Individual Review: Wild Turkey 101

Opening Statement (Description of the Whiskey):

Wild Turkey 101 is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced by Wild Turkey Distillery. It is so named because it has a proof of 101. It is also the distillery's 2nd most affordable bourbon behind the Wild Turkey 81 expression (which is 81 proof). Wild Turkey Distillery boasts having the longest tenured Master Distiller in the world, Jimmy Russell, who is sometimes called the "Buddha of Bourbon" in the whiskey industry. He has been crafting Wild Turkey 101 for more than 60 years. Jimmy Russell has left an indelible mark on Wild Turkey in more ways than just his whiskey. In 1981 his son, Eddie Russell, joined Wild Turkey and has been a part of the business ever since. Eddie developed and currently oversees production of Wild Turkey 81. In 2015 he became a Master Distiller alongside his father. The Russell family has created a lasting legacy at Wild Turkey through their multi-generational experience of whiskey crafting.

Parent Company: Campari Group

Distillery: Wild Turkey

Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

Proof: 101

Age: A Mix of 6, 7, and 8 Year Old Bourbons

Direct Examination (AKA Tasting Notes):

Nose: Caramel, Vanilla, Hint of Orange Peel, Ethanol, and Sweet Corn

Palate: Dark Caramel, Burnt Brown Sugar, Toasted Creamy Marshmallow, Buttery Biscuit, Oak, Pepper

Finish: Medium to Long Length, Caramel, Butterscotch, Cherry, Barrel Tannins, Lingering Pepper

Mouth Feel: Medium

Cross Examination (AKA The Whiskey's Shortcomings):

This bourbon could be smoother. It is quite "hot," in the sense that the alcohol burn and pepper notes can be a little overwhelming, especially for whiskey novices. The flavor profile also does not offer anything unique or complex.

Closing Statements (AKA Conclusions about the Whiskey):

Wild Turkey 101 begins with the classic bourbon nose notes of caramel and vanilla. Nothing special, but pleasant nonetheless. Orange peel makes a small appearance but is quickly enveloped by the strong presence of ethanol. The familiar presence of sweet corn follows the ethanol burn. The nose, while enjoyable, is hot and the ethanol can easily be overwhelming if the glass is too close to the nostrils.

Rich Dark Caramel is the first note on the palate. It quickly evolves into burnt brown sugar and beautiful toasted creamy marshmallow notes. A delicious and friendly buttery biscuit flavor, akin to what is traditionally found in Irish whiskeys, follows the sweeter notes. Bitter oak tannins and intense pepper close out the palate. The burn found on the nose is very apparent on the palate as well, but the delightful marriage of the flavors on the palate almost makes one forget about the heat.

Loud pepper is the beginning note on the finish and is present throughout its entirety. Behind the heat is a lighter version of the caramel found in the palate as well as a sugary butterscotch flavor. A small amount of cherry is also present, but it is quickly drowned out by the bitter barrel tannins that wrap up the entire experience. The burn slowly and noticeably travels down from the mouth to the stomach. Finally, the mouth feel is a happy medium: not too watery while also not being syrupy.

Wild Turkey 101 is considered by many to be a quintessential bourbon. It does not have any outstanding or novel notes, but what makes it shine is how well it showcases the traditional vanilla, brown sugar, and caramel flavors of a bourbon. These flavors are not too intense so as to create a sickly sweet experience, but they also are not so soft that they are swallowed up by the heat of this bourbon. Another big plus about this whiskey is the price: ~$25. Better budget bourbons are few and far between.

The 2 things holding back Wild Turkey 101 are its lack of new or interesting notes and it's moderate to intense heat. The alcohol burn in this bourbon can be overpowering at some points, but the more it is drunk, the more one's mouth and nose acclimate to it allowing the flavors to come alive. For some, especially whiskey newbies, water might be a necessary addition to fully enjoy this spirit. All in all, Wild Turkey 101 is quality budget bourbon that should be a staple of any whiskey drinker's collection.

Verdict (AKA Score): 7

Verdict Key:

10: I do not possess the vocabulary to adequately or accurately describe this masterpiece. It should not be possible for man to create such art.

9: Incredible. Hoard this stuff. Paying secondary market prices is totally worth it.

8: A real pleasure to sip. Always try to have at least one bottle and a back up on hand.

7: A solid pour. Daily drinker for sure. Try to have a bottle on hand.

6: Would not say no to a pour if offered to me, but I won't go out of my way to find it.

5: Good to mix with a coke.

4: Swing and a miss. A mixer makes it tolerable.

3: Only if I had nothing else to drink in the house.

2: Was this made in a prison toilet?

1: This is the stuff the KGB used to slowly and painfully kill prisoners.

0: An abomination of epic proportions. Should not be called whiskey.