Russell’s Reserve 13 (2026) Review: Eddie Russell’s 45th Anniversary Bourbon

Is the 2026 Russell’s Reserve 13 worth $200? This week, I’m tasting the release celebrating Eddie Russell’s 45 years at Wild Turkey and looking back at what I loved about the original and 2025 bottles. Brown sugar Pop-Tarts on the nose and cherry cola on the palate? That’s where this pour takes me, but there are a couple of things I miss from earlier releases. I share my first impressions, final score, and what I’d actually pay for a bottle. Also this week: • Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson D arrives at $300. • Old Bardstown and Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond win major awards. • Bruichladdich brings back The Laddie Rye. • Frey Ranch introduces triticale in its Third Harvest whiskey. • Holladay makes bourbon-inspired dog treats. Yes, really. Which Russell’s 13 release is your favorite? And what’s your limit on a bottle? Thanks to my friend Brandon for sharing the review sample. Find more reviews, livestreams, and Byte Club membership at https://bourbonbytes.com. Chapter Markers for the Replay Squad:  00:00 This Week on Bourbon Bytes 01:07 Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson D 03:05 Budget Bourbons Win Big: Old Bardstown & Evan Williams 05:15 Bruichladdich’s Laddie Rye Returns 06:17 Frey Ranch Third Harvest & Triticale 08:11 Holladay’s Bourbon-Inspired Dog Treats 09:18 Russell’s Reserve 13 (2026): Eddie’s 45th Anniversary 12:03 Nose: Brown Sugar Pop-Tarts 13:42 Palate & Finish: Cherry Cola and Baking Spice 14:53 How It Compares With Earlier Russell’s 13 Releases 15:39 Value, Final Score & What I’d Pay 17:26 Livestreams & Upcoming Schedule