Compare
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B vs Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, wheat-forward classic versus an undiluted barrel-strength pour.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 12 years | 13 years +1 yr |
| Proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) +33 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$170 – $900 | ~$200 – $300 ~$285 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Limited easier to find |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof do not publish an official mash bill.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
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/8 heat: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
spice 3/6 spice: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
sweetness 8/8 sweetness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
- 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 and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B); neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof).