Russell’s Reserve 13 Bourbon (2025) vs Russell’s Reserve 10 Bourbon – Wild Turkey’s Legacy Battle

Sep 12

Russell’s Reserve 13 Bourbon (2025) vs Russell’s Reserve 10 Bourbon

The bourbon world is buzzing. Russell’s Reserve 13 Bourbon (2025) has dropped, and this year’s edition clocks in at a jaw-dropping 123.8 proof — the highest proof Wild Turkey has ever released under the Russell’s name. But how does this powerhouse bourbon compare to the steady, shelf-friendly Russell’s Reserve 10 Bourbon? That’s the battle we tackled in our latest episode of Tortured Bourbon.

🥃 Russell’s Reserve 10 Bourbon – The Steady Classic

Russell’s 10 Bourbon is the bottle you can always count on. Aged 10 years and bottled at 90 proof, it’s approachable and balanced, delivering classic Wild Turkey flavors without overwhelming heat.

Nose: vanilla sugar cookies, light oak, caramel drizzle
Palate: vanilla cream, golden honey, a dusting of cinnamon spice
Finish: soft oak, gentle pepper, thin caramel sweetness

It’s the bourbon that feels like home — reliable, approachable, and always welcoming.

🥃 Russell’s Reserve 13 Bourbon (2025) – The Bold Unicorn

Since its first release in 2021, Russell’s Reserve 13 Bourbon has been one of the most sought-after annual releases in bourbon. The 2025 edition sets a new bar: 123.8 proof, bolder than anything Russell’s has ever released.

Nose: cherry compote, brown sugar, toasted oak, clove
Palate: thick and oily with cola syrup, molasses, dark berries, buttery pastry
Finish: long, rolling oak and char, fading into a peppery cola note

Russell’s 13 Bourbon isn’t just bold — it’s refined. This is a bourbon you don’t just sip; you sit with it.

🥃 Bourbon Legacy at Wild Turkey

Behind every Russell’s Bourbon is legacy. Jimmy Russell, known as the “Buddha of Bourbon,” and his son Eddie Russell have built Wild Turkey into one of the most respected bourbon distilleries in Kentucky. The Russell’s lineup represents that dedication: Russell’s 10 Bourbon for everyday enjoyment, and Russell’s 13 Bourbon for those who chase something rare and powerful.

🥃 Which Russell’s Bourbon Wins?

At the end of the day, Russell’s 10 Bourbon is the daily driver, while Russell’s Reserve 13 Bourbon (2025) is the heavy hitter. Both bottles carry the unmistakable Wild Turkey character, but in very different ways.

Russell’s 10 Bourbon: approachable, reliable, a classic you can find on shelves
Russell’s 13 Bourbon (2025): limited, high-proof, bold, and unforgettable

So the real question is — which Russell’s Bourbon would you chase?

🎥 Watch the Full Episode

Catch our full head-to-head review here: Watch on YouTube

🌐 More from Tortured Bourbon

At Tortured Bourbon, we explore bourbon one sip, one bottle, and one debate at a time. From Russell’s Reserve 13 Bourbon to Russell’s 10 Bourbon, we break down tasting notes, history, and why these bottles matter in the bourbon community.

👉 Visit our site: Torturedbourbon.com

👉 Grab your Tortured Bourbon swag: Shop Now

👉 Support the channel: Buy Us a Coffee

🥃 Final Pour

Russell’s Reserve 10 Bourbon will always be a dependable classic. Russell’s Reserve 13 Bourbon (2025) raises the bar with its bold proof and layered complexity. Both bottles deserve respect — but only one will win space in your glass tonight.

Which team are you? Team 10 or Team 13?