Wild Turkey Longbranch and Rare Breed are two of the most popular bourbons from Wild Turkey, a distillery that has been producing quality spirits for over 150 years. Both bourbons are made by Master Distiller Eddie Russell and are known for their unique flavors, smoothness, and quality.
When comparing Wild Turkey Longbranch vs Rare Breed, it is important to consider the differences in flavor, alcohol content, and price. Both bourbons have their own unique characteristics and are well-regarded by whiskey enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the occasion.
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History of Wild Turkey Longbranch Bourbon Vs Its Rare Breed Bourbon
Longbranch Bourbon’s History
photo credit: www.wildturkeybourbon.com
Longbranch Bourbon is a relatively new addition to Wild Turkey’s lineup, having been released in April 2018. It is a collaboration between Wild Turkey’s creative director Matthew McConaughey and master distiller Eddie Russell. The idea behind Longbranch was to create a bourbon that was both approachable and sophisticated, and that could be enjoyed by both whiskey enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
The name Longbranch is a nod to McConaughey’s childhood home in Texas, which was located on a street called Longbranch. The bourbon itself is made using Wild Turkey’s traditional mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, and is aged for 8 years. It is then filtered through Texas mesquite and oak charcoal, which gives it a unique flavor profile.
Rare Breed Bourbon’s History
photo credit: www.wildturkeybourbon.com
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon has been a fan favorite since it was introduced in 1991. It draws on some of the oldest whiskey used in a regular Turkey release. Rare Breed is a blend of 6 to 12-year-old barrels that are hand-selected by Wild Turkey’s master distiller. It is bottled at barrel proof, which means that the alcohol content can vary from batch to batch.
The name Rare Breed comes from the fact that it is a blend of several different barrels, each with its own unique flavor profile. The bourbon itself is made using Wild Turkey’s traditional mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. It is aged in new, charred oak barrels, which gives it a deep amber color and a rich, complex flavor.
Production Process
When it comes to Wild Turkey’s Longbranch and Rare Breed bourbons, both spirits are made using a similar production process, but there are some key differences that set them apart.
Longbranch Bourbon’s Production Process
Longbranch bourbon is a collaboration between Wild Turkey’s master distiller Eddie Russell and creative director Matthew McConaughey. The production process for Longbranch starts with a traditional bourbon mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. The mash is then fermented using Wild Turkey’s proprietary yeast strain and distilled in copper stills.
After distillation, the bourbon is aged in American oak barrels that have been charred on the inside to give the whiskey its characteristic flavor and color. What sets Longbranch apart from other Wild Turkey bourbons is the unique filtration process. The whiskey is filtered through Texas mesquite charcoal, which gives it a subtle smoky flavor and a smooth finish.
Rare Breed Bourbon’s Production Process
Wild Turkey’s Rare Breed bourbon is a cask-strength whiskey that is made using a blend of 6 to 12-year-old barrels. The production process for Rare Breed starts with the same traditional bourbon mash bill used for Longbranch. The mash is fermented using Wild Turkey’s proprietary yeast strain and distilled in copper stills.
After distillation, the bourbon is aged in American oak barrels that have been charred on the inside to give the whiskey its characteristic flavor and color. The barrels are then hand-selected by the master distiller to create the perfect blend of flavors for Rare Breed.
Once the barrels have been selected, the whiskey is bottled at cask strength, which can range from 112.8 to 116.8 proof. This gives Rare Breed its intense flavor and aroma, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, Wild Turkey Longbranch and Rare Breed have some notable differences. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare:
Wild Turkey Longbranch
This bourbon has a sweet and smooth taste, with hints of vanilla and caramel. It also has a smoky flavor due to the mesquite charcoal filtration process. Some drinkers find the smokiness to be too overpowering, but others enjoy the unique taste it brings. The finish is long and warm, with a slight burn.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Rare Breed has a bolder and spicier flavor profile than Longbranch. It has notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper, along with a hint of sweetness. The finish is dry and oaky, with a lingering warmth. This bourbon is also higher in alcohol content, at 116.8 proof, compared to Longbranch’s 86 proof.
Price Comparison
The average price for a bottle of Wild Turkey Longbranch is around $40, while a bottle of Rare Breed can be found for around $45. However, the price may vary depending on the location and store.
Conclusion
In the end, comparing Wild Turkey Longbranch and Rare Breed bourbons comes down to personal preference. Each has its own unique flavor profile and characteristics that make it a great choice for different occasions or moods.
For those who prefer a smoother, more approachable bourbon, Longbranch may be the way to go. Its lower alcohol proof of 86 and notes of caramel, vanilla, and mesquite make it a great sipping whiskey that can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bolder, more complex bourbon, Rare Breed may be the better choice. With a higher alcohol proof of 112.8 and a blend of 6, 8, and 12-year-old bourbons, Rare Breed packs a punch with notes of honey, tobacco, and leather.
Ultimately, whether you choose Longbranch or Rare Breed, you can’t go wrong with Wild Turkey’s expertly crafted bourbons. Both offer a unique taste experience that any whiskey lover is sure to appreciate.
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