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Russell’s Reserve 15 Year vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Put Russell’s Reserve 15 Year next to Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and you have a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve 15 Year | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 15 years +3 yr | 12 years |
| Proof | 117.2 proof (58.6% ABV) +27 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$250 – $400 ~$210 less | ~$170 – $900 |
- Russell’s Reserve 15 Year and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.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 15 Year
One of my favorites.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve 15 Year Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 7/3 heat: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
spice 6/3 spice: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 9/6 oak: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 9 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Russell’s Reserve 15 Year: The oldest regular Russell's Reserve, at barrel proof. Fifteen years in Camp Nelson rickhouses push it toward old oak, leather and dried fruit over the usual Turkey spice.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 15 Year if you want a very old, oak-heavy Wild Turkey for slow sipping at a significantly lower price point and with significantly more proof behind it.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat (Russell’s Reserve 15 Year); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).