Individual Review: Wild Turkey Rare Breed - 116.8 Proof

Opening Statements (AKA Description of the Whiskey):

Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey produced by Wild Turkey Distillery. It is the distillery's most affordable and common barrel proof bourbon. It uses the exact same mash bill as Wild Turkey 101 (in fact all of Wild Turkey's Bourbons use the same mas bill), however it does not use the same barrels. Rare Breed is created by blending a combination of 6, 8, and 12 year old bourbons, while Wild Turkey 101 uses a combination 6, 7, and 8 year whiskeys. Rare Breed was first released in 1991, and 11 different batches have been produced since then. The different batches used to be denoted by sequential batch numbers, but more recently they are only distinguishable by a unique proof point. The batches can be released over several years and the latest is 116.8 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 bourbon 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: 116.8

Age: A Mix of 6, 8, and 12 Year Old Bourbons

Direct Examination (AKA Tasting Notes):

Nose: Decadently Rich Caramel, Creamy Vanilla, Strawberry Preserves, Oak, Candy Corn, and Strong Ethanol

Palate: More Caramel, Brown Sugar, Roasted Nuts, Slightest Hint of Bitter Oak, and Strong Pepper

Finish: Caramel, Brown Sugar, More Creamy Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, More Nuts, Bitter Oak, and Long Lasting Pepper

Mouth Feel: Heavy

Length: Long

Cross Examination (AKA The Whiskey's Shortcomings):

The fruitiness on the nose is not found on the palate. The bitterness lingers a hair too long on the back end.

Closing Arguments (AKA Conclusions about the Whiskey):

Incredible! I love this whiskey. The flavors are bold and do not have to be hunted down. There is a strong peppery burn but it is comparatively milder than what other barrel proof whiskeys typically pack. This whiskey is like drinking a creamy decadent caramel and chocolate desert. The nut and barrel wood notes balance out this sweetness to create a wonderful experience. The only things missing are the lack of fruitiness on the palate and finish as well as a bitter free aftertaste. However, this whiskey's assets far outweigh any of its shortcomings.

The best part about this bourbon is its accessibility. While "rare" may be in the name, this bourbon is one of the easiest barrel proof whiskeys to find. In addition, the typical asking price is about $55, which is more than fare. Rare Breed is a staple for any whiskey lover's collection. The 116.8 proof batch delivers on everything you would want and expect with a distillery that a has a legendary master distiller at the helm.

Verdict (AKA Score): 8.25

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 backup 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.