Russell’s Reserve, the smaller batch brand produced at the Wild Turkey distillery, first released its 13-year-old bourbon back in 2021, and it immediately became a sensation that sold for close to a grand on the secondary market. Things have calmed down a bit since then, and the distillery has also released an older 15-year-old version, but Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old is still a truly great bourbon, as evidenced by the quality of this new brand-new batch.

This new release also comes at a special time for the distillery. This year marks master distiller Eddie Russell’s 45th anniversary at Wild Turkey, which is a very long time even if it pales in comparison to his father, Jimmy Russell, who has been there for more than 70 years. Still, 45 years is pretty good, so the new Russell’s Reserve 13 has a label that commemorates this anniversary. Also, Russell’s Reserve was created by Eddie to honor Jimmy’s 45th year at the distillery, so it makes sense that this would be the year for a special release like this.

But it’s about what’s in the bottle and not what’s on the bottle, right? And the bourbon inside is very good, bottled at a strong 121.2 proof with notes of vanilla, cherry, citrus, nutmeg, allspice, and cola on the palate. There is a deep depth of flavor to the whiskey, something that might be due to the fact that, according to Eddie’s son and associate master blender Bruce Russell, there is whiskey aged up to 18 years in this batch.

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Wild Turkey is also releasing a documentary about Eddie Russell called His Own Way: The Story of Eddie Russell, which follows him from his early years at the distillery to modern times. “Russell’s Reserve has always been deeply personal to me,” he said in a statement. “It started as a way to honor my dad and everything he taught me. 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.” And according to his son, Bruce, the moment he and his dad tasted that 18-year-old barrel and decided to use it in this new batch of Russell’s 13 is in the film.

Of course, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old is an allocated release that will likely sell for more than its $200 asking price on the secondary market, but you can find it starting this month at the distillery and select retailers around the country.