I bought this at the same time as the Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon to compare those two hugely popular low rye Bourbons. Since Wild Turkey uses more Barley & Rye in their mash bills, it has a slightly different flavour profile. They allegedly take bigger cuts during the distillation process & age their whiskey longer, which increases the spiciness along with the woody notes.
Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled by Wild Turkey Distillery
Type: Low Rye Bourbon
Region: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, USA
Age: NAS, five to eight years in alligator char American White Oak barrels.
ABV: 40.5% (81 proof)
Mash bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley.
Colouring: No
Appearance: 8/10
The bourbon comes in a clear bottle. Like always this a definite no for me, since it doesn’t protect the whiskey from the damaging UV rays which is even more important in darker spirits. It is topped with agglomerated cork which helps against oxidation, thus preventing loss of flavour over time. The label is good-looking & has a little information on the whiskey at the back. I would like more knowledge in regards to the mash bill on bourbon bottles, but since nobody does it I can’t really expect it to be there. In the glass, the Bourbon has a deep gold colour with pale amber hues. When I tilt it, a medium crest forms with large legs falling quite fast from it.
Nose: 11/15
The nose opens up on rich vanilla & fresh pears. The ethanol is noticeable although it blends in with spicy notes. These are reminiscent of rye bread, cinnamon, cardamom & cloves. The longer aging clearly adds some woody flavours with all this vanilla & baking spices. As I continue nosing it, I get some faint cream corn as well as overripe apples & cooked white peaches which contribute to a fruity backbone. These fresher notes help to balance the oak aromas. As it opens up, I perceive a distinct Oolong tea scent that doesn’t blend in with the rest, yet is not completely out of place. It has a uniquely light profile with spicy & fruity features.
Mouth: 11/15
The Bourbon is full-bodied & pretty complex on the palate. It is a bit sharp from the ethanol while having a definitive sweetness. There’s also an oily texture with some soft tannin & a light acidity. All these are in balance, but create quite a powerful experience. The flavours I perceive are similar to the ones found on the nose, although they seem bolder. It is fruitier & has a hint of green mint to help liven up the whiskey’s profile. It’s not as caramelly as other bourbons as it tends to stick more with deep oak barrel notes that confer loads of baking spices.
Finish: 7.5/10
The finish is long with a burst of vanilla flavours. Then comes the same spicy profile as found since the beginning.
Overall: 75/100
This was a great first impression with this bourbon. I love the rye notes I pick up in this & the fact that the vanilla is not too overwhelming. It’s definitely not a complex Bourbon although it easily serves its purpose on ice or in a cocktail. For the moment, I could enjoy this neat without any problem, but I often find favouring it in an Old-Fashioned due to its woody notes nicely complementing the Campari. Since I mentioned Buffalo Trace at the beginning, I’m going to be honest & say that I have a slight preference for it even though it scored lower in general. The flavours lean more on caramelized cereals with a richer personality & a sweeter mouthfeel.
3-word Description:
Spicy, Woody & Fruity.
The Reference
More information @wildturkeybourbon.com
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