Wild Turkey Rare Breed (Old Label)

Overall Score: 3.88 [English] [Nose] - Gentle caramel and vanilla. - Slightly fruity. - Hints of banana and sweetness at the end of the aroma. - Very little alcohol presence compared to the proof. [Palate] - Full-bodied. - Spiciness that causes a slight sting. - Rough and hot. - Sweetness. - A well-balanced saltiness provides equilibrium. [Finish] - Hotness. - Lingering woody, rich oak scent. - Sweet and deep vanilla. - A pleasant warmth remains in the mouth and throat for a long time. [Korean] [Nose] - Soft caramel and vanilla. - Light fruitiness. - Banana and sweetness at the end of the scent. - Very little alcohol burn for the proof. [Palate] - Heavy. - Spiciness that causes a slight sting. - Rough texture. - Sweetness. - Balanced saltiness provides equilibrium. [Finish] - Hotness. - Woody and rich oak aroma remains. - Sweet and rich vanilla. - Pleasant warmth lingers in the mouth and throat.

NOSE Oak, baking spice, rich baking spice, orange zest, vanilla, dried stone fruit, char, cocoa, marzipan, and a subtle mustiness. It carries a slight hint of oxidation to impart an aged, dusty sensation, but otherwise, it's a powerful spirit dominated by oak and spice. PALATE Oak, cocoa, deep baking spice, toasted corn, complex dark sweetness, dried stone fruit, leather, herbal notes, and roasted grains with almonds. Dark and rustic in character, with an elegant sweetness weaving through. FINISH Extended – Oak, baking spice, dark sweetness, and a fruity note

Nose: Vanilla, orange, brown sugar sweetness, reminiscent of a finished old fashioned. Nose after swirling: Very faint ethanol burn, with apple notes complementing the orange. Palate: Medium body, a surprising amount of the nose carries through to the palate; orange, vanilla, brown sugar... a subtle apothecary-like herbal note, which works wonderfully with the palate when consumed alongside Rosemary Fries... incredible! Finish: Little to no ethanol burn, exceptionally smooth. Lingers briefly with more of the palate flavors... a beautiful everyday sipper.

I obtained a very old bottle of Rare Breed from my father. This particular one was 108.2 proof, unlike the current standard 116.8. The aroma has a bit more ethanol, but the signature Wild Turkey barrel char is still detectable. The palate is sweet and rich, featuring very pleasant vanilla and spice notes. The finish is quite long, leaving a desire for another taste.

3.5 stars - Very Good; 750 ml bottle This is feedback for the older version of Rare Breed. Recalling from about 10 years ago... This bottle introduced me to the realm of fine bourbon. Rich, profound flavors. My recently purchased bottle of the white label, barrel-proof Rare Breed tastes entirely different from what I recall.

Definitely enjoyable. I'm a big fan of barrel proof whiskeys. The flavor was nice but slightly off for me in a way I can't quite pinpoint. If this is your most accessible option for a barrel proof bourbon, then buying it is a no-brainer. Otherwise, I'd reach for ECBP by a considerable amount.