Russell's Reserve Private Barrel Selection (Barrel #25-0396 - Delta Blues) - Rare Bird 101 & Keg N Bottle Private Barrel Pick 750 ml

BARREL DETAILS

• Distilled - 02/01/17
• Dumped - 11/19/2025
• Bottled - 12/05/2025
  
• Warehouse - Camp Nelson, E, 4th Floor
• Age - 8 Years, 293 Days
• Proof 110 (117.8 @ barrel selection)

TASTING NOTES

• Overall:  Vanilla creme, cake frosting, candy apple, cherry lemon-lime soda, hints of sweet woody spice; caramel drizzle, rich nougat, cherry cream pie, charred oak, white pepper; medium-long finish w/ vanilla bean, warm cherry pastry, oak spice, toffee, barrel-aged raspberry ginger ale
  
• Impression:  If I recall correctly, this particular barrel was Kenny and Ryan’s favorite. At the bare minimum, it was one they talked about for a good bit of time, as I remember the dry spice finish being a highlight topic. Interestingly, that dry spice became more of a ginger ale note after being diluted to 110 proof. But I’m getting ahead of myself. 

  The nose exhibits a number of similarities with the other CNE selections, as it’s loaded with vanilla, cherry, and sweet oak notes. On the palate, the profile grows richer and darker with the addition of silky caramel and nougat. And again, the finish lingers with a slowly diminishing berry ginger ale vibe. I wouldn’t quite call it a long finish, but it’s pushing it. Hell, it may just have the longest finish of the Year of Camp Nelson series.

  If you’re a fan of soda notes - specifically, berry ginger ale - this barrel has your name on it. And though I wouldn’t call it a spicy profile, it has the most noteworthy spice of the CNEs.