A little background
Wild Turkey 101 8 Year Old Bourbon is a hand-selected, small batch expression crafted under the watchful eye of legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell at Wild Turkey’s distillery atop Wild Turkey Hill in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky — a place where the brand has been making whiskey for over 75 years. Coming in at 101 proof (50.5% ABV) and retailing for around $44.99, this bourbon is built on Wild Turkey’s classic mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, and every barrel in the blend has seen a minimum of 8 years of aging before it makes it into the bottle.
According to Wild Turkey, the extended maturation that defines the Wild Turkey 101 8 Year Old Bourbon enhances the overall complexity and depth of the pour while preserving the bold, high-proof character the 101 line has always been known for. The brand recommends enjoying it neat or on the rocks, and positions this expression as a more mature, nuanced step up from the standard Wild Turkey 101 — one that still carries that signature rye-forward punch the distillery has built its reputation on.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Gold
| Mash Bill | Nose | Taste | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley | Roasted caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, baking spice, citrus zest, dark cherry, rye spice | Caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, baking spice, red fruit, cherry, rye pepper, brown sugar | Rye spice, peppery oak, cinnamon, baking spice, brown sugar, vanilla, charred oak |
In closing
At the end of the day, Wild Turkey 101 8 Year Old Bourbon delivers exactly what it promises: a bold, rye-forward Kentucky straight bourbon with genuine depth and complexity that the extra aging time clearly helps develop. The nose is inviting and layered, the palate is rich and satisfying with a full, oily mouthfeel that coats every corner of your mouth, and the finish is warming and medium-to-long with a nice interplay of spice and sweetness that keeps you coming back for another sip. This is a well-rounded, well-executed bourbon that earns its place on any shelf.
Priced at $44.99, Wild Turkey 101 8 Year Old Bourbon is a legitimately strong value play in the current market. You’re getting an age-stated, hand-selected, high-proof bourbon from one of Kentucky’s most storied distilleries at a price point that frankly undercuts a lot of its competition. Whether you’re a longtime Wild Turkey loyalist or someone looking for an honest, flavorful bourbon that doesn’t require a treasure hunt or a second mortgage, Wild Turkey 101 8 Year Old Bourbon is well worth picking up.
Wild Turkey 101 8 Year Old Bourbon
The Good
- Great proof point
- Fantastic value
- Availability
The Bad
- Much more expensive than standard WT 101
