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Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof vs Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Comparing Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof and Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon |
| 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) +24 proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$200 – $300 | ~$85 – $100 ~$158 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof and Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 8/5 heat: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 6/8 fruit: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
nuttiness 3/5 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
sweetness 8/8 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon: Finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Cognac casks. The casks layer dried fruit, orange and dark chocolate over the bourbon and leave a long, clove-spiced finish.
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 Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon if you want a sherry-and-Cognac-finished bourbon full of dried fruit and dark chocolate at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof); neat (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon).