Welcome back to Chill Filtered, the podcast where we drink whiskey so you don't have to (but you probably should)!
In this episode, Cole and Bryan pop the cork on one of the most celebrated modern Wild Turkey releases: the brand-new Russell's Reserve 13-Year Barrel Proof (45th Anniversary Edition)! Before getting into the glass, the guys talk batched freezer Old Fashioned recipes, sinking ice cubes, and officially announce the 2026 Chill Filtered Meetup in Phoenix, AZ (November 13–15) featuring an exclusive Found North barrel pick with Chris Riesbeck.
📜 History Deep Dive: Eddie Russell’s 45-Year Legacy
To celebrate the 45th Anniversary release of RR13, Cole takes us through Eddie Russell’s four-and-a-half-decade career at Wild Turkey. From starting at the bottom in 1981 rolling 500-pound oak barrels and cleaning dump troughs to co-creating the Russell's Reserve line and cementing a father-son Master Distiller legacy alongside Jimmy Russell, we look at the vision behind this 114.8-proof powerhouse.
📰 Whiskey World News
Knob Creek 12 Cask Strength Returns: The guys discuss the quiet reappearance of Knob Creek 12-Year at cask strength (121.2 proof) for 2026.
Buffalo Trace Single Estate Bourbon: Breaking down Buffalo Trace's ambitious grain-to-glass estate project and the unique heritage corn varietals (including Neon Pink Popcorn and Japonica) grown right on distillery grounds.
❓ What Whiskey Would You Choose?
Last Week's Results: The remote Pacific island scenario ends in a rare dead-heat 50/50 tie between Knob Creek 9 (120 proof) and Wilderness Trail Rye Cask Strength!
This Week's Dilemma: What is your undisputed go-to fast food burger? (Five Guys vs. Burger King Double Whopper / Angry Whopper).
📊 Episode Ratings & Final Verdict
Russell's Reserve 13-Year Barrel Proof (2026 / 45th Anniversary Batch)
Cole's Score: 9.3 / A+ (Exceptional nose of bright blackberry syrup, brown sugar, and rich oak that rivals Russell's 15)
Bryan's Score: Solid A (Damp forest floor and deep vintage oak notes with zero harsh ethanol burn; drinks remarkably below proof)
🔮 Next Week on Chill Filtered
Join us next week for an exclusive interview with Nick Taylor of Found North as we review the third and final installment of their legendary series: Helldiver 2026!
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