Following distillation, Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon is aged in American oak casks that have been charred with a #4 char. Typically, the degree of charring within a cask is measured on a scale of one to four, with a #1 char referring to casks that have been slightly toasted, and a #4 char referring to casks that have been charred so heavily that the interior resembles an alligator hide (the latter are nicknamed alligator-charred casks). The heavy char contributes notes of vanilla and crème brûlée to Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon, and compliments its notes of oak and baking spices.
Bottled at 110 proof, Russell's Reserve Small Batch Single Barrel Bourbon has a surprisingly subtle aroma. Notes of cinnamon, oak and spicy wood are nicely balanced with undertones of vanilla, crème brûlée and honey, and ultimately lead to a deep and rich finish.
"People tell me, " I hate to get up and go to work,'" says Russell. "I go seven days a week. You know, on Saturdays and Sundays I may go out there and sit around for an hour or so."
