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Wild Turkey 101
| Nose | Rich caramel and vanilla with toasted oak, orange peel and a spicy hit of rye, plus hints of honey and baking spice |
| Palate | Full-bodied and robust. Brown sugar, toffee and vanilla, followed by a warming wave of black pepper, cinnamon and rye spice over charred oak |
| Finish | Long and spicy. Lingering toasted oak and caramel sweetness, with a gentle warmth that builds and fades slowly |
Wild Turkey 101 is a bold, high-rye Kentucky bourbon that has earned cult status among bartenders and bourbon fans the world over. The “101” refers to its strength, 101 US proof or 50.5% ABV. That’s a big step up from most standard bourbons and gives this whiskey real depth, richness and punch. It’s distilled in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, overlooking the Kentucky River. According to the famous story, the name dates back to 1940, when a distillery executive took a few bottles on a wild turkey hunt and his friends kept asking for “that wild turkey bourbon”.
Wild Turkey has been shaped by the Russell family for generations. Jimmy Russell, one of the longest-serving master distillers in the world, joined in 1954, and his son Eddie now carries on the work. Their recipe uses a high proportion of rye, which adds spice. The whiskey is matured in new American oak barrels given the heaviest “alligator” char, so named because the scorched wood cracks like alligator skin. That char gives Wild Turkey 101 its deep amber colour and rich layers of caramel, vanilla and toasted oak.
Who it’s for: Bourbon lovers who want more flavour and power than the average bottle. It’s a favourite with home bartenders thanks to its bold character, and it represents excellent value for a high-strength Kentucky bourbon.
How to enjoy it: One of the best bourbons for cocktails. Its strength means it holds its own in an Old Fashioned, Manhattan or Whiskey Sour. Neat or over a large ice cube, a splash of water brings out the sweeter caramel and vanilla notes.
