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Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof vs Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)
On paper Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof and Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$200 – $300 vs. ~$80 – $100) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof | Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 13 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) +14 proof | 110 proof (55% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$200 – $300 | ~$80 – $100 ~$160 less |
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof and Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) do not publish an official mash bill.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
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 7 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 4 out of 10
oak 8/8 oak: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 8 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 6 out of 10
heat 8/8 heat: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 8 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- 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.
- Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series): Barrell blends sourced barrels from multiple states and bottles at cask strength, and the batches differ enormously. At their best they show a tropical fruit note that almost nothing else in bourbon delivers.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof if you want an old, uncut Wild Turkey with cola, cobbler and serious oak.
- Go with Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) if you want an adventurous, cask-strength blend and you accept that each batch is its own animal at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof); neat (Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)).