Who Makes Wild Turkey Bourbon? A Look at the Iconic Brand’s History and Distillery

Wild Turkey is one of the most iconic and beloved bourbon brands in the world. With its high-rye mash bill and rich full-bodied flavor Wild Turkey has been a favorite of bourbon enthusiasts for decades. But who is behind this legendary whiskey? Here’s a deep dive into the history, ownership, and production process of Wild Turkey bourbon.

A Brief History of Wild Turkey

The origins of Wild Turkey date back to 1869, when the Ripy brothers opened a distillery near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. They sold bourbon produced at the distillery to wholesalers like Austin Nichols, who bottled and sold it under their own brands.

In 1940, an Austin Nichols executive took some warehouse samples on a wild turkey hunting trip. The bourbon was such a hit with his friends that they kept asking for “that wild turkey bourbon.” Austin Nichols took the hint and began bottling Wild Turkey in 1942.

Over the next few decades, Austin Nichols continued to purchase bourbon and bottle it under the Wild Turkey name. Then in 1971 Austin Nichols acquired the Ripy/Gould distillery and renamed it the Wild Turkey Distillery.

The brand changed hands again in 1980 when it was purchased by Pernod Ricard. In 2009, Pernod Ricard sold Wild Turkey to Gruppo Campari, its current owner.

Inside the Wild Turkey Distillery

Wild Turkey is produced at the iconic Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The distillery was originally opened in 1869 by the Ripy brothers and continues bourbon production today as part of Gruppo Campari.

The Wild Turkey Distillery offers tours daily, providing a behind-the-scenes look at how this beloved bourbon is crafted. On the tours, you’ll get to walk through the distillery’s main facilities, including:

• The cookers, fermenters, and stills where the whiskey is initially distilled
• The “Cathedral of Barrels” – a stunning warehouse holding thousands of aging bourbon barrels
• The bottling facility where the bourbon is prepared for shipment

In addition to touring the distillery, visitors can sip samples of Wild Turkey’s products in the tasting room. There’s also a gift shop stocked with bourbon merchandise and bottled bourbon available for purchase.

Wild Turkey’s Production Process

Wild Turkey has a unique production process that helps give the bourbon its signature flavor profile. Here are some key facts about how Wild Turkey is made:

• The mash bill uses a relatively high amount of rye (around 13-15%) along with corn and malted barley. This gives Wild Turkey a spicier, more full-bodied flavor compared to many bourbons.

• Wild Turkey distills its bourbon to a lower proof of around 55% ABV before barrelling, much less than the legal limit for bourbon. This allows more flavor compounds to develop during aging.

• The bourbon ages in charred new oak barrels for at least 6-8 years. During aging, the barrels are rotated periodically to ensure consistent maturation.

• Barrels are hand-selected for bottling only when they hit the perfect sweet spot of age and flavor. This is why you’ll often see ages over 8 years on Wild Turkey bottles.

• Most Wild Turkey products are bottled at a higher proof without any additional watering down. This allows more robust bourbon flavor to shine through.

Wild Turkey’s Core Whiskey Products

Wild Turkey produces a range of sought-after bourbon and rye whiskey brands:

• Wild Turkey 101 – The flagship bourbon, bottled at 101 proof/50.5% ABV. Aged for at least 6 years, it delivers classic Wild Turkey flavor with notes of spice, oak, and vanilla.

• Wild Turkey Longbranch – Eddie Russell’s take on Wild Turkey, refined with Texas mesquite and oak charcoals. Softer and more rounded than 101.

• Wild Turkey Rare Breed – A barrel proof blend of 6, 8, and 12 year old bourbons. Bold and intense with a cult following.

• Russell’s Reserve 10 Year – A limited small batch bourbon aged for a minimum of 10 years. Rich and complex.

• Wild Turkey Rye – A robust, full-bodied straight rye whiskey aged for at least 4 years. Lovely rye spice notes.

No matter which Wild Turkey expression you choose, you can expect a high-quality, authentic bourbon experience. The brand’s adherence to tradition and craftsmanship shines through in every bottle.

For over 80 years, Wild Turkey has established itself as a quintessential American bourbon brand. While the ownership has changed hands, production continues at the historic distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. With its distinct high-rye mash bill and labor-intensive processes, Wild Turkey offers an exceptionally flavorful lineup of bourbon and rye whiskeys. The next time you sip Wild Turkey, savor its rich heritage and quality craftsmanship in every drop.