Review #147 Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit: Bourbon

Score: 9.1 / 10

Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery

Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Wild Turkey Distillery has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1869. It was originally known as the Ripy Brothers Distillery. Wild Turkey is known for its commitment to traditional bourbon-making techniques. The distillery uses a high-rye mash bill, which contributes to the spicy character of its bourbons. The whiskey is aged in new, charred oak barrels, allowing it to take on the flavors and color imparted by the wood. Wild Turkey also employs a longer fermentation process, which helps develop the distinct flavors of their whiskies.

This particular whiskey is a bit unique as the proof has been lowered to 101. The 5280 Whiskey Society believed that this drank a bit hot and had it proofed down. So if you're not getting these exact notes and want to know what happens with a bit of ice or water. Enjoy! You do you.

Whiskey Review:

Nose: Dusted blueberry, vanilla cake, honey, spiced apple cider, red apple, rye spice, distinct wild turkey smokiness, light cherry and cherry cola. Charred wood and oak with toasted marshmallow.

Palate: Fruit bomb with more blueberry coming over with a blast of cherry, raspberry, and tons of apple. Chewy and leathery on the palate while thoroughly coating bring forth vanilla, marshmallow, cinnamon, tobacco and earthy smoke. Black pepper and cinnamon spice perfectly ramps up on the backend leaving a nice tingle with raisin. Revisiting for a second sip I get berry, berry, and berry. More blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, apple, and a touch of lemon citrus between sweet notes and crackling backend spice.

Finish: Juicy and moderate in length. More dusty blueberry translates over here along with other assorted fruits. There's some dry cinnamon here, a tasty rye note, caramel, a bit of oak and then surprisingly all flavors fade leaving a void on the sides of the mouth. This is a great palate cleanser and feels like the equivalent of ginger in sushi.

Score: 9.1

Scale:

S+ Sensational - The Pinnacle (9.5+)

A - AXEceptional (astounding) (9-9.5)

B - bravo (step aBove average) (8-8.9)

C - competent (7-7.9)

D - disappointing (6-6.9)

F - flush it down the toilet (fail) (5.9 below)

Notes: Availability? Uncommon - It's about as easy to find as Rare Breed or Russel's 10yr, but it will be right next to it with all the Turkey products. Also, its a product that you can call about and not have the guy on the phone get mad at you....