Russell’s Reserve has introduced its Single Rickhouse 2026 – Camp Nelson D.
The fifth addition to its Single Rickhouse Collection, the expression is non-chill filtered and bottled at a barrel proof of 120.8. This edition presents the Collection’s distinctive profile yet, with unexpected rye-like spice emerging from a bourbon shaped by Camp Nelson D’s elevation, airflow, and 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 Wild Turkey 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 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 Collection explores whiskey “terroir,” how the location and environment of a rickhouse can influence a whiskey’s character even when the elements and recipe remain constant.
Released as 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.
Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson D is now available for $300.
