As a bourbon enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for unique and flavorful bourbons to add to my collection. Recently, I had the opportunity to try the Wild Turkey Rare Breed 2021 release, and I was blown away by its bold and complex flavor profile.
The Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a barrel-proof bourbon that is a blend of 6, 8, and 12-year-old bourbons. It has a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. This bourbon has a bright amber color and is bottled at 116.8 proof, making it a robust and full-bodied whiskey.
The Wild Turkey Rare Breed 2021 release is a fantastic bourbon that I would highly recommend to any whiskey lover.
Table of Contents
Wild Turkey Rare Breed 2021 Overview
Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a cask-strength bourbon that has been produced by the Campari Group Distillery since 1991. The 2021 release of the Wild Turkey Rare Breed bourbon has a proof of 116.8 and is a blend of 6, 8, and 12-year-old bourbons.
Product History
The Wild Turkey Rare Breed bourbon has a rich history dating back to 1991, when it was first introduced to the market. The bourbon was created to showcase the best of Wild Turkey’s whiskey, with a focus on quality and taste. Over the years, the Wild Turkey Rare Breed has become a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts, thanks to its unique flavor profile and high proof.
Price Range
The Wild Turkey Rare Breed 2021 release is priced at around $50–100, making it an affordable option for those looking for a cask-strength bourbon. The price point is in line with other cask-strength bourbons on the market, making it a great value for the quality of the product.
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Tasting Notes
Aroma
When I first nosed the Wild Turkey Rare Breed 2021, I was greeted with scents of caramel, toffee, and roasted nuts. The aroma was warm and inviting, with hints of orange zest and light citrus. The seasoned oak added depth to the nose and hinted towards the older bourbon in the blend, but it didn’t overpower the brighter notes. The intensity of the proof was also notable, as the strength of it made itself known with a deep inhale.
Flavor
Upon tasting, I found the Wild Turkey Rare Breed 2021 to be a bold and complex bourbon. The deep caramel flavor was the first to hit my palate, followed by strong oak and slight rye spices. The creamy vanilla cream contrasted nicely with some oak and toasty grains, creating a remarkably smooth and balanced flavor. The flavor profile was consistent with the aroma, with notes of sweet tobacco and hints of orange and mint.
Finish
The finish of the Wild Turkey Rare Breed 2021 was long and bold, with lots of caramel, charred oak, and spices. The finish was warm and satisfying, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that lingered on the palate. The high proof was noticeable in the finish, but it didn’t overpower the other flavors.
Rating
Overall, I would give the Wild Turkey Rare Breed 2021 a rating of 9 out of 10. The bourbon was well-balanced, complex, and satisfying, with a bold flavor and long finish. The aroma was inviting, and the intensity of the proof added to the overall experience of the bourbon. If you’re a fan of barrel-proof bourbons, the Wild Turkey Rare Breed 2021 is definitely worth a try.
Mixing and Pairing
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Best Mixers
When it comes to mixing Wild Turkey Rare Breed, it’s important to remember that this is a high-proof bourbon with a lot of flavor. As such, it can stand up to some pretty bold mixers. However, you don’t want to overpower the bourbon completely. A few good mixers to try include:
- Ginger beer
- Sweet vermouth
- Lemon juice
- Orange bitters
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Cocktail Suggestions
If you’re looking for some cocktail inspiration, here are a few ideas to get you started:
Old Fashioned
- 2 oz Wild Turkey Rare Breed
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
Combine the bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters in a rocks glass with ice. Stir until chilled, then garnish with the orange peel.
Kentucky Mule
- 2 oz Wild Turkey Rare Breed
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Lime wedge
Combine the bourbon and lime juice in a copper mug with ice. Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge.
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Food Pairings
When it comes to pairing Wild Turkey Rare Breed with food, you want to look for dishes that can stand up to the bourbon’s bold flavor. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled steak
- Barbecue ribs
- Dark chocolate
- Pecan pie
Conclusion
Wild Turkey Rare Breed 2021 is an excellent bourbon that offers a unique and complex flavor profile. The blend of six, eight, and twelve-year-old bourbons creates a well-balanced taste that is both spicy and sweet. The high proof of 116.8 is not overpowering, and the finish is long and satisfying.
One of the things I appreciate most about Wild Turkey Rare Breed 2021 is the nose. The scents of roasted nuts, cinnamon, and toffee make a great initial impression, and the classic Wild Turkey rye spice is noticeable but not overbearing. The creamy vanilla cream contrasts nicely with some oak and toasty grains.
Another aspect I enjoyed about this bourbon is the layers of flavor offered by the sip. The sweet flavors of caramel and maple sugar candy temper the rye spice to a dull roar as the finish progresses. Additional flavors of leather, tobacco, orange zest, and toffee weave in and out, showcasing the complexity of this bourbon.
I highly recommend Wild Turkey Rare Breed 2021 to anyone looking for a high-quality bourbon with a unique flavor profile. Its well-balanced taste and complex layers of flavor make it a great sipping bourbon, and its high proof makes it a great option for cocktails as well.
Related Posts
If you’re a fan of Wild Turkey Rare Breed, then you might be interested in checking out some similar bourbons that I’ve reviewed. Here are a few related posts that you might enjoy:
- Michter’s US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Overview: A Quick and Tasty Guide: This small-batch bourbon has an intriguing backstory and production, and is a great choice for those who enjoy Wild Turkey Rare Breed.
- Rock Hill Farms Bourbon Review: Your Guide to Tasting Perfection: This premium bourbon is often overlooked, but it’s definitely worth trying if you’re a fan of Wild Turkey Rare Breed.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Review: A Connoisseur’s Verdict: This highly sought-after bourbon is aged for 12 years and has a rich and complex profile that’s sure to please fans of Wild Turkey Rare Breed.
- Breckenridge Bourbon Review: A Tasteful Exploration for Whiskey Lovers: This high-rye bourbon has a mash bill that’s similar to Wild Turkey Rare Breed, and is a great choice for those who enjoy spicy and complex flavors.
- Old Fitzgerald 15-Year Review: A Deep Dive into the Bourbon’s Aged Charm: This wheated bourbon is aged for 15 years and has a rich and complex profile that’s sure to please fans of Wild Turkey Rare Breed.
