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Russell’s Reserve Unveils Single Rickhouse 2026 – Camp Nelson D

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Campari Group

Press Release

LAWRENCEBURG, KY (October 6, 2026) – Award-winning Russell’s Reserve introduces Single Rickhouse 2026 – Camp Nelson D, the highly anticipated fifth addition to its acclaimed Single Rickhouse Collection. The Collection explores whiskey “terroir," how the precise location and environment of a rickhouse can influence a whiskey’s character even when the foundational elements and recipe remain constant. The 2026 edition presents the Collection’s most distinctive profile yet, with unexpected rye-like spice emerging from a bourbon shaped by Camp Nelson D’s elevation, airflow, and uniquely exposed maturation environment.

Built in 1946, Camp Nelson D remains one of the five historic rickhouses still standing on the Camp Nelson property. Positioned on the western side of the campus and at the highest elevation of any rickhouse featured in the Collection to date, Camp Nelson D sits apart from the surrounding warehouses. Its elevated, exposed, west-facing position creates strong, consistent airflow, contributing to an aging environment not previously explored through the Collection.

“Camp Nelson D was the first rickhouse I ever worked in at Camp Nelson when I started as a union employee 45 years ago, so coming back to it for this release meant a lot to me,” said Master Distiller Eddie Russell. “We set out looking for those sweeter notes we know and love, but the rye spice notes immediately stood out. It’s the most different Single Rickhouse release we’ve created, proving how every rickhouse can shape whiskey.”

The 2026 edition demonstrates Eddie Russell’s skill in barrel curation. As he and his team tasted through Camp Nelson D, they found themselves drawn to barrels from nearly every floor of the rickhouse, ultimately selecting barrels from floors one, three, four, five, and six. Drawing from more floors than any previous Single Rickhouse release, the warehouse’s distinct location allowed Russell to build a whiskey that balanced fruit-forward sweetness with the bold spice notes that became the hallmark of the final blend. 

“We don’t typically draw from the first floor,” Russell said. “But some of the barrels we tasted down there contributed an earthy character that helped build the spicy, rye-like profile we found ourselves chasing. Once we realized what was developing, we leaned into it. This is the first Single Rickhouse release where, tasted blind, you'd bet it was a rye.”

The resulting bourbon opens with aromas of baked fruit, apple, baking spices and vanilla, followed by flavors of cinnamon, clove, stone fruit and rye bread. A medium-length finish brings forward rye spice, pepper, cinnamon and spicy oak. Non-chill filtered and bottled at a barrel proof of 120.8, Single Rickhouse 2026 captures the full character of this singular aging environment.

Released as Eddie Russell celebrates 45 years at Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Camp Nelson D reinforces his long-held belief: even with consistent whiskey-making fundamentals, the aging environment dramatically influences the final spirit. The result is a distinctive bourbon crafted to be savored and enjoyed.

  • Proof: 120.8
  • Aroma: Notes of baked fruits, apple, baking spices and vanilla
  • Taste: Flavors of cinnamon, cloves, stone fruit and rye bread
  • Finish: Medium-length finish with notes of rye spice, pepper, cinnamon and a spicy oak profile

Russell's Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson D is now available for a limited time at a suggested retail price of $300 per 750mL bottle at select retailers in U.S. markets and the Wild Turkey Distillery Visitor Center. For news of how to purchase, sign up for the Russell's Reserve newsletter at RussellsReserve.com. 

Whether you're enjoying Russell's Reserve with your family or with friends, please remember to do so responsibly. @russellsreservebourbon

About Campari Group

Campari Group is a major player in the global spirits industry, with a portfolio of over 50 premium and super premium brands, spanning across aperitifs, including iconic brands like Aperol and Campari, agave spirits such as Espolòn tequila, whiskeys and rum with Wild Turkey and Appleton Estate, as well as cognac and champagne including Courvoisier and Grand Marnier. Founded in 1860, Campari Group is one of the fastest growing global spirits companies and the undisputed leader in the aperitif category. It has a global distribution reach, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Campari Group operates via 24 production sites worldwide and its own distribution network in 27 countries. Campari Group employs approximately 4,800 people. The shares of the parent company Davide Campari-Milano N.V. (Reuters CPRI.MI - Bloomberg CPR IM) have been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: http://www.camparigroup.com/en. Please enjoy our brands responsibly. 

About Campari America

Campari America LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano N.V. Campari America has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Campari Group's portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Grand Marnier®, Campari®, Aperol®, Wild Turkey® Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Courvoisier® Cognac, Espolón® Tequila, American Honey®, Russell's Reserve®, The Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Forty Creek® Canadian Whisky, BULLDOG® Gin, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Montelobos® Mezcal, Ancho Reyes® Chile Liqueur, Appleton® Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew® Rum, Coruba® Rum, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Averna®, Braulio®, Cinzano®, Mondoro® and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®.

published by: BBTEAM

October 6, 2026
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