Wild Turkey 101

A little background

Oh how I’ve had a rollercoaster relationship with Wild Turkey 101 over the years; from the good old college nights of finding something cheap that packed a punch in the ABV department (and the usually abysmal mornings that followed), to scoffing at the thought of drinking WT101 with so many “higher quality” whiskey out there, and finally to the well bourbon hunting is starting to get old so I’m going to find an easily accessible everyday drinker.  Well it’s time to see how it stacks up.  Retail price of around $20 for 750mL.

(Tasted neat from a Sterling Neat Taster.)

Color in the Glass

Medium Gold

Nose

Buttered Rye toast, baked graham cracker pie crust, cinnamon, honey, and orange peel

Palate

The palate is dominated by baking spices with just enough vanilla and caramel to help balance out the spice level.  A dash of black pepper on the back of the palate.

Finish

The black pepper from the palate lingers in the back of my throat creating a slightly unpleasant “heart burn” sensation, other than that the normal bourbon notes of vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon linger for a decent length of time.

In closing

Is Wild Turkey 101 a complex symphony of smell and taste?  No.  Is it a quality pour that I always have available in my liquor cabinet?  Hell yes!  I believe Wild Turkey 101 sets out to be the “working man’s” pour and it does a great job at that, but what really impresses me is that is has enough substance to be enjoyed on the enthusiast level.