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Kentucky Owl Batch 12 vs Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
On paper Kentucky Owl Batch 12 and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$300 – $400 vs. ~$200 – $300) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Kentucky Owl Batch 12 | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 13 years |
| Proof | 115.8 proof (57.9% ABV) | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) +8 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$300 – $400 | ~$200 – $300 ~$100 less |
- Kentucky Owl Batch 12 and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Kentucky Owl Batch 12 Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Kentucky Owl Batch 12 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Kentucky Owl Batch 12 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: Kentucky Owl Batch 12 7 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
heat 7/8 heat: Kentucky Owl Batch 12 7 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
oak 8/8 oak: Kentucky Owl Batch 12 8 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Kentucky Owl Batch 12 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- Kentucky Owl Batch 12: A high-end blend of young and older sourced Kentucky bourbons. Leather, smoky oak and caramel, with a peppery, spice-forward palate.
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof: Thirteen-year Wild Turkey at full barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered. Cola, molasses and fruit cobbler sit on deep, charred oak, and each release carries its own proof.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Kentucky Owl Batch 12 if you want a spicy, leathery, high-end blended bourbon.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof if you want an old, uncut Wild Turkey with cola, cobbler and serious oak at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Kentucky Owl Batch 12); neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof).