As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide some insights into the aging process of Russell's Reserve single barrel Rye. However, it's important to note that the exact aging period of this particular rye whiskey is not explicitly stated by the distillery. This lack of specific information makes it difficult to provide an exact answer, but we can make some educated guesses based on available information.
Firstly, it's worth mentioning that Russell's Reserve is produced by the Wild Turkey distillery, which is known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. They have a long-standing tradition of aging their whiskies for a significant period of time to develop rich and complex flavors.
Traditionally, rye whiskey is aged for a minimum of two years in new charred oak barrels to be legally classified as “straight rye whiskey” in the United States. However, many distilleries choose to age their ryes for longer periods to enhance the flavor profile and achieve a desired level of maturity.
When it comes to Russell's Reserve single barrel Rye, there are a few factors that suggest it could be aged for a significant period of time. Firstly, the limited releases of older rye expressions from the Master's Keep series indicate that the distillery has access to well-aged rye whiskey stocks. The Master's Keep Cornerstone Rye, for example, is aged between 9 and 11 years old, while the Master's Keep Unforgotten is a 9-year-old rye.
Considering this, it is plausible to assume that the single barrel ryes from Russell's Reserve could be aged for longer than the minimum legal requirement of two years. The absence of specific age statements on the single barrel releases allows for some flexibility in aging, potentially resulting in older expressions.
However, it's important to note that this is purely speculation based on the available information. Without an official age statement, we cannot say with certainty how long each individual barrel of Russell's Reserve single barrel Rye has been aged.
In my personal experience, I have found that older rye whiskies tend to exhibit deeper and more complex flavors. The aging process allows the spirit to interact with the oak barrels, imparting notes of vanilla, caramel, and spices. The longer the aging period, the more time the whiskey has to develop these flavors and mellow out any harsh edges.
Ultimately, the aging period of Russell's Reserve single barrel Rye remains a mystery, but the reputation of the distillery and the limited releases of older rye expressions suggest that it could be aged for a significant period of time.