Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Rye

Rating: 19/23 Nose: Abundant rich, sweet corn is present, along with significant herbal rye, mint, and spice. The aroma is intriguingly complex, despite its intensity. Palate: Rich and quite full-bodied, featuring bold corn sweetness balanced by a pleasingly tart sour mash flavor. It's rather hot and spicy, with a substantial amount of vanilla and many subtle nuances. Finish: Lingering spices and heat accompany sweet vanilla. The vanilla's richness develops slowly, while the sweetness and other elements fade. - Conclusion - This bears a resemblance to Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Rye (17/23), which might seem obvious, but I've noticed that the Rare Breed bourbon doesn't taste all that similar to Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon. This rye is quite nice. When comparing the two ryes side-by-side, this one is definitely less rich or full, which aligns with expectations when contrasting a Rare Breed with a Russell's Single Barrel. This score is easily a 16, but I'm hesitant to assign such a high rating. Currently, I prefer this over the Rare Breed bourbon. It's significantly better than Redwood Empire Lost Monarch (15/23), placing it well above a 17 and likely at least an 18. I'm considering an 18 or 19, probably a 19. Upon revisiting, I believe the vanilla pushes this into a 19.

Opened 3 months ago Nose - Notes of ginger, mint, pine needle, dill, peppercorn medley, lemon oil, cinnamon, spiced black tea, caramel, and strong ethanol. Palate - Spicy and savory herbs, lemon peel, black pepper, pine needle, gingersnap cookie, light tobacco, and clove. The finish is medium-long with bitter, astringent rye and oak spices, citrus cleaner, black pepper, dried herbs, and a significant ethanol bite. I decided to give this another try a few years after its initial release. It was hard to find that first year, but now it's easily available for $60 at most stores I've seen in 2023. I purchased it when it first arrived in NC amid considerable buzz, and was disappointed with the bottle. Considering how consistently excellent the Rare Breed bourbon is, I expected the rye to be superior. Since its debut, numerous online reviews continue to rave about the Rare Breed Rye, but I don't understand the acclaim. It's not bad by any means, but at this price point, it ranks among the poorer ryes I've sampled. It possesses a savory, velvety character but lacks the sweetness found in a low-rye mash bill or a more aged rye. Furthermore, it doesn't deliver the spicy, herbal punch of an MGP rye. I would consistently choose a Knob Creek or Smooth Ambler pick over this.

On the nose I detect grass, rye grain, apple, and a faint touch of vanilla, perhaps some cloves. It presents as a spicy spirit, with a complex blend of spices on the palate: black pepper, a hint of cinnamon, ground ginger, and potent rye. Beneath the heat, classic rye characteristics emerge like maraschino cherries and almonds. I've noticed apple notes in many expressions from the Wild Turkey range and Russell's Reserve, and they are certainly present here. While Russell's offers a sweet, smooth, and mellow sipping rye, Rare Breed Rye represents the opposite end of the spectrum – it's about intense heat and spice. The finish is enduring and fiery, with more ground ginger, noticeable barrel char, some pleasant woody charcoal elements, and possibly even some cocoa. A perfect accompaniment for a chilly autumn evening, enjoyed with apple or pumpkin pie, during holiday celebrations, or by a backyard campfire. A superb addition to the Wild Turkey collection. This is truly outstanding. I will certainly purchase another bottle once this one is finished.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Rye presents a bold and robust flavor profile that immediately captures attention. The nose is rich with a combination of vanilla and caramel, enhanced by subtle hints of baking spices. Upon tasting, the high proof makes its presence known, delivering a powerful burst of rye spice alongside notes of toffee and dark chocolate. The complexity deepens with layers of oak and a touch of leather, creating a well-rounded and intense palate. The finish is long-lasting, leaving a warm, lingering sensation with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Rye is a true connoisseur's selection, showcasing the depth and character of a meticulously crafted barrel-proof rye whiskey.

Appearance: Light golden amber. Smell: Cloves, oak, and possibly a trace of cocoa. Taste: Consumed with a small ice cube. Enjoyable! Rye spice was immediately followed by a good amount of sweetness. Orange peel, or a general citrus essence, unexpectedly appeared after several sips. This is a highly intricate and evolving Rye. On my final sip, I detected a significant amount of "sweet grains" (whatever that might be). Finish: I'm uncertain how to describe the finish. It seems short, yet full of character. I sampled the Rare Breed Bourbon last year and loved it. Therefore, I anticipated liking this one, but I didn't expect to enjoy it this much. The team at Wild Turkey truly excels. None of their products have disappointed me so far.

While I realize I'm in the minority, I genuinely find this rye to be below average. The aroma is quite appealing, leaning more towards a bourbon profile with subtle tobacco notes that I particularly enjoy. However, the taste is excessively hot and doesn't align with the nose. I'm not opposed to high-proof spirits, as my reviews indicate, but this offering relies entirely on its proof, delivering minimal flavor on the palate and leaving me feeling quite parched. I own a bottle and am content to have it, but I wouldn't purchase another given the availability of superior ryes on the market, both lower and higher in proof, that offer more nuanced flavors instead of just heat.