As a bourbon enthusiast, I recently came across Wild Turkey’s 12-Year Bourbon and couldn’t wait to try it for myself. This bourbon stands out with its affordability, considering the rising costs we’ve seen in the world of whiskey, and its age statement, which adds a sense of luxury to the experience.
During my review, I discovered that the Wild Turkey 12-Year Bourbon is not just easy on the wallet, but also quite remarkable in taste. With its complex, well-balanced flavors, this 101-proof whiskey delighted my senses and left me thoroughly impressed. In the following paragraphs, I’ll discuss my tasting notes and dive deeper into what makes this bourbon special – so, dear readers, you too can appreciate Wild Turkey’s 12-year-old masterpiece.
Table of Contents
Wild Turkey 12-Year Overview
Product History
The distillery, located in Kentucky, has been producing quality bourbons for decades. The Wild Turkey 12 Year is a unique and special release with an age statement of 12 years. Master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell have been the driving forces behind this incredible bourbon.
The mash bill consists of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.
In the past, Wild Turkey has released similar bourbons under the names “Cheesy Gold Foil” and “Beyond Duplication,” which were also 12-year-old expressions. The 2022 release differs by bottling the bourbon at 101 proof, making it even more attractive to enthusiasts.
Price Range
The Wild Turkey 12 Year is primarily available in markets outside the United States, such as Australia, Japan, and Korea. Pricing varies depending on location and availability, with the lowest reported price being around $60 in Japan. However, in some online retailers, it may be listed for as high as $250+.
When it comes to taste, the Wild Turkey 12 Year has a well-balanced combination of mature, oaky sweetness, and fruitiness. The chocolaty notes give it a hint of complexity, while the slightly higher proof (50.5% ABV) provides a fuller and denser flavor than some of its counterparts. This bourbon is often compared to other premium releases by Wild Turkey, such as Rare Breed and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year.
Key Information:
- Distillery: Wild Turkey
- Origin: Kentucky, United States
- Mash bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
- Age statement: 12 years
- Proof: 101 (50.5% ABV)
No matter where I find it, Wild Turkey 12-Year has consistently lived up to its reputation as an exceptional bourbon. The rich flavors, age statement, and 101 proof make it a must-try for any bourbon enthusiast.
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Tasting Notes
Aroma
Upon nosing this Wild Turkey 12-Year Bourbon, I’m greeted by heavy caramel notes that beautifully merge with a bit of chocolate. There’s also a good amount of leather, which adds to the mature aspect of the aroma. I couldn’t help but notice the oakiness and a pleasant fruitiness that holds its own against the more intense scents.
Flavor
As I take my first sip, I’m immediately impressed by the well-balanced experience provided by this bourbon. The palate is rich with vanilla, caramel, and chocolate fudge, accompanied by a subtle hint of oak and tannins. I’m delighted to discover that the fruitiness hinted at in the aroma comes through as dried cherry and candied pineapple.
Finish
The finish is quite enjoyable and brings out baking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of licorice. Alongside these spices, I can taste complex notes of honey, tobacco, and, once again, that lovely oakiness that rounds out the experience.
Rating
In terms of rating, I would give Wild Turkey 12-Year Bourbon a solid:
- Aroma: 9/10
- Flavor: 8.5/10
- Finish: 8/10
This bourbon truly showcases a fantastic combination of flavors and aromas that make it a delightful tasting experience. It manages to deliver the mature, sweet, fruity, and oaky qualities one would expect from a well-crafted 12-year-old bourbon.
Mixing and Pairing
Best Mixers
When it comes to mixing Wild Turkey 12-Year bourbon, I like to keep it simple and let the flavors of the whiskey shine. Here are some of my go-to mixers:
- Ice Cube: Adding a single ice cube can help open up the flavors, bringing out the spice, brown sugar, and oak notes in the whiskey.
- Cherry Cola: The sweetness of cherry cola complements the spice and brown sugar notes in the bourbon, making for a delicious and refreshing mix.
- Ginger Ale: Pairing the Wild Turkey 12 Year with ginger ale enhances the spicy kick while adding a touch of sweetness.
- Soda Water: To keep things light and let the whiskey’s flavor take center stage, simply mix it with soda water.
Cocktail Suggestions
Since Wild Turkey 12-Year boasts such a rich flavor profile, it makes a great base for cocktails. Here are a couple of my favorite recipes:
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To make Old Fashioned: Muddle a sugar cube, a few dashes of bitters, and a splash of water in a rocks glass. Add the Wild Turkey 12-Year and garnish with an orange twist or cherry.
photo source: Shutterstock.com
To make Boulevardier: In a mixing glass, stir equal parts Wild Turkey 12-Year, sweet vermouth, and Campari with ice. Strain into a glass over fresh ice and garnish with an orange twist.
Food Pairings
If you’re like me and enjoy sipping your Wild Turkey 12-Year neat or with a drop of water, I recommend using a Glencairn glass to fully appreciate the aroma and flavors. Here are some delicious food pairings to enhance your sipping experience:
- Dark Chocolate: The richness of dark chocolate complements the whiskey’s spice and brown sugar notes, making for a beautifully balanced pairing.
- Smoked or Charcuterie Meats: The smoky, umami flavors found in smoked meats and charcuterie marry well with the oak and spice of the bourbon.
- Blue Cheese: The bold, tangy flavors of blue cheese add an interesting contrast to the Wild Turkey 12 Year, accentuating its sweetness and spice.
Of course, everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to experiment and find your own favorite mixers, cocktails, and food pairings to enjoy with your Wild Turkey 12-Year bourbon. Remember, the most important thing is to savor and appreciate this beautifully aged whiskey.
Conclusion
In my experience, the 2022 Wild Turkey 12-Year-Old Bourbon truly lives up to the hype. The 101 proof, combined with the 12-year age statement, creates a well-rounded flavor profile that both entices and impresses.
As a fan of oaky sweetness and fruitiness in my bourbons, I found this particular release to perfectly balance both elements. The mature, chocolaty notes highlighted the depth and sophistication of the drink, without overpowering the more vibrant fruity aspects. I appreciate how Wild Turkey managed to make a bourbon that can be enjoyed by casual drinkers and enthusiasts alike.
While the availability of the 2022 Wild Turkey 101 12-Year Bourbon is a bit limited, especially in the US market, it’s still worth making an effort to get your hands on a bottle. Its price may vary between $60 and $250, depending on where you source it from.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to try the Wild Turkey 101 12-Year Bourbon, I’d highly recommend seeking it out. It’s a top-notch bourbon that showcases the artistry and craftsmanship behind the beloved Wild Turkey brand.
