[Review] The Thing (Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel)

First up on the tasting menu is John Carpenter’s 1982 Sci-Fi Horror film, The Thing, which combines isolation, distrust, way-ahead-of-it’s-time practical effects, and an invisible enemy that blends in and can infect others usually unnoticed. Sometimes, the only evidence as to whether or not you have been infected, is a blood test that leaves you dying for the results. Infections, asymptomatic carriers, paranoia? Good thing this is a just a movie, right?

For our bourbon today I’ve selected Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel (RRSiB) from Wild Turkey Distillery. RRSiB is aged in charred oak for at least 9 years, has an ABV of 55% (110 proof), and a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley. A mash bill is just a fancy way of saying what grains were used when bourbon is made. The choice to select RRSiB was an easy one, selected in honor of John Carpenter’s and Kurt Russell’s second motion picture collaboration. Carpenter and Russell hit a home run in the previous year with ‘Escape From New York’, where Russell portrays Snake Plissken, one of the most iconic characters in 1980’s film. This time Russell, as R.J MacReady, ditches the sweet eye patch in favor of a beard, a fuckin’ flamethrower, and whatever the hell this thing is.

So, sit-back, chill out, but don’t let your guard down, because after all, we’re 1,000 miles from nowhere. And while you’re at it why don’t you try taking a swig that delicious liquid gold (or is it gasoline?).

I hope you enjoy the first entry of Bourbon Frights!

In the film’s opening scene, we watch from a distant star as an alien vessel crash lands on Earth. The introduction of a foreign entity that clearly doesn’t belong. Next, we are in the Antarctic, flying alongside a Norwegian helicopter when suddenly its passenger begins to open fire upon a sled dog zig-zagging its way through the snow. The poor bastard can’t hit shit. Not even the grenades are close. We’re then introduced to R.J. MacReady (Kurt Russell), who exits the outpost where he is stationed and takes a swig of J&B scotch while trying to process what the hell is going on. After the chopper lands (and is subsequently blown up due to friendly fire), the Norwegian sniper is met with a bullet right in the eye courtesy of M.T. Garry’s revolver. Shit MacReady, pass the J&B, now I need a drink.

As we’ve seen time and time again, John Carpenter doesn’t fuck around in his openers. Much like Carpenter, the RRSiB doesn’t fuck around either. Immediately on the nose I get a nice punch of ethanol, that quickly subsides into sweet notes of vanilla, brown sugar, and black cherry. The first taste is one of sweet cherries and cinnamon that gives way to a warm spice and slightly peppery finish, a perfect way to stay toasty in the Antarctic. Overall, I’d say this bourbon is quite sweet with an array of fruit that makes it palatable for even the newest bourbon drinkers.

So, as it turns out, there was a reason the Norwegian’s were chasing the dog. The dog had been infected… by something.

Clark: “I don’t know what the hell’s in there – but it’s weird and pissed off – whatever it is.”

Bennings: “Childs! Mac wants the flamethrower!”

Childs: “Mac wants the WHAT!?”

As the movie progresses, John Carpenter, with his tight camera shots, does an excellent job of making the viewer feel like they, too, are stuck at Outpost 31. But what really sets this film over the top is the classic Carpenter score. And boy, does this soundtrack have it all. For all of the love his films get (and rightfully so!), Carpenter's eyes keep the viewer feeling nervous, and uneasy, but his ears make us hit the panic button. Forty years later, Carpenter is still putting out bangers – here’s one of his latest. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the other legend in the room, a musical titan, the late Ennio Morricone, who Carpenter calls “one of the great composers…” Carpenter and Morricone knocked this soundtrack out of the park. Once you’re done with the film, pour yourself another glass of that Russell’s Reserve and enjoy the soundtrack in all its glory.

“Yeah, fuck you, too!”

It wouldn't be an 80's classic without an epic boss fight at the end. MacReady, facing off against The Thing and realizing imminent death, sees a lone stick of dynamite. This is his chance! He grabs the explosive, somersaults as only Kurt fuckin' Russell can and unleashes a Joe Montana-esque pass directly toward the Thing. One last alien scream. The explosion levels the base. Outpost 31 is destroyed. The Thing is dead.

Back out in the cold, armed only with his trusty bottle of J&B and the warmth of nearby flames, MacReady wanders through the wreckage until he finally sits. He looks at the bottle, moving it slightly, perhaps thinking about taking a sip. Around the corner enters Childs, flamethrower in tow.

The next 120 seconds will become one of the most widely discussed and theorized endings in horror movie history. I won’t spoil it and it’s worth drawing your own conclusion - But man, Macready’s laugh. Smooth.

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel retails for about $60 per bottle and is an excellent addition to your collection. One of my personal favs. I would classify it as complex, almost deceiving, and very drinkable. Very rarely will you find a high proof bourbon that can be forgiving to newcomers. $60 bucks is a great price point for a 110 proof that offers major upside.

As far as The Thing? Simply put, the film has secured its place on the Mount Rushmore of horror movies. Together they make an excellent pair.

RRSiB: 10/10

The Thing: 10/10