Description

Wild Turkey 81 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Heritage

Wild Turkey bourbon traces its roots back to 1869 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, when Thomas Ripy established the original distillery. Though Prohibition halted operations, production resumed in 1933. The name “Wild Turkey” emerged in 1940 when Austin Nichols executive Thomas McCarthy brought samples on a hunting trip; his companions began calling it “that wild turkey bourbon,” and the brand was officially bottled under that name by 1942. In 1971, Austin Nichols acquired the distillery, and after several ownership changes, including Pernod Ricard and then Campari Group in 2009, Wild Turkey has remained at the heart of its original Lawrenceburg site.

What truly defines Wild Turkey, however, is its legacy of craftsmanship, guided for decades by its long-serving Russell family of Master Distillers—most notably Jimmy Russell, the world’s longest-tenured master distiller, along with his son Eddie and grandson Bruce. The brand emphasizes traditional methods, quality ingredients, patience, and bold spirit, a philosophy perhaps captured best in their “Trust Your Spirit” ethos. Its enduring commitment to heritage and authenticity is represented not just in its flagship 101 proof bourbon, but in its premium lines like Kentucky Spirit, Russell’s Reserve, Master’s Keep, and single-barrel expressions—each reflecting decades of Kentucky bourbon tradition

Craft

Wild Turkey’s craft begins with its century‑plus experience atop Wild Turkey Hill in Lawrenceburg, KY, where master distillers like Jimmy and Eddie Russell steer traditional, time‑tested methods. They rely on pristine limestone‑filtered Kentucky River water, non‑GMO grains, and a proprietary yeast strain that’s been fueling their fermentations for over 60 years. After thorough milling and mashing, the sour mash process begins, followed by continuous‑column distillation, yielding a flavorful spirit without sacrificing richness.

From there, the spirit is filled into new American white oak barrels with an intense No. 4 alligator char, deeper than most distillers, to impart the bourbon’s signature deep amber hue and bold flavor. Aged well past the legal minimum of two years, typically five, six, eight, or more—the barrels mature in century‑old rickhouses. The result is a deeply aged bourbon that’s carefully tasted annually (and only bottled when the master distiller gives the nod), with rich notes of vanilla, oak, citrus, toffee, and a long, warming finish.

Crafted by Master Distiller and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey Bourbon is a bourbon aged a minimum of five years in American White Oak barrels with the deepest No. 4 alligator char. This 81-proof bourbon is smooth on the palate with a full and rich finish, perfect for a boilermaker or with a mixer.

Tasting Notes

Wild Turkey 81 delivers an explosion of vanilla and caramel on the palate, accented by subtle hints of honey and orange. The aroma is rich with deep vanilla, complemented by layers of caramel and oak. Its finish is lingering and smooth, revealing soft oak and notes of dried fruit. Crafted through aging in No. 4 alligator char barrels and bottled at 81 proof, it offers a bold yet balanced bourbon experience.

Wild Turkey 81 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Notes To Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Amber
• AROMA: Deep vanilla with caramel and oak
• TASTE: An explosion of vanilla and caramel, with hints of honey and orange
• FINISH: Lingering finish with soft oak and notes of dried fruit
• ABV: 40.5%