In a market overflowing with premium-label bourbon releases, Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse: Camp Nelson C enters the scene with a wave of nostalgia and a hefty price tag. Priced at $250, this release stirred up the bourbon community when it first hit shelves in October 2022. It was marketed not only as a small-batch, limited-edition bourbon but also as a farewell to Camp Nelson Warehouse C, which has since been dismantled after decades of service.
Backed by the storied Wild Turkey Distillery, this inaugural Single Rickhouse bottling draws from 72 barrels aged on the third and fourth floors of the now-defunct rickhouse. While the label and backstory are certainly rich, the whiskey itself has sparked mixed reactions. Let’s break down whether this bourbon lives up to its pedigree—or if it’s just another luxury shelf piece in an oversaturated market.
Whiskey Details and Background
- Distillery: Wild Turkey (Lawrenceburg, Kentucky)
- Label: Russell’s Reserve
- Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
- Proof: 112.4 (56.2% ABV)
- Age: Non-age-stated, but all barrels used were over 10 years old
- MSRP: $250
- Special Note: A tribute to Camp Nelson Warehouse C, which has been decommissioned
Nose: Familiar and Comforting, But Predictable
The nose opens with signature Wild Turkey notes—vanilla toffee, crème brûlée, and a healthy dose of aged oak. There’s also a spiced backbone with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a light black pepper edge. These aromas quickly establish this as a classic Kentucky bourbon experience.
Deeper sniffs bring out allspice, vanilla bean, and that dusty wood funk that transports seasoned drinkers to the center of a rickhouse. The whiskey is rich in ethanol but still allows the toffee and spice to shine through in a balanced way.
After the first sip, the nose stays relatively stable, anchored by that oak-heavy profile and a bit of vanilla extract. Once the glass is nearly empty, it tapers off into faint notes of pie crust, petunias, and a whiff of potting soil. It’s a strong start, although not particularly unique.
Palate: A Gentle Pour That Fails to Impress
The first sip surprises with floral undertones—a stark contrast from the heavier oak presence on the nose. There’s a softness here that leans toward whoopie pie filling, rum-soaked cashews, and pecan candy. The texture is approachable but lighter than expected for its proof.
While the core is pleasant enough, the whiskey doesn’t deliver any defining punch. It echoes familiar Wild Turkey 101 territory, without offering anything significantly elevated in terms of flavor. With more sips, milk chocolate, lemon juice, and a bit of green tea show up, but the profile remains subdued.
The palate feels blended and flat, a mash of classic bourbon notes lacking the singular identity that a $250 bottle should command. As the glass nears its end, the whiskey reveals very little evolution. It’s enjoyable, sure—but unmemorable.
Finish: Short, Soft, and Faint
The finish of Camp Nelson C is medium in length, but it tapers off into whispers of oak, vanilla, and mild citrus. A fleeting suggestion of spice dances across the tongue, but quickly disappears. There’s little to latch onto in the final moments of the sip, making it an underwhelming send-off to what could have been a powerful ending.
The Value Question: What Are You Really Paying For?
This release is wildly overpriced when compared to Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel, Rare Breed, or even the excellent Russell’s 13 Year. While the Camp Nelson warehouse has historical significance and undoubtedly imparted its own character to the barrels, the actual flavor profile doesn’t differ enough from Wild Turkey’s core line to justify the premium.
The nose is well-built. The palate is pleasant. But the complexity and nuance you expect at this tier? Largely absent. It’s more like a tribute to tradition than a standout achievement in flavor or innovation.
It’s also worth noting that this release arrived at the peak of the “premiumization” trend in American whiskey. Collectors may enjoy the novelty, but long-time Wild Turkey fans may see this as a cash grab with limited return.
Better Alternatives in the Wild Turkey Line
For those looking to experience the best of Wild Turkey without dropping $250, consider the following:
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year: Fuller flavor, more complexity, and already a fan favorite
- Rare Breed Bourbon: Exceptional value at barrel proof, often under $70
- Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit: A solid single barrel that showcases what the brand does best
- Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel: Still among the best value picks in premium bourbon
These expressions carry much of the same DNA and often outperform Camp Nelson C in blind tastings.
Final Verdict
Rating: 3 out of 5
Well-made, but ultimately forgettable
The Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse: Camp Nelson C is a solid bourbon that leans heavily on nostalgia and branding. It’s a competent pour with classic flavors, but it doesn’t take the drinker anywhere new.
For $250, you should expect not just a good story and a limited-edition label—but a pour that challenges or elevates. This doesn’t quite do either. It’s fine bourbon dressed in fancy clothes, resting comfortably on Wild Turkey’s legacy rather than pushing it forward.
