Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon Returns for Spring 2026

The highly allocated Spring 2026 return of the 13 Year Old features a commemorative label and rare 18-year-old honey barrels.

LAWRENCEBURG, KY — Award-winning bourbon producer Russell’s Reserve has announced a multi-part liquid and cinematic celebration honoring Hall of Fame Master Distiller Eddie Russell’s 45th anniversary with Wild Turkey Distilling Co. The milestone is highlighted by the highly anticipated return of Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon Spring 2026 Limited Release alongside an original short-form documentary titled “His Own Way: The Story of Eddie Russell.”

Eddie Russell originally joined the distillery in 1981 for what was planned as a temporary summer job, which quickly evolved into a lifetime calling. Over more than four decades, he mastered nearly every vertical of production, eventually creating the Russell’s Reserve brand extension to honor his father, Jimmy Russell. Today, Eddie’s son, Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell, continues the family lineage.

Close up of Russell's Reserve 13 Year 2026 with Eddie Russell Picture

A full view bottle of Russells Reserve 13

The Spring 2026 allocation of the 13 Year Old arrives with a custom commemorative label acknowledging Eddie’s 45-year tenure. Bottled at a robust barrel proof of 121.2 (60.6% ABV), this batch includes select older inventory—specifically containing rare 18-year-old barrels hand-pulled by Eddie and Bruce during the filming of the documentary.

“Russell’s Reserve has always been deeply personal to me. It started as a way to honor my dad and everything he taught me,” says Master Distiller Eddie Russell. “Now, the opportunity to celebrate my own 45 years with a new release of the 13 Year Old – a bourbon that really showcases how I approach the craft – and to see my story shared through this film, is incredibly special.”

“My dad has given his entire life to this craft, and to see him reach 45 years is so special,” said Associate Master Blender and son of Eddie, Bruce Russell. “While we were filming, Dad actually pulled an 18 year old barrel and we tasted it together – of course, it was exceptional. That barrel ended up in this year’s 13 Old release. It was just one of those moments that felt so true to who Dad is and what he does best. To have that captured on camera, and that barrel in this year’s release, makes it all even more meaningful.”

Liquid Specifications & Tasting Profile

Proof: 121.2 Proof | 60.6% ABV (Barrel Proof)
Aroma: Notes of vanilla and oak transition to brown sugar and coffee with a distinct orange peel note.
Taste: Bright fruit notes of cherry and citrus followed by spice notes of nutmeg and allspice with sweet notes of cola.
Finish: Medium-long finish with caramel, toffee, and hints of oak tannin.
MSRP & Availability: Available beginning this month for $200 SRP per 750 ML bottle. Quantities remain highly limited and allocated across select national retailers, online platforms, and the distillery Visitor’s Center.

Cinematic Theatrical Run & Tasting Events

The original documentary will debut for a one-day-only engagement on June 23, 2026, at select Alamo Drafthouse theaters nationwide, paired with special programming. Additionally, on June 30, 2026, the Wild Turkey Distillery Visitor Center in Lawrenceburg will host a ticketed experiential screening, tasting lineup, and meet-and-greet with Eddie Russell. Consumers can track updates and sign up for ticketing lists at RussellsReserve.com.

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