6 Best Wild Turkey Bourbon: Top Picks for Bourbon Lovers

If you’re a bourbon lover, then you must have heard of Wild Turkey. This iconic American whiskey brand has been around since the 1940s and has built a reputation for producing some of the best bourbons on the market. From classic staples to limited editions, Wild Turkey offers a wide range of options for every taste and budget. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the six best Wild Turkey bourbons that you need to try.

Table of Contents

Overview of Wild Turkey Bourbon

When it comes to bourbon, Wild Turkey is a name that stands out. With a rich history and a unique distillation process, Wild Turkey has been a favorite of bourbon enthusiasts for decades. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the history of Wild Turkey Bourbon, the distillation process, key ingredients, and tasting notes.

History of Wild Turkey Bourbon

Wild Turkey Bourbon has been around since 1940, when it was first introduced by the Ripy brothers. The brand was purchased by Austin Nichols in the 1950s, and it wasn’t until the 1970s that it began to gain widespread popularity. Today, Wild Turkey is owned by the Campari Group, but it still maintains its distinct character and flavor.

One of the key figures in the history of Wild Turkey is Jimmy Russell. Russell has been with the distillery for over 60 years and is known as the “Buddha of Bourbon.” His son, Eddie Russell, is also a master distiller at Wild Turkey and has been with the company for over 35 years.

The Distillation Process

Wild Turkey Bourbon is distilled using a unique process that sets it apart from other bourbons. The mash bill for Wild Turkey is made up of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. The bourbon is then distilled using a traditional copper still, which helps give it its distinctive flavor.

After distillation, Wild Turkey Bourbon is aged in new, charred American oak barrels for a minimum of five years. The barrels are stored in one of the 29 aging warehouses at the Wild Turkey distillery, where they are exposed to the extreme temperatures of the Kentucky climate.

Key Ingredients of Wild Turkey Bourbon

The key ingredients of Wild Turkey Bourbon are corn, rye, and malted barley. The high corn content gives the bourbon its sweetness, while the rye adds a spicy kick. The malted barley is used to help convert the starches in the grains into sugar, which is then fermented to create alcohol.

Another key ingredient in Wild Turkey Bourbon is the limestone-filtered water that is used in the distillation process. This water is sourced from the Kentucky River and is known for its purity and mineral content.

Tasting Notes

Wild Turkey Bourbon is known for its bold flavor and high alcohol content. The flagship bourbon, Wild Turkey 101, is 101 proof and has a rich, spicy flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel. Other popular Wild Turkey bourbons include Rare Breed, Kentucky Spirit, and Russell’s Reserve.

When tasting Wild Turkey Bourbon, you can expect to experience a full-bodied flavor with a long, smooth finish. The bourbon has a distinctive aroma of caramel and oak, and the flavor is complex with hints of baking spcies, fruit, and vanilla.

Top Wild Turkey Bourbons

If you are a bourbon enthusiast, then you must have heard about Wild Turkey Bourbon. This legendary brand has been producing some of the best bourbons on the market for decades. Here are the top Wild Turkey bourbons that you should try:

Wild Turkey 101

photo credit: www.wildturkeybourbon.com

This bourbon is a classic and a must-try for any bourbon lover. It has a high rye content that gives it a spicy kick and a rich flavor. With its smooth finish, Wild Turkey 101 is perfect for sipping neat or mixing in a cocktail.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed

photo credit: www.wildturkeybourbon.com

As the name suggests, this bourbon is a rare find. It is a blend of 6, 8, and 12-year-old bourbons that are barrel-proofed to create a powerful and complex flavor profile. With its notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a bourbon that you won’t forget.

Wild Turkey Single Barrel

photo credit: www.wildturkeybourbon.com

This bourbon is made from a single barrel, which means that each bottle has a unique flavor profile. It is aged for 9 years, which gives it a deep amber color and a rich taste. With its notes of honey, caramel, and spice, Wild Turkey Single Barrel is a bourbon that you can enjoy on its own or in a cocktail,

Wild Turkey Longbranch

photo credit: www.longbranchbourbon.com

This bourbon is a collaboration between Wild Turkey’s Master Distiller, Eddie Russell, and actor Matthew McConaughey. It is a small-batch bourbon that is filtered through Texas mesquite charcoal, which gives it a unique smoky flavor. With its notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, Wild Turkey Longbranch is a bourbon that you won’t want to miss.

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep One

photo credit: www.wildturkeybourbon.com

This bourbon is a limited edition release that is aged for 17 years. It has a deep amber color and a complex flavor profile that includes notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. With its smooth finish, Wild Turkey Master’s Keep One is a bourbon that you will want to savor

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof

photo credit: www.wildturkeybourbon.com

This bourbon is a higher proof version of Wild Turkey Rare Breed. It is barrel-proofed, which means that it is not watered down before bottling. With its notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice, Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof is a bourbon that packs a punch.

Conclusion

Wild Turkey offers a variety of high-quality bourbons that are sure to please any bourbon enthusiast. Whether you prefer a high-rye bourbon or a wheated bourbon, Wild Turkey has a bourbon for you.

If you’re a fan of Wild Turkey bourbon, you’ll want to check out these related posts to learn more about this classic American whiskey.

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6 Best Wild Turkey Bourbon: Top Picks for Bourbon Lovers