Wild Turkey Distillery and Russell’s Reserve have launched the latest release in the Single Rickhouse Collection: Camp Nelson B. The release is the third installment in the Collection and the highest proof offering yet at 120.2. The Single Rickhouse Collection focuses on the concept of whiskey terroir and examines how the aging environment within a specific rickhouse affects the whiskey’s final characteristics. Following previous releases, Camp Nelson C in 2022 and Camp Nelson F in 2023, this edition is crafted from stocks exclusively sourced from a single rickhouse and is available now in select markets.
The legendary rickhouse known as “Camp Nelson B” was built in 1946 and is located at a higher elevation and receives more sunlight than other rickhouses on Wild Turkey’s property. This elevated exposure has significantly contributed to the bourbon’s oak profile and elevated proof. The higher temperatures in the rickhouse, especially on the sixth floor where the barrels were chosen, intensified the aging process, leading to a rich, robust whiskey with a high proof.
Master Distiller Eddie Russell emphasized that the selection of barrels from the warmer sixth floor was intentional, aiming to showcase the bourbon’s unique flavors, including rich, dark honey and char notes. He believes that this bottling captures the essence of Russell’s Reserve, representing the culmination of careful barrel curation and the influence of the aging environment on whiskey character.
The higher we went, the hotter it got, and the more oak we were getting on the whiskeys. For Camp Nelson B, we wanted to make sure we were really showcasing the rich, dark honey and char notes that we tend to get from that rickhouse, and we had a feeling that the bourbon we were looking for was sitting up there, enjoying the sun. To me, this bottling of Single Rickhouse embodies the essence of Russell’s Reserve and I couldn’t be prouder of the final product – it’s truly one of our best.
– Eddie Russell
According to the brand, Camp Nelson B presents a complex flavor profile, featuring aromas of oak, vanilla, and sweet cream, transitioning into cinnamon and spice. The palate has notes of cherry and dark honey, complemented by herbal undertones, while the finish is long and spicy with mature oak and pepper. This limited release is priced at $300 per 750 ML bottle, available at select U.S. retailers and the Wild Turkey Distillery Visitor Center. As with prior releases, this release will be hard-to-find but undoubtedly worth the hunt.
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