Wild Turkey is one of the most iconic and beloved bourbon brands in America. Known for its high-rye mash bill and signature flavors, Wild Turkey has been produced at the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky since the 1940s. But what exactly is Wild Turkey bourbon and what makes it stand out? Let’s take a closer look at the history, production process, and notable expressions of this classic Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.
A Brief History of Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey has a long and storied history stretching back to the late 1800s. The Old Hickory Distillery was built in Tyrone, Kentucky by Thomas Ripy in 1891. After Prohibition ended, the Ripy family rebuilt the distillery and began producing bourbon again. They sold barrels of bourbon to wholesalers like Austin Nichols, who bottled Wild Turkey under their own brand starting in 1942.
The “Wild Turkey” name originated in 1940 after an Austin Nichols executive took some warehouse samples on a wild turkey hunting trip, The bourbon was so popular among his friends that they kept asking for “that wild turkey bourbon” Austin Nichols purchased the distillery in 1971 and renamed it the Wild Turkey Distillery,
Over the decades, Wild Turkey has changed ownership a few times but it’s still produced at the Lawrenceburg distillery today. It’s currently owned by the Campari Group, which purchased Wild Turkey from Pernod Ricard in 2009. The historic distillery offers tours and is part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
How Wild Turkey Bourbon is Made
Wild Turkey stands out for its high rye content in the mash bill compared to most Kentucky bourbons. It contains around 13-15% rye, considerably more than the legal minimum of 51% corn needed to qualify as a straight bourbon. The rye adds spicy, peppery notes to balance out the sweet corn and vanilla characteristics.
The bourbon is distilled to a relatively low proof of around 55% ABV (110 proof) before barreling, much lower than the 62.5% ABV (125 proof) allowed for bourbon. Lower entry proofs tend to result in a softer, more mellow bourbon after aging.
Wild Turkey uses heavily charred new American oak barrels to age its bourbons. The barrels are stored in open rickhouses and rotated periodically for more uniform maturation. The bourbon ages for at least 4 years before bottling, resulting in a rich, oaky flavor profile.
Notable Wild Turkey Expressions
Wild Turkey 101 – The flagship bourbon, bottled at 50.5% ABV (101 proof). Aged for at least 6 years, it’s rich and flavorful with notes of brown sugar, vanilla, and orange peel.
Wild Turkey 81 – A lower proof (40.5% ABV) version of 101 for a smoother, more approachable taste.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed – A barrel proof blend of 6, 8, and 12 year old bourbons. Bottled at 58.4% ABV (116.8 proof) with sweet and spicy flavors.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year – Aged for a minimum of 10 years, this is elegant and complex single barrel bourbon
Kentucky Spirit – A robust, extra-aged single barrel expression aged for at least 8 years.
Wild Turkey offers several other limited editions and special releases including Master’s Keep, Rare Breed Rye, and Kentucky Legend.
Why Wild Turkey Stands Out
There are several reasons Wild Turkey has earned such a devoted following after all these years:
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Bold, spicy rye flavor – The high rye mash bill sets it apart from most bourbons and gives Wild Turkey its signature kick.
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Lower distillation proof – Provides a smooth, mellow character compared to bourbons entering the barrel at a higher proof.
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Extra aging – Most expressions are aged longer than the 4 year minimum for straight bourbon, lending deeper oak flavors.
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Barrel proof options – The availability of barrel proof releases allows enthusiasts to experience Wild Turkey at full force.
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Consistency – Wild Turkey has a track record of maintaining its quality and taste profile through different ownerships over the decades.
For bourbon drinkers looking for a dependable, high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon with robust vanilla and spice flavors, Wild Turkey is an excellent choice. It’s a distinctive and consistent bourbon with authentic heritage behind its brand. Sip a glass of Wild Turkey 101 or Rare Breed to experience this iconic American whiskey at its finest.
What is Wild Turkey bourbon?
The combination of beer and whiskey is known as a ‘boilermaker’ in America, where blue-collar labourers regarded it as an effective pick-me-up after a shift down in the mines. Wild Turkey relies on the same strain of live yeast for a consistent quality across its bourbons.
What is Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon?
Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon is a legendary liquid that’s distilled with a high amount of corn. It supplies a zippy sort of sweetness that shines in a properly proportioned old fashioned. It also owns a surprisingly lengthy finish, commanding attention in the cocktail long after each sip has gone down.
Is Wild Turkey bourbon better than 81 proof Bourbon?
Put simply, Wild Turkey Bourbon is a better bourbon, for less than half the price. Finally, as noted by Wild Turkey themselves, the 81 proof version is essentially a lower proof version of their 101 proof. Wild Turkey 101 is $25 against the 81 proof Wild Turkey Bourbon’s $20 price tag.