Review: Russell's Reserve "Da Group"
Russell's Reserve Single Barrel - Da Group - 55%
A private barrel bottling of Russell's Reserve Single Barrel for a local Chicago group - dropped in January 2021. Couldn't find much in the way of specs on the selection, but a portion of the bottle proceeds went to Marine Toys for Tots for the holiday season. All in all, I've been a fan of most Russell's single barrels that I've tried. It's been too long since I poured one.
Notes: Smarties and tart candied fruits - citrus. Leather. Vanilla. Wet wood. I could nose this all night. Rich and syrupy on the palate - dense. Initially, flavors are a little too concentrated - canned peaches, vanilla. Baking spice and damp wood clean up the backend. The canned fruit notes kick back in for a long, low heat finish.
Score: 8 (Stash One) Total crusher. Drinks well under its proof. Great summer/fall profile with the canned peaches and baking spice. I regret not getting a bottle. It would've been long gone by now anyway.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour