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Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof vs Redemption Bourbon
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof and Redemption Bourbon sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an undiluted barrel-strength pour versus a sourced, rye-forward blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof | Redemption Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | 13 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) +40 proof | 84 proof (42% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$200 – $300 | ~$25 – $32 ~$222 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof does 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.
Redemption Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof Redemption Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 8/3 heat: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10
oak 8/4 oak: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 4 out of 10
sweetness 8/5 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 7 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Redemption Bourbon: Straightforward sourced MGP at a modest proof, and about as clear a reference sample of the high-rye MGP profile as you can buy. Thin neat, but a reliable and inexpensive cocktail base.
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 with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- Go with Redemption Bourbon if you want an inexpensive, unambiguous example of the MGP high-rye style for mixing at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof); old-fashioned, cocktails, highball (Redemption Bourbon).