Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month with Russell’s Reserve

By Matt Domino September 1, 2014

russells reserve russell — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The calendar has turned to September, which sadly means that the summer is more or less over. While we know that might make you sad, there’s plenty to be excited about this month. For starters, September is National Bourbon Heritage Month!

That’s right, back in 2007 the U.S. Senate passed a bill declaring September to be the month for Americans to enjoy their “native spirit”—responsibly, of course. And this year, we’ve got a particular bourbon we’re going to be tipping back all month: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Kentucky Bourbon.

If you aren’t already familiar, Russell’s Reserve is a small-batch bourbon named after Jimmy Russell—the legendary master distiller of Wild Turkey. Face it, when you’ve perfected widespread whiskey appeal, you’re going to get a bourbon with your namesake on it.

Russell’s has a deep amber color with a nose rich in vanilla, oak and toffee. What really stands out though is the touch of spice that comes with each sip. This isn’t just some standard liquor burn—this is a flavor with real depth, something that is there to discern, rather than struggle through.

What makes this September especially notable is the fact that it will be Jimmy Russell’s 60^th anniversary as the master distiller of Wild Turkey. To honor the occasion, his son and fellow distiller, Eddie Russell has created the limited Wild Turkey Diamond Anniversary Bourbon, which mixes 13- and 16-year old whiskeys. A unique drink for a unique milestone.

So, this September, if you really want to celebrate National Bourbon Heritage Month, you’ll pick up a bottle of Russell’s Reserve (and perhaps a bottle of Wild Turkey Diamond) and raise a glass to Jimmy Russell. He deserves a bit of thanks after all his years of good service.

See, just because summer’s over it doesn’t mean we can’t still find reasons to celebrate.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Matt Domino is a writer living in Brooklyn. His fiction has appeared in Slice and The Montreal Review, while his non-fiction…

Food & Drink

Ranked: 5 popular Scotch whisky bottles (all under $50)

There are deals to be found in the Scotch whisky world

A trio of whiskies

If you’re new to whisky, the phrase “budget Scotch whisky” might seem like an oxymoron on par with jumbo shrimp, dull roar, or working vacation. But it isn’t. Sure, you can spend an awful lot of money on one bottle of long-aged, complex single-malt Scotch whisky, but you can also find myriad value single malts and blended Scotch whiskies well worth adding to your home bar.

For those new to the spirit, Scotch whisky (only the US and Ireland use the ‘e’ in whiskey) is an aged spirit made from malt, grain, or a mixture of malt and grain whiskies. Also, since it’s called ‘Scotch, ' that should let you in on the fact that, like bourbon, Scotch whisky must be produced in Scotland.
Where to find budget Scotch whisky

Food & Drink

This is how to make the perfect dirty martini

Making a flavorful dirty martini is surprisingly easy

Dirty Martini

In the pantheon of classic cocktails, there are few more beloved than the Martini. Sure, the Old Fashioned, Margarita, and Manhattan get a lot of love, but only the Martini is the fictional secret agent James Bond’s favorite cocktail.

Although he preferred his shaken, most bartenders will tell you that to make a Martini is better when stirred. The classic Martini is made with gin, vermouth, and an olive or lemon peel garnish. Some drinkers mistakenly believe the cocktail is made with vodka, but that would technically make it a “Vodka Martini” as opposed to a classic Martini.
A murky history

Food & Drink

Upgrade your next barbecue with elk, the healthy red meat you should be eating

First Light Farms is raising high-quality pasture-raised elk deliverable to your front door.

cooked elk with cup

First Light Farms elk backstrap. Marilynne Bell / First Light Farms

If you're looking for a red meat alternative to beef that's delicious and packed with nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, protein-packed elk might be the answer. A great place to get pasture-raised elk delivered is First Light Farms. This New Zealand-based company raises 100% grass-fed wagyu, venison, and, most recently, elk, all deliverable to your front door. First Light Farms sent us several of their items to try, and we interviewed them to learn all about this must-try red meat.