Episode 126 - Russell's Reserve 13yr with Syrena of ShortStuffBourbon

Send us Fan MailA Tennessee farm kid turned bourbon influencer, Syrena—known as @shortstuffbourbon—joins us for a pour that stirs opinions and memories. We kick off with her roots in Tennessee, where corn isn’t just a crop but a bridge to whiskey, and trace how that background shaped her approach to tasting, teaching, and building a welcoming corner of whiskey Instagram.From there, we explore the current state of bourbon: pricing that keeps creeping up, the gap between MSRP and secondary, and why consistency might be the most underrated flex in bourbon. We compare notes on house pours and honest shelf buys, call out the perils of “best-of” lists stacked with expensive trophies, and share practical ways to shop by palate instead of hype. If you’re tired of chasing unicorns, you’ll find a roadmap here—reliable distilleries, smart everyday bottles, and the freedom to like what you like.Then we taste. Russell’s Reserve 13year does not disappoint. The nose shows classic bourbon comfort—vanilla, caramel, warm baking spice—with that unmistakable Wild Turkey “dusty” note. On the palate, Syrena nails a sweet tea impression surrounded by honey, dark chocolate, dried fruit, and a late pepper flick. The non-chill filtered texture brings a rich, oily mouthfeel, and the finish stacks spice in steady layers. We debate where Russell’s 13 year lands in our personal rankings, what Bruce Russell’s stewardship might mean for the brand, and how to invite new drinkers in—start with cocktails, turn down the sugar, and move toward neat when it feels right.If you enjoy real talk about value, thoughtful tasting notes, and a guest who champions craft and community, you’ll feel right at home. Tap follow, share this episode with a bourbon friend, and drop your current top bottle in a review—we’ll feature our favorites on a future show.