Compare
Russell’s Reserve 15 Year vs Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
On paper Russell’s Reserve 15 Year and Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year are near neighbours — both traditional bourbons — so price (~$250 – $400 vs. ~$65 – $75) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve 15 Year | Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 68% corn, 18% rye, 14% malted barley |
| Age | 15 years +11 yr | 4 years |
| Proof | 117.2 proof (58.6% ABV) | 125.2 proof (62.6% ABV) +8 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$250 – $400 | ~$65 – $75 ~$255 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Limited easier to find |
- Russell’s Reserve 15 Year and Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve 15 Year Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 9/4 oak: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 9 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 4 out of 10
heat 7/9 heat: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 9 out of 10
sweetness 7/7 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 7 out of 10
spice 6/6 spice: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 3 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Oak is doing most of the differentiating here.
- 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.
- Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year: Willett's own young distillate at full barrel proof. It is loud and sweet, all caramel corn, pastry and citrus, with a lot of heat for a four-year bourbon. Proof varies by batch.
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 with an older age statement.
- Go with Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year if you want a young, hot, barrel-proof pour that shows off Willett's own distillate at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Russell’s Reserve 15 Year); neat (Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year).