Consumer demand for Rye Whiskey is reaching new heights not seen since prior to Prohibition. The folks at Wild Turkey have responded with their latest release that is said to be a new permanent addition to their lineup.
Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell are releasing a 104 proof, barrel-aged rye they like to call a spice bomb – Russell’s Reserve® Single Barrel Rye. Jimmy and Eddie, with 95 years of combined Whiskey-making experience, are longtime advocates of Rye; a trademark ingredient that gives Russell’s Reserve and Wild Turkey® Bourbon their iconic spiciness.
“Jimmy and I have always been passionate about Rye – it’s why our Wild Turkey and Russell’s Reserve expressions all have that spicy kick – and why we’ve also had a staple of Rye Whiskey in our portfolio for decades”
According to a recent report from the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) Rye Whiskey volumes have grown 536% from 88,000 9-liter cases in 2009 to over a half million cases (561,000) in 2014.
The Master Distiller duo selected barrels primarily from the “center cut” locations (levels 3 – 5) of the rick houses for their newest creation. The new Rye is not chilled-filtered to capture all the flavor rye provides. This release is said to be rich in caramel color, single barrel with a balance of spicy pepper, vanilla and caramel on the nose and palate.
Stay Informed: Sign up here for our Distillery Trail free email newsletter and be the first to get all the latest news, trends, job listings and events in your inbox.
“Jimmy and I have always been passionate about Rye – it’s why our Wild Turkey and Russell’s Reserve expressions all have that spicy kick – and why we’ve also had a staple of Rye Whiskey in our portfolio for decades,” said Master Distiller Eddie Russell. “We know bartenders love to experiment with Rye, but what’s equally exciting is seeing the uptick in consumer interest. I’m having just as many conversations in the global marketplace about our Rye offerings as I am about our Bourbon offerings.”
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye will be available year-round as a permanent addition to the Russell’s Reserve portfolio joining its predecessors Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon, Russell’s Reserve 6 Year Old Rye and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon. It will be sold nationwide in 750ml bottles starting September 2015 for a suggested retail price of $59.99.
