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Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon vs Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
Comparing Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon and Russell’s Reserve 15 Year reveals a matchup between a modern, wheated craft expression and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon | Russell’s Reserve 15 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 15% wheat, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 4 years | 15 years +11 yr |
| Proof | 87 proof (43.5% ABV) | 117.2 proof (58.6% ABV) +30 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $45 ~$283 less | ~$250 – $400 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 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
Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon
Didn't care for this one.
Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
One of my favorites.
Flavor Profile
Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon Russell’s Reserve 15 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 4/9 oak: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 9 out of 10
spice 2/6 spice: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 2 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10
heat 3/7 heat: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 15 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon: A farm-to-bottle wheater from northern Illinois. Soft red winter wheat keeps it gentle and bready, with caramel and vanilla up front and very little bite at 87 proof.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon if you want a soft, easygoing wheated bourbon made start to finish on one Midwest farm at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 15 Year if you want a very old, oak-heavy Wild Turkey for slow sipping with significantly more proof behind it and with an older age statement.
Best enjoyed rocks, highball, cocktails (Whiskey Acres Straight Bourbon); neat (Russell’s Reserve 15 Year).