Wild Turkey Rare Breed | Whiskey Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, USA.
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Wild Turkey employs a unique maturation process involving heavily charred casks, specifically alligator char number three, which allows the whiskey to have extensive contact with the charcoal inside the cask. This process helps in removing unwanted flavors and making the whiskey milder. The distillery also uses a lower filling strength post-distillation, which results in a more intense whiskey after maturation.
Age Statement: A blend of 5 to 12-year-old bourbons.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the maturation process suggests a deep and rich color.
Bottle Design: Not described in the transcript.

Balance of Flavors: The whiskey is described as having a good balance between sweetness and oakiness, with a unique profile that doesn't lean too heavily on the typical caramel-vanilla notes found in many bourbons.
Unique Characteristics: It has a notable honey sweetness, zesty orange, and a round, pleasing taste with hints of tobacco and lightly roasted, mature nuts. The use of alligator char contributes to a bittersweet touch, possibly adding to the umami flavors.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique flavor profile sets it apart from more traditional, sweet, and caramel-forward bourbons.

Distillery Background: Founded in 1869 by the Rippey brothers, originally known as the Rippey Distillery. The name was changed to Wild Turkey following a legendary wild turkey hunt.
Anecdotes: The reviewer humorously notes the absence of wild turkeys during a visit to the distillery, only encountering turkey vultures.

Kentucky Heritage: Emphasizes the whiskey's roots in Kentucky, a state renowned for its bourbon production. The unique maturation process and the story behind the distillery's name contribute to its cultural significance.

"It's a very old Kentucky straight bourbon."
"It's growing on you. I do like it more than I did like it the first two times."
"It's such a good whiskey."
The whiskey was awarded at the reviewer's 25th anniversary, highlighting its quality and appeal.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, aged between 5 to 12 years.
It features a unique maturation process with heavily charred casks and a lower initial filling strength, resulting in a more intense flavor.
The flavor profile is balanced, with honey sweetness, zesty orange, and hints of tobacco and mature nuts, distinct from the typical caramel-vanilla notes of many bourbons.
The distillery has a rich history, originally founded as the Rippey Distillery in 1869.
The whiskey is highly regarded by the reviewer, having won an award at their 25th anniversary.

Bourbon Enthusiasts: Individuals with a deep appreciation for bourbon will find the unique maturation process and flavor profile intriguing.
Whiskey Adventurers: Those looking to explore beyond the typical flavor profiles of bourbon will appreciate the unique characteristics of Wild Turkey Rare Breed.
Collectors and Connoisseurs: The historical significance and the award-winning nature of this whiskey make it a worthy addition to any collection.