At Bitters & Bottles, we love us some Wild Turkey. With the recent explosion of American whiskey brands, it can be easy to take the old standbys for granted. Crazy barrel finishes, experimental mash bills, and big name collaborations grab the hype and headlines, while in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Wild Turkey continues to go about their business of making fantastic whiskey. Their flagship 101 proof bourbon and rye bottlings are whiskey classics, but the truest, fullest expression of Wild Turkey comes through their Russell’s Reserve private barrel program.
Though Wild Turkey uses only one bourbon mash bill (75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley), individual barrels can vary widely in profile while retaining the essential Turkey character that we love. Selected onsite in Lawrenceburg, barrel #21-0158 was aged for 9 years and 10 months on floor 4 of Warehouse K before bottling without chill filtration at 110 proof; and it is a banger. Classic Wild Turkey notes open the nose with dusty wood, rickhouse funk, and charred oak followed by caramel and a touch of red fruit. The palate zags from the nose in a surprising and delicious way, opening with the rich toasty caramel sweetness of crème brûlée coupled with a beautiful note of ripe raspberries. The flavors then turn darker, with notes of cocoa, nutmeg, and pipe tobacco. The finish invites the next sip with lovely lingering tastes of milk chocolate, caramel, raspberry, and musty oak. While it's got plenty of the signature Russell's profile we love, the streak of unique flavors running through this one have instantly vaulted it to an all time favorite pick.
