Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Bourbon

I went to the Wild Turkey distillery this past weekend and was lucky enough to speak with Jimmy Russell, their 90-year-old Master Distiller. He was gracious enough to take a photo with me and sign a couple bottles I'd bought. I asked him which Wild Turkey bottling was his favorite, and he responded, “one of each,” which I imagine he's said countless times. But he then admitted it might be Rare Breed, which he mentioned is a mix of 6-, 8-, and 12-year-old bourbons. I've been a fan of Rare Breed for a long time, and was pleased to hear I was in good company. This is classic, full-throttle bourbon, operating at peak performance: it’s high-proof, but not excessively so (this bottle is 116.8–more than enough for a pleasant Kentucky Hug). There’s creamy caramel, chocolate-covered cherries, some pipe tobacco, leather, spearmint, and faint buttered corn, finishing with a focused espresso note. At approximately $50, Wild Turkey Rare Breed is one of the best bourbon values available today. It’s excellent for sipping, and though I'd find it difficult, the high proof would work well in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Would I purchase more? Absolutely. Who am I to contradict Jimmy Russell?

Wild Turkey uses only one bourbon mash bill - 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% barley. This bourbon is 116.8 proof (all Rare Breed is this proof, indicating they might be playing with the definition of "barrel proof"). This bottle cost $58.99 at the Total Wine store in the Uptown area of Albuquerque. There's no age statement, and the whisky has an old copper color in the glass. Nose: Smoke, honey, creamed corn, and a warm, savory element I can't pinpoint. Mouthfeel: Viscous, creamy, and oily. Taste: I detect honey, cinnamon, a bit of oak, and brown sugar. Finish: Very brief, with cinnamon and brown sugar. Summary: If you only consider the number of notes I identified on the nose, taste, and finish, you might think this isn't very good. But you'd be mistaken. I don't believe I've encountered such a superb mouthfeel anywhere else. And this whisky also tastes great. There's more to it than I've been able to articulate – it's likely to be a while before I can fully dissect and describe what Rare Breed offers me. Rating: On my personal scale, which has eight levels from bottom to top, this ranks at 7, Right Fine. That's equivalent to 4.375 stars, 87.5/100, or 8.75/10.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof is a powerful, uncut bourbon that exhibits the peak of what high-proof spirits can provide. This bottling presents a strong yet harmonious encounter. Its aroma is full of deep scents of caramel, charred wood, vanilla, and a whisper of spice notes, welcoming you with its heat and intricate character. The taste is where Rare Breed truly excels. It is a rich, intricate spirit with tastes of dark honey, molasses, cinnamon, and a hint of fruit. The high proof is expertly blended, offering a pleasant warmth that doesn't overpower the senses. The texture is rich and slick, bathing the palate in a smooth feel. The finish is extended and comforting, leaving behind lasting notes of wood, spice, and a hint of sugar. Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a top-tier barrel-proof bourbon, delivering remarkable depth, personality, and ease of drinking. It is essential for aficionados looking for a strong yet elegant spirit encounter. Total Score: 96/100

Wild Turkey brings back memories of my university days. It was more affordable and suitable for my less developed palate back then. My current wife became ill from it during her youth. It never occurred to me that I would be tasting an offering years later. They have certainly made significant improvements since that time. I truly savored this! The aroma was filled with baking spices, vanilla, and ethanol. The flavor presented some pleasing characteristics, including the aforementioned vanilla, caramel, grain, with a touch of brown sugar and pepper. The warmth was noticeable but smooth. The finish was also quite prolonged. This is one of those bottles that surprises you because it competes admirably with some of its more costly counterparts. I strongly suggest getting one soon. I wouldn't be shocked if its price increases in the future.

I wanted to try a nicer bourbon than Bulleit, and took a gamble with Wild Turkey Rare Breed. It paid off. Taste - as soon as i opened it and took a taste it felt like the finest of maple candy or brown sugar hitting my palette, but with less sweetness. There's a little vanilla and you can taste the corn mash in the background. This is a beautiful bourbon and my new favorite dessert drink. Also strong on the palette is oak and spice with a nice long finish. Color - beautiful brown sugar. Nose - Matches the drink but with more floral notes. Value - eh it isn't exactly cheap nor is it expensive. But it is very good and i want this on my shelf. Overall 8.5/10 One of my first really good bourbons (i used to drink too much jim beam, jack, and makers in college)

The aroma presents as spicy with spearmint and oak dominating, accompanied by abundant vanilla. The initial taste delivers a spicy sensation that coats the throat with mint, pepper, and oak spices. Notes of brown sugar, vanilla, green apple skins, and char are present. Each taste is sweeter than the previous, yet each also brings a spicy heat to the throat... quite the puzzle! It's intricate and thoroughly pleasing. The teeth feel fuzzy, the throat feels warm, and the palate receives a good coating... a lengthy finish and every sip encourages another. Nose: 4/5 Taste: 4.5/5 Overall: 4.25/5 Repurchase: Yes Type: Friday Night Pour