Wild Turkey 101 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Wild Turkey 101 Rye hails from the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, a place with a rich history dating back to the Ripy family distillery founded in 1869. The "Wild Turkey" name itself emerged around 1940 when a distillery executive shared his bourbon on a wild turkey hunt. While the brand is renowned for its bourbon, Wild Turkey has a long, if sometimes less visible, history with rye, initially sourcing it from states like Maryland and Pennsylvania before master distiller Jimmy Russell began distilling rye in Kentucky. Today's Wild Turkey 101 Rye, made with a "barely legal" 51% rye mash bill, is a relatively newer iteration, especially after a period of scarcity and a lower-proof version. It's known for being a robust, flavorful rye that stands up well in cocktails, carrying the Wild Turkey hallmark of not compromising on proof or character, a tradition upheld by the Russell family, now with Jimmy's son Eddie as master distiller.

Wild Turkey 101 Rye offers a bold, spicy flavor profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and a distinct peppery rye character. It brings a confident, unapologetic personality to the party, standing up well in classic cocktails like a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned, where its signature spice can shine alongside sweet vermouth or bitters.

Wild Turkey 101 Rye offers a lively bouquet of caramel, honey, and mint. The palate is initially hit with robust grain and spice, followed by softer notes of mint and apple with a slightly buttery texture. It finishes with lingering spice, a hint of cinnamon, and developing oak notes.