Wild Turkey 101 12 Year (Cheesy Gold Foil)

I truly dislike having to do this. Just a few days ago, I named the 2022 Russel’s Reserve 13 my favorite bourbon of all time, but it has been swiftly superseded by this. The RR13 isn't in the same category as this. In fact, no bourbon I've ever tasted is in the same category as this. I attended a Diwali party yesterday, where the host had an outdoor setup. He offered an open bar with some wine selections and standard single malts (Lag 16, Amrut, John Paul, Balvenie, Talisker 10). Nothing we haven't seen on the middle shelf of a liquor store. However, on my way to the kitchen, I noticed some exceptional bottles in his home bar. There, I spotted some rare finds, all unopened except this and a Balvenie 25. Later, I inquired about this particular bottle and his opinions on it. Instead, he asked for my thoughts and generously offered a two-ounce pour. This is unlike any bourbon I've experienced. The nose has pipe tobacco, oak, and a musty funk reminiscent of Hampden rum or even Springbank. I haven't encountered this funk aroma in bourbon before. Taste—incredible. Oily mouthfeel. Sweet icing, vanilla, floral honey. But... there's that musty funk again. Like an old library. The last time I encountered something similar was in a 51-year-old Craigellechie. This is highly unusual for a bourbon. In fact, outside of some very old single malts, it's simply not normal. I've sampled hundreds of bourbons, and I can count on one hand the ones that are deeply memorable: Garrison Cowboy, 2014 Four Roses LESB, RR13 2022. This surpasses all of them. (Admittedly, I haven't tried Pappy or any BTAC). I have no idea what this cost, but I imagine it's only available on the secondary market now, and I'm guessing around $500. A stunning bourbon, easily the best in its class and among the top 3 in the category.

I don't often drink bourbon and wouldn't recognize a Wild Turkey if it appeared, but this celebrated bottling from the 1980s is fantastic. There's a small range of flavors I enjoy in bourbon alongside several I dislike, and this one is spot on. The aroma is a wonderful blend of cherry and polished rosewood. There's a brief and surprising hit of funky cheese grits on the first sip, followed by a smooth transition into brown sugar and cinnamon that lasts for hours. I was still enjoying the aftertaste of this until bedtime. And as I noted, it's even better for what it lacks: no corn, cream, vanilla, or white sugar. This is as good as any Pappy I've had and offers as much flavor as a WL Weller at a much more approachable proof. I don't believe I could ever label a Scotch as perfect given the category's complexity, but within the limited range of flavors that define bourbon, this is as good as it gets.

Nose: aged, dusty books; old leather; sweet mango; caramel; vanilla bean; rich toffee; aged oak; cinnamon buns; molasses Palate: dusty, aged oak; old leather; vanilla bean; lemon oil; barrel char; molasses; herbal spice; caramelized sugar Finish: Long, rich finish; musty oak; molasses; leather; sugary sweetness Truly exceptional. Among the finest bourbons I've ever encountered. From beginning to end, a distinct aged/musty oak and old dusty library scent that's fantastic. It also has leather, along with some wonderful tropical fruit notes. The aromas and flavors are extensive on the nose and palate... my descriptions don't fully capture it. The finish is lengthy, rich, and extremely well-balanced. If you're fortunate enough to sample this, consider yourself very lucky.

Drammers club online pour. Amazing stuff, potentially superior to Pappy Van Winkle 15. Nose: Oak, Cherry, Vanilla, Caramel, Chocolate, Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, Raisins, Berries, Flowers, Brown Sugar, Orange, Lemon Frosting, Apricot, Bubblegum, Corn Palate: Caramel, Cherry, Vanilla, Peach, Chocolate, Spearmint, Orange, Cinnamon, Flowers, Bubblegum, Cotton Candy, Raisins Finish: Vanilla, Caramel, Cherry, Dill, Cloves, Pepper, Orange, Sultanas, Flowers, Corn, Cotton Candy, Grass, Raisins, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon

One of the finest bourbons ever made is the Wild Turkey 12 Year, produced from the mid-80s to the early 90s, primarily for the Japanese market. It's a remarkable whiskey with an incredible oily mouthfeel and the longest finish. It achieves perfect balance.

A caramel, vanilla, butterscotch explosion; there's something special about those older bourbons.