Wild Turkey

The Wild Turkey Whiskey Distillery is one of the most famous distilleries in the United States and has secured a firm place in bourbon history. Founded in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, its history dates back to the early 20th century. The name "Wild Turkey" originated in the 1940s when an employee took a bottle of bourbon with him on a turkey hunt, and the popularity of its whiskey among hunters led to this iconic name.

Wild Turkey's production is characterized by traditional craftsmanship and the highest quality. The distillery uses a special recipe with a high rye content, which gives its bourbon a uniquely spicy character. The whiskey matures for years in new, heavily charred oak barrels, which gives it its distinctive aroma and deep amber color. Eddie Russell, following in the footsteps of his father, Jimmy Russell – a legend in the world of whiskey – serves as master distiller today.

Wild Turkey offers a wide range of products, from its classic Wild Turkey 101, a bold bourbon with 50.5% ABV, to premium options like Wild Turkey Rare Breed and the Russell's Reserve range. Each bottle embodies the rich tradition and commitment to excellence that have been at the heart of the brand for decades.

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Discover the world of Wild Turkey Whiskey – history, production, products and special features

Wild Turkey is more than just a name in the whiskey world. With a history spanning many decades, a distinctive production method, and distinctive products, Wild Turkey is one of the most popular bourbon brands in the world. Are you curious about what makes this distillery so special and how its whiskey is created? Here you'll find the most important facts and background information, presented concisely and understandably.

What makes Wild Turkey so special

Located in the heart of Kentucky, a region known as the center of American whiskey, Wild Turkey Distillery combines tradition, craftsmanship, and nature to create a unique bourbon.

You'll quickly notice that Wild Turkey makes no compromises on quality and taste. From the selection of raw materials to the finished product, the distillery takes every step seriously. That's why whiskey fans and connoisseurs appreciate their typically robust style.

The Story of Wild Turkey

The distillery's origins date back to 1869, when what is now Wild Turkey Distillery first opened its doors. However, the name "Wild Turkey" actually originated in 1940, when a manager offered his whiskey to his friends while turkey hunting. Since then, the turkey has been the symbol of this heritage brand.

Wild Turkey is characterized by remarkable consistency in distilling and blending. Legendary master distiller Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie Russell are icons of the industry and have shaped this bourbon for decades.

The production of Wild Turkey Whiskey

Behind every glass of Wild Turkey lies traditional craftsmanship and passion. The most important production steps at a glance:

Selection of raw materials

Wild Turkey uses only the finest ingredients: corn, rye, and malted barley, along with clear limestone water from Kentucky. The mashbill composition creates a distinctive flavor with pleasantly sweet and spicy notes.

The distillation

Wild Turkey traditionally distills its whiskey to a higher alcohol content than many other American distilleries. The so-called "high rye" style gives the whiskey a special flavor and depth.

The storage

Another hallmark is the aging in heavily charred oak barrels (Char No. 4). This gives the whiskey intense aromas of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The extended aging period at Wild Turkey also gives the bourbon its rich, golden color and complex structure.

The bottling

Wild Turkey consistently avoids the addition of artificial colorings and relies on a higher alcohol content during bottling. Many of its standard products are released at 50.5% ABV (101 proof), thus offering a particularly intense flavor experience.

Wild Turkey products

The range of Wild Turkey products is extensive. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced whiskey fan, you're sure to find something to suit your taste. The most important varieties at a glance:

Wild Turkey 81 Bourbon

At 40.5% ABV, this bourbon is the entry point into the world of Wild Turkey. It's perfect for cocktails, but still retains the distillery's signature character.

Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

Wild Turkey's flagship whiskey and a classic among American whiskeys. With its high rye content and plenty of spice, vanilla, and caramel notes, it delights neat drinkers and bartenders alike.

Wild Turkey Rye

There's a dedicated line for rye whiskey lovers. The Wild Turkey Rye is bold, spicy, and offers a pleasant sharpness. Perfect for classic cocktails like the Manhattan or enjoyed neat.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed

Rare Breed is a barrel-proof bourbon bottled directly from the cask. No dilution, no filtration—so you get the full flavor and a whiskey that's highly sought after by connoisseurs.

Wild Turkey Longbranch

Here, Wild Turkey's classic style meets innovation. Finished with American oak and Texas mesquite charcoal, Longbranch is a particularly smooth bourbon developed in collaboration with actor Matthew McConaughey.

Special features that distinguish Wild Turkey

What sets Wild Turkey apart from other Kentucky bourbons?

  • traditionand family history with the Russells as guardians of taste
  • Higher alcohol content, which provides more intensity
  • Heavily burnt oak barrelsthat give the whiskey its unique aroma
  • No additives, which preserves the natural character
  • Wide selectionfrom classic Bourbon to innovative Longbranch

This combination ensures that you get authenticity, craftsmanship and a pure taste experience with every Wild Turkey bottling.

A whiskey for connoisseurs and explorers

Whether you enjoy Wild Turkey neat from a tumbler or use it in creative cocktails is up to you. One thing is clear, however, that there's more to this brand than just a great whiskey. It's the interplay of history, innovation, experience, and uncompromising passion that makes Wild Turkey so special.

If you're keen to explore the world of Wild Turkey further, try different bottlings and pay attention to the subtle differences. Enjoy consciously, compare, and find your favorite.

The next glass is waiting for you

Wild Turkey represents the best American whiskey has to offer. From its history and production to its wide range of products, tradition and quality are evident in every bottle. Want to learn more? Learn more at tastings, ask for recommendations from specialist retailers, or visit the distillery on your next trip to Kentucky.

Cheers to your next whiskey moment!