Intro

Tonight we’re reviewing RUSSELO TRACE. This is a bottle from one of several “frankenbarrels” that hit the market over the last few months. It’s a single barrel bourbon that was distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery, aged for 15+ years at Wild Turkey in Wild Turkey barrels, bottled by The Whiskey Blendery, and picked by The Den. As huge fans of all 4 of these distillers/blenders/groups, this is a bottle I couldn’t pass up.

Nose (9)

Immediately, this whiskey is bright! This does NOT smell like a 16yr bourbon. I’m getting strong notes of strawberry, Granny Smith apple, tropical fruits like melon/kiwi - all sweet fruits that have that kind of bright acidity.

Palate (9.5)

A 16yr, 120+ proof bourbon has no right being this bright nor this mellow. Many bottles over 15yrs end up taking on this heavy, overbearing, dark oak that’s extremely tannic - it dries out your tongue. The mouthfeel on Russelo Trace has an almost creamy texture. Typical bourbon toasted vanilla does come through, but the kiwi note from the nose is front and center. There’s definitely a tang in there - it’s reminiscent of a vanilla yogurt parfait with kiwi and graham cracker topping.

Finish (8.5)

It lingers, develops, then lingers again… It makes you really want to chew on it, constantly moving your tongue to seeking those changing notes. I’m still getting kiwi, but also honeydew melon. It’s a toasted green fruit tart pastry in a glen. I’m also getting a slight Strawberry Twizzler note on the finish, but I know a few of these BuffTurkey barrels have that note prominently so it could be internal bias.

Rating (9) - one of the best pours of my life

Russelo Trace is a wild ride, all the way from distillation to the lingering finish. I’ve never had a bourbon like it. It earned an Overall 9 score, joining the ranks of only 2 other bottles that have ever earned 9+ from me