Description
The idea of marrying the straight Bourbon and Rye whiskies of Wild Turkey
Distilling co. was born in 2010 when a crew member accidentally mixed a batch of young rye with a barrel of mature bourbon. Upon tasting the comingled whiskey, master distiller Eddie Russell realized he had something very special on his hands and the serendipitous mishap was quickly forgiven, though the liquid was never forgotten.
Over a decade later, Eddie has leveraged his years of distillation experience to craft master’s keep unforgotten, a high proof, extra-aged variation of the harmonious blend of straight bourbon and rye whiskies.
Mature 13-year-old bourbon provides a backbone of caramel and oak, which is complemented by flavors of dried fruit, honey, black pepper and baking spice from the 8 and 9-year-old ryes – some of the oldest rye ever released by Wild Turkey. To perfect the liquid, the harmonized blend was transferred back into rye barrels for a secondary aging period in the pre-prohibition Rickhouse B – the favorite Rickhouse of Eddie’s father, master distiller Jimmy Russell.
The extra aging time in rye casks imparts notes of fresh fruit that are rarely exhibited in such mature liquids, honoring the storied history of American rye production, while offering a distinct experience that is sure to surprise and delight
Wild Turkey is a brand renowned for its rich heritage and distinctive character in the world of American whiskey. Established in 1940 by Thomas McCarthy, a distillery executive, it has since carved its mark as an emblem of Kentucky’s bourbon tradition.
The story of Wild Turkey began when McCarthy, with a vision to craft a bourbon that would capture the essence of the wild and untamed spirit of the American wilderness, set out to create a whiskey that would stand apart from the rest. Drawing inspiration from the rugged terrain and the wild turkeys that roamed freely in the Kentucky hills, McCarthy meticulously developed a recipe that would later become the hallmark of the brand.
The brand’s commitment to quality and authenticity has remained unwavering throughout its journey. Wild Turkey’s distinct flavor profile, characterized by its bold and robust taste, quickly gained popularity among bourbon enthusiasts. Over the years, it has garnered a loyal following, becoming a staple in bars and households alike.
Despite changes in ownership and shifts in the whiskey landscape, Wild Turkey has stayed true to its roots, preserving the time-honored techniques and traditions that have defined its legacy. From its classic 101 proof expression to its premium small-batch releases, each bottle of Wild Turkey bears testament to the brand’s enduring commitment to excellence.
Today, Wild Turkey continues to be celebrated as a symbol of American craftsmanship, revered by whiskey connoisseurs around the globe. With a legacy spanning over eight decades, it remains a timeless icon in the world of bourbon, embodying the spirit of adventure and authenticity that has come to define the American whiskey tradition.
