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Michter's US*1 Small Batch vs Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Comparing Michter's US*1 Small Batch and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Michter's US*1 Small Batch | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) | 110 proof (55% ABV) +19 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 ~$13 less | ~$55 – $70 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Michter's US*1 Small Batch Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/8 spice: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
heat 3/7 heat: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 7 out of 10
oak 5/8 oak: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 6 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
- 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 Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges at a lower price point and 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 with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch); neat, old-fashioned (Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel).