As an expert sommelier and brewer, I must admit that it is difficult to say with certainty how long Russell's Reserve Single Barrel rye is aged. The lack of information regarding the specific aging process of this particular rye makes it a matter of speculation. However, I can offer some insights and analysis based on my experience and knowledge.
Firstly, it is important to note that Russell's Reserve Single Barrel rye is part of the broader Russell's Reserve line, which is produced by Wild Turkey. Wild Turkey is known for its quality whiskies, and the Russell's Reserve range is highly regarded in the industry. However, the brand does not disclose the exact age of their whiskies, including the Single Barrel rye.
One clue we have is that the regular Russell's Reserve Single Barrel bourbon is typically aged for around 8-9 years. This suggests that the rye expression may also be aged for a similar period, as it is likely that the brand would aim for consistency across their product lines.
Another factor to consider is the limited availability of older rye releases from Wild Turkey. The only older rye releases known so far are the Master's Keep Cornerstone Rye (9-11 years old) and Master's Keep Unforgotten (9-year-old rye). This scarcity of older rye expressions indicates that the single barrel ryes could potentially be aged longer than the commonly available 6-year-old rye.
However, it is important to emphasize that these are all speculative assumptions based on the information available. Without official confirmation from Wild Turkey or more specific details about the aging process, we cannot be certain about the exact age of Russell's Reserve Single Barrel rye.
In my personal experience, I have encountered situations where distilleries intentionally keep the aging process a mystery to add an air of mystique to their products. This can create intrigue among consumers and contribute to the overall appeal of the brand. While transparency regarding aging is valued by some enthusiasts, others enjoy the mystery and intrigue surrounding a whisky's production methods.
To summarize, the age of Russell's Reserve Single Barrel rye is uncertain, but it is possible that it is aged for longer than the commonly available 6-year-old rye. The limited availability of older rye releases from Wild Turkey suggests the potential for longer aging periods. However, without official confirmation or more specific information, we can only speculate.