Bottled at 110 proof, the Russell's Reserve single barrel isn't labeled as "cask strength" but seeing that most single barrels of Wild Turkey we've tasted clock in at around 55% naturally, it might as well be. Wild Turkey isn't a big, dark, rich, tannic style of whiskey. It's a softer, more cinnamon and clove spice-dominated, easier-sipping style of bourbon and the single barrel Russell's Reserve might be the best product available from the distillery. It's entirely drinkable at the full proof due to its more elegant style, but takes water or ice quite splendidly. Having recently visited the distillery, we're now big fans of the kickin' chicken here at K&L. The Russells have refused to alter their production methods to fit in with the current economic bourbon boom. They still make old school bourbon in an old school way and the single barrel is perhaps the best way to ascertain the quality of what they're doing. Candy corn, mellow caramel, baking spices, and long, spicy richness that goes on forever, with just enough pop from the higher proof to really add that extra high note. Lovely, lovely stuff. *Gold Medal 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition*