Wild Turkey 8 Year 101 Proof (Old Label)

I've been eager to try my first aged Wild Turkey, and here it is. A friend sent this sample, and I'm keen to explore it. This particular one is from a 1991 bottling at 101 proof and is an Italian market export. I will be comparing it to a current 2020 101 version. The aroma is sweet and rich with slightly aged corn, dried cherries, some cooked plums, oak, milk chocolate, baking spices, brown sugar/maple syrup, and a subtle leather note. The color is visibly darker on this one compared to the 2020, and the aroma is quite different. The ‘91 is much less spicy on the nose. The taste is sweet and very viscous with corn, light oak, dark fruit, caramel, a floral note, and some pleasant baking spices. The 2020 has more prominent spice and dark fruit, along with that classic Wild Turkey character, which I surprisingly didn't detect in the ‘91. However, the ‘91 has a noticeably richer mouthfeel. The finish is on the shorter side of long with a nice initial burst of old leather, then fades into sweet corn and some lingering spice and vanilla. The 2020 might have a slightly longer finish with considerably more spice right up to the end. This was an enjoyable comparison. It's evident how things have evolved over the last 30 years at Wild Turkey. The ‘91 had a darker hue and much thicker mouthfeel than the modern version, but I believe I prefer the current profile. The 2020 offers a more pronounced aroma and has lovely spice, dark fruit, caramel sweetness throughout, and some nice Wild Turkey Funk. I suppose that was the only aspect I was surprised/disappointed by with the ‘91, the absence of the funk. I had the impression that was a signature component of their profile. Perhaps it was unique to this ‘91 batch. Regardless, I enjoyed it, but I think I'll continue saving my money and stick with the current offering.

Nose - Vanilla caramels, oaky cinnamon, hints of fresh bing cherries & maraschino cherries, caramel macchiato foam. Taste - Spicy cinnamon tingle, oaky vanilla caramel, sharp maraschino cherry sweet, hints of sweet wet tobacco Finish - Lingering oaky cinnamon, vanilla caramels, cinnamon tingle lingers, oaky caramel Score - 86/100 Final Thoughts - This is quite standard Wild Turkey, truthfully. The 8 year age statement doesn't significantly enhance the standard 101 but merely preserves the familiar profile I appreciate from Wild Turkey. Nothing exceptional, just good quality bourbon, though the finish is a bit more oaky than I recall but it isn't disruptive. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Yes Would I buy a bottle? - Yes

Aromas of marshmallows, caramel, apricots, and maple syrup, among others. Appearance: A pale to moderate copper color. Taste: Subtle rye, toasted almonds, seasoned wood, pepper, and raisins. Summary: The elevated proof, deep char, and six to eight years in the barrels bestow this Bourbon with impressive flavors for an excellent price. It is robust, intricate, yet completely polished, even enjoyable neat, which is my preference. If the packaging were changed and the name altered, then the price doubled, it would sell even more than it does now. It's an incredible bargain.

1990 bottling. Possesses some distinct old oak bourbon character. Nose: Vanilla, Honey, Cherries, Brown Sugar, Walnuts, Cloves, Cinnamon, Dark Chocolate, Licorice, Cinnamon, Lavender, Milk Chocolate Palate: Oranges, Honey, Cola, Leather, Hazlenuts, Dark Chocolate, Cloves, Root Beer, Maple Syrup, Roses Finish: Honey, Caramel, Orange Peels, Marzipan, Dark Chocolate, Almonds, Root Beer, Strawberries, Cherry Cola, Chili Pepper

Sampling a 2001 bottling from a portion. Both delicate and piquant. Creamy at first, then spicy through the middle to the finish with a "tea with a bit of sugar" quality. Appears well-aged but not overly complex. A medium-length finish with little evolution throughout. Somewhat underwhelming. To my mind, this did not meet the expectations of what I've heard about aged Wild Turkey 101s

This spirit is overlooked. Fortunately, I am in Japan, where it's easily found. It also costs approximately 3100 yen (a little less than $30) for a liter. The balance is good. It carries notes of caramel, vanilla, prunes, tobacco, and leather. I enjoy it throughout the year. While I occasionally sample pricier bourbon, I always return to Wild Turkey 8-year. It would be delightful at any cost.