Jimmy Russell's health

[BottledInBond]

I have heard rumblings from a couple sources that Jimmy Russell's health is declining, potentially seriously. Has anyone else heard the same? Just curious, hopefully it is just an inaccurate rumor. 

[Tennessee Dave]

Hope all is well with him as he is one of the few grand old men of bourbon left.

[Richnimrod]

Wouldn't be a great big surprise.   He is quite old, and has been very active for a long time. 

Truly a fine gentleman, and always accommodating.    I hope he continues as he's been for a good while yet; but a prayer or two wouldn't hurt.

[mosugoji64]

Hope it's not true but if so, I wish him the best. He is truly one of the greats.

[GaryT]

Definitely will keep him and the family in our thoughts and prayers.  One of the class acts of the business to be sure.  

[musekatcher]

Hope its minor.  I think of his contribution and longevity when enjoying RR10.

[Paddy]

I've not heard anything, but he was doing local tastings (and spotted hanging out in the gift shop) as recently as mid December.  Here's to wishing him a happy new year, full of great bourbon, and continued good health!

[BourbonDrinkingSailor]

Just saw him there at the giftshop last wednesday. He seemed to be getting along well for a man his age, but that isn't exactly saying a lot.

[PaulO]

I met him totally by accident.  I dropped in a Greenwood store earlier this year.  He just happened to be there with another guy, giving samples of the high end WT line.  I got to try Masters Keep, and Diamond.  I hadn't planned that when I left the house!  Best wishes to him.

[namadio]

On ‎12‎/‎31‎/‎2016 at 10:25 PM, PaulO said:

I met him totally by accident.  I dropped in a Greenwood store earlier this year.  He just happened to be there with another guy, giving samples of the high end WT line.  I got to try Masters Keep, and Diamond.  I hadn't planned that when I left the house!  Best wishes to him.

Nice.

Payless?

[PaulO]

Yeah, the one by the mall.  They can be ok for some things.  On the other hand, stuff like regular Sazerac Rye was $50 there. ha-ha

[BigD]

I made a holiday trip to KY in late December in the hopes that I would run into Jimmy simply so that I could thank him for all he has done for Bourbon and especially his stand on high proof bourbon 101 well before it became popular.  The billboard displayed as you approach the distillery from the East "See the House that Jimmy Built" says it all!  Thank You Jimmy!  

 

Dan

 

 

 

[Hop]

Saw him at the Sampler during KBF along with Eddie and he seemed fine and I know he just did a tasting between Christmas and New Years at Westport in Louisville which I heard was good.

 

Not to start rumors but from seeing Fred Noe recently as well I thought he was not looking well - hope both are in good shape and its just rumors/conjecture.

[flahute]

26 minutes ago, Hop said:

Saw him at the Sampler during KBF along with Eddie and he seemed fine and I know he just did a tasting between Christmas and New Years at Westport in Louisville which I heard was good.

 

Not to start rumors but from seeing Fred Noe recently as well I thought he was not looking well - hope both are in good shape and its just rumors/conjecture.

Fred has a knee issue which requires surgery. It was supposed to happen in November but got pushed back. I'm not sure when you saw him, but that might explain how he currently looks.

[MTNBourbon]

Hope all goes well for Jimmy. Truely a great ambassador for bourbon.

[fishnbowljoe]

20 hours ago, Hop said:

Not to start rumors but from seeing Fred Noe recently as well I thought he was not looking well - hope both are in good shape and its just rumors/conjecture.

 

20 hours ago, flahute said:

Fred has a knee issue which requires surgery. It was supposed to happen in November but got pushed back. I'm not sure when you saw him, but that might explain how he currently looks.

 

The last time I saw Fred, (KBF or Sampler last year?) he'd lost a lot of weight. That could also be partly the reason.