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Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof vs Kentucky Owl Batch 12
On paper Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof and Kentucky Owl Batch 12 are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$200 – $300 vs. ~$300 – $400) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof | Kentucky Owl Batch 12 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +8 proof | 115.8 proof (57.9% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$200 – $300 ~$100 less | ~$300 – $400 |
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof and Kentucky Owl Batch 12 do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 6 out of 10
fruit 6/4 fruit: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 4 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 7 out of 10
heat 8/7 heat: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 7 out of 10
oak 8/8 oak: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 8 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- 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.
- 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.
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 at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Kentucky Owl Batch 12 if you want a spicy, leathery, high-end blended bourbon.
Best enjoyed neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof); neat (Kentucky Owl Batch 12).