layered flavors instead of fast, fiery ones.

For the 2025 edition, Master Distiller Eddie Russell and his team handpicked barrels from the fifth floor … right in the heart of that cool environment. The result? A bourbon bottled at a bold 128 proof (the highest in the collection to date) and non-chill filtered to retain every bit of its depth and texture.

From the first nosing, you’re met with vanilla, caramel, and maple, evolving into notes of figs, dried orange peel, cola, and toasted oak. The palate opens beautifully with dried fruit, cherry, and mint, rounded by hints of graham cracker and nutmeg spice. The finish lingers warmly, unfolding layers of molasses, sweet oak, and a pinch of black pepper … a comforting close to a truly sophisticated pour.

Eddie Russell calls Camp Nelson E “one of the most interesting aging environments we have,” and it’s clear why. This release perfectly embodies the balance of tradition and curiosity that has made Russell’s Reserve a cornerstone of American bourbon craftsmanship.

At $300 suggested retail price, this limited-edition bottle is a collector’s piece, but more importantly, it’s a sensory journey through Kentucky’s quiet backwoods. For those lucky enough to snag one, or attend the October 27th vertical tasting at Wild Turkey Distillery, it’s a sip of history, place, and passion, bottled with unmistakable care.

Verdict: Camp Nelson E is Russell’s Reserve at its most refined … bold, complex, and deeply expressive of where it was born. A must-have for bourbon lovers who chase character over hype.