Whiskey Wars: Wild Turkey-Russell's Reserve 10 & 16 Year; Ep. 34

Whiskey Wars: Wild Turkey-Russell's Reserve 10 & 16 Year; Ep. 34

Author: Bourbon, Brass & Beyond March 17, 2026 Duration: 14:37

Whiskey Wars: Wild Turkey Edition — The 1983 Vintage & the 2003 Throwback! Hold onto your glasses, folks! Tonight, we're diving nose-first into a whiskey showdown featuring a rare 1983 Austin Nichols Wild Turkey 101 and a couple of modern Russell's Reserves. Spoiler: It’s a flavor rollercoaster that’ll leave your taste buds begging for mercy—and maybe a second sip.

In this episode:
  • How proof and aging influence flavor, with a love letter to that 1983 dusty bottle
  • The surprising styles of Russell's Reserve 10-year versus the 16-year old
  • Tasting notes that'll make you rethink what "smooth" really means
  • Why some whiskeys get better with age, or at least a good dose of nostalgia
Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to Bourbon Brass and Beyond: Whiskey tasting extravaganza! 00:55 - Russell’s Reserve Night kicks off with a 10-year, 90 proof, and age-old stories 01:24 - Barrel entry proof shocker: What 107 vs. 125 really means 02:17 - Plastic fighting and post-crack aroma—welcome to whiskey life 03:14 - Comparing proof levels: high proof vs. low proof, and all the nuances 03:46 - Nostalgic vibes: Dusty Wild Turkey and its throwback nose 04:43 - Tasting the 16-year-old, bottled in 2020, at 89.5 proof — a smooth operator 05:37 - Discounting quick finishes and embracing the long-lasting flavor hold 06:50 - What the bottle’s notches and old corks tell us about history 07:45 - Mellow aged bourbon vs. higher proof: the battle of flavor stamina 08:43 - Smoother, darker char? It's all about aging—less bite, more finesse 09:52 - The charm of old dusty bottles—what makes them special 10:22 - Comparing the 10-year to the 16-year—the flavor evolution is real! 11:25 - Leather, mint, caramel, and oak—tasting notes you’d swear were magical 12:46 - How proof and aging affect the thickness and finish 15:02 - The old Dusty versus modern bottles: a nose for nostalgia 16:34 - The peppery finish and what that says about the aging process 17:24 - All of them are winners, but which one really takes the crown? 18:23 - The rare find: a wild turkey secrets moment 19:07 - Final thoughts: which whiskey got the longest-lasting flavor?

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Cheers to discovering those hidden whiskey gems and reliving old distillery memories. Until next time—sip, enjoy, repeat!


There’s a particular warmth that comes from good company, a shared pour, and a great story. That’s the feeling at the heart of Bourbon, Brass & Beyond, a podcast hosted by neighbors Bob and Dan. Their friendship frames each conversation, blending two distinct worlds into something uniquely engaging. Bob brings his relentless passion for tracking down remarkable bourbons, a pursuit he balances with being a dad and his role in operations management. Dan offers a different rhythm, drawn from a life spent mastering the trumpet and navigating the skies as an airline pilot, all while raising his own family. This isn’t a formal review show or a technical flight log. Instead, it’s where the hunt for a perfect bottle meets the soulful notes of a brass section and tales from travels high above the clouds. They often open their personal collections, sharing tastes and thoughts with each other and with guests, making every episode feel like an invitation to pull up a chair. The result is a natural exploration of life’s richer flavors and soundtracks. You’ll hear conversations that meander from the nuances of a specific distiller’s craft to the unexpected lessons learned between cities, all underscored by a deep appreciation for the hobbies and moments that define us. Tune in for a podcast that genuinely connects the spirit of bourbon with the music of everyday adventures.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 43

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