Russell Reserve 90 vs. Russell Reserve 101

[Attila]

There seems to be a preference for RR101 over RR90.

Is this a matter of proof and rarity or just flavor?

The reason I ask, is that the 90 tends to go for about $40 and the 101 tends to go for $60 (when available) here in Japan.

Is the 10% more whisky worth the extra 30% increase in price?

I am not a collector, so rarity doesnt hold ANY value for me. . . .

Oh, and the RR101 goes for the same as the Kentucky Spirit. Which leads me to great confusion as to which to acquire.

[spun_cookie]

Is the 10% more whisky worth the extra 30% increase in price?

It is much better. I do not collect either. The 90 proof is so-so, the 101 rocks. I just got those some bottles and I am already afraid how fast they with go.

$60 is steep, but you are in japan. I would think the 12 year for $45 there would be as good in not better...

[Attila]

I would think the 12 year for $45 there would be as good in not better...

Thanks Spun!

Already got me a couple 12 year standard, split label and Gold foil.

Okay, I am now leaning heavily in favor of getting the RR101.

[Virus_Of_Life]

I'll add my thoughts just so you know it isn't loved by all. Mike (Scratchline) and I did a turkey tasting a good time ago and he posted our results, we both found the RR101 to be our least favorite of everything we tasted. I believe the adoration with it is largely due to the proof drop making it more sought after.

Here's the thread I mentioned for your info: http://www.straightbourbon.com/forum...ht=two+turkeys

I don't notice a whole lot of difference in the flavor profile of the 90 vs 101, other than the flavors that I find off-putting are more pevalent in the 101. I recall describing what I found to dislike as a sort of tannic bitterness that I'd call burnt rubber like.

Honestly, if you haven't had a Kentucky Spirit yet and it's a somewhat older bottling with the dark wood top - not the newer light wood - I'd suggest going there first.

[Old Lamplighter]

There seems to be a preference for RR101 over RR90.

Is this a matter of proof and rarity or just flavor?

Oh, and the RR101 goes for the same as the Kentucky Spirit. Which leads me to great confusion as to which to acquire.

I honestly think a little of both. IMHO, RR90 is very good but RR101 reminds me of the old 8yo WT101 plus a little extra age. It just has that little extra 'kick' to the flavor as well as consistentcy with the traditional WT101 profile.

Although I love RR101, if the price is equal, I would take KS 2 times out every 3 opportunities to buy.

[nor02lei]

I think both are excellent on the nose and in the mouth but the finish on the 90 proof isn’t as good as the 101 at all.
Leif

[spun_cookie]

Honestly, if you haven't had a Kentucky Spirit yet and it's a somewhat older bottling with the dark wood top - not the newer light wood - I'd suggest going there first.

That is a very good point. I like the RR101 and the old 8 year better than the WTKS. If you have not had the KS, get one, it is worth tasting the other profile..

[gblick]

TBH I've never had the RR90, but the RR101 is one of my favorites. A lot of that has to do with the price, as I've gotten bottles for as little as $19.99. It's one of my favorite dusty finds, and I've recently paid as much as $27.99 for it.

[polyamnesia]

i regret letting that RR101 sit on the shelf (now gone)...$39.99. that's what kept me waiting around.

still, glad i had that one bottle last year.

to, at least THIS bottle, it was much much better than the RR90...and yes, a tad better than the old dusty 8 year i found...i think. it was close.

go for that 101!

[jburlowski]

Both are very good. I think the 101 is slightly better, but that the stated preference for it is based more on rarity and the higher proof than on the underlying taste.