Wild Turkey Rare Breed

[mickblueeyes]

Wild Turkey is a brand bottled under the auspicious hands of Jimmy Russell—a legend in the bourbon world. Wild Turkey’s mash bill is a secret, but there is no doubt that the spiciness of their whiskies includes a good deal of rye (from North Dakota) in addition to the corn (from Kentucky) and malted barley (from Montana). They take great pride in the limestone-filtered water that they use in their handcrafted bourbons. Though federal regulations allow distillation up to 160 proof, Jimmy Russell feels that distillation at lower proofs gives the bourbon more flavor.

Rare breed is barrel proof bourbon weighing in at a whopping 54.2% abv—a directly reached proof; no water is added. It is a blend of 6-, 8-, and 12-year-old whiskies.

The color is a rich honey gold and the aroma fills the room before the glass can even be picked up. The nose is very rich with hints of orange peel and freshly shaven nutmeg on a background of sweet corn. The palate is crisp and acidic with definite continuance of the fruit sensation, developing a caramelized orange sweetness enveloped in rich, rye spiciness. The whiskey dries to a firm, spicy finish with nuances of caramel and oak.

Overall, this is not bourbon for the inexperienced. It is full, spicy and rich and it has its place. This is not a whiskey for everyday; it is a whiskey for special moments—a whiskey to be savored and sipped. A potent expression of Wild Turkey that is worthwhile for enthusiasts, but be prepared, the flavor is intense.