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Charles Goodnight Bourbon vs Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Comparing Charles Goodnight Bourbon and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel reveals a matchup between an uncut, spice-driven heavyweight and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Charles Goodnight Bourbon | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 6 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +5 proof | 110 proof (55% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$75 – $80 | ~$55 – $70 ~$15 less |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Charles Goodnight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Charles Goodnight Bourbon Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 6/4 fruit: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 7 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 6 out of 10
spice 7/8 spice: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 7 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
heat 8/7 heat: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 7 out of 10
oak 8/8 oak: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Charles Goodnight Bourbon 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- Charles Goodnight Bourbon: A barrel-strength Texas bourbon. The hot Texas climate pulls a lot of oak in six years, giving deep wood, brown sugar and dark fruit with plenty of rye spice.
- Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel: Non-chill-filtered single barrels at 110 proof, and the format that store picks have made a cult of. Concentrated Wild Turkey character with a texture the standard bottlings do not have.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Charles Goodnight Bourbon if you want a bold, oak-heavy Texas bourbon at barrel strength without hunting for it.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel if you want concentrated Wild Turkey character with single-barrel variation and real texture at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Charles Goodnight Bourbon); neat, old-fashioned (Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel).