Sips & Sites & Bites

Some whiskey releases are about age statements and tasting notes. Others are about celebrating the people behind the barrel. Russell’s Reserve has managed to do both with the return of its highly anticipated 13 Year Old Bourbon, a special release that also honors Master Distiller Eddie Russell’s remarkable 45-year career at Wild Turkey.

For bourbon fans, Eddie Russell hardly needs an introduction. The son of legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, Eddie began what was supposed to be a temporary summer job at the Lawrenceburg, Kentucky distillery back in 1981. Forty-five years later, he’s become one of the most respected names in American whiskey, helping shape not only Wild Turkey’s legacy but the modern bourbon landscape itself.

To celebrate the milestone, Russell’s Reserve is releasing a commemorative Spring 2026 edition of its coveted 13 Year Old Bourbon, complete with a special label honoring Eddie’s decades of craftsmanship. The release arrives alongside a new short documentary, His Own Way: The Story of Eddie Russell, which explores his journey from eager distillery worker to Hall of Fame Master Distiller.

What makes this release particularly meaningful is its connection to family. Russell’s Reserve was originally created by Eddie as a tribute to his father’s own 45th anniversary with Wild Turkey. Now the brand comes full circle as it celebrates Eddie’s achievement.

And there’s even a personal touch inside the bottle.

According to Eddie’s son, Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell, one memorable moment captured during filming involved Eddie pulling an 18-year-old barrel and sharing a tasting with him. The barrel impressed both of them so much that it ultimately became part of this year’s 13 Year Old release.

As for the bourbon itself, the 2026 edition continues the tradition that has made Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old one of the most sought-after bottles in American whiskey. Bottled at a robust 121.2 proof (60.6% ABV), the bourbon showcases Eddie’s talent for selecting barrels that deliver depth, balance, and complexity.

The nose opens with classic notes of vanilla and oak before moving into brown sugar, coffee, and a hint of orange peel. On the palate, bright cherry and citrus flavors mingle with nutmeg, allspice, and subtle cola sweetness. The finish lingers with caramel, toffee, and gentle oak tannins.

The result is a bourbon that feels both familiar and distinctive … a fitting reflection of Eddie Russell’s approach to whiskey making, which has always balanced respect for tradition with a willingness to let each barrel tell its own story.

The highly allocated release is available beginning this month in limited quantities online, at the Wild Turkey Visitor’s Center, and through select retailers nationwide. The suggested retail price is $200 per 750ml bottle.

Fans can also celebrate Eddie’s legacy on June 23, when His Own Way: The Story of Eddie Russell debuts for a one-night-only screening at select Alamo Drafthouse locations across the country. The documentary will be followed by a showing of the classic baseball film Field of Dreams.

For bourbon enthusiasts, the new Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old offers more than just another limited release. It’s a tribute to one of the industry’s most influential craftsmen, whose four-and-a-half decades of dedication continue to shape every bottle that bears the Russell name.