Wild Turkey Rare Breed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Barrel Proof

One of my favortie joys in life is sitting back and sipping a glass of fine american whiskey. Often I will jot down notes for a review. (I was once a moderator on a bourbon message board and published regular tastings there. No More, alas). Here is one of my favorites (Carrie bought me a bottle of it for christmas, so critically revisting it is fresh in my mind):

Name (full): Wild Turkey Rare Breed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Barrel Proof

Batch #: W-T-01-99

Proof: 108.4

Bottle: Different than most bourbon bottles. A Squat, rather cylindrical with a flat wooden top to the cork stopper. It has a rather simple unobtrusive oval cream label that states the name of the bourbon and has an elegant portrait of the company mascot. The back label states "The spirit of Wild Turkey has been captured in this barrel proof whiskey to create the finest of bourbon pleasures. Hand-Crafted and uncut with water, Rare Breed is truly a legendary treasure to savor.". Bottled by the Austin, Nichols Distilling Company, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, USA.

Color: like an old leather saddle beneath a warm light

Nose: cloves, cinnamon, leather, Werther's Original Candy, cream, butter rum, blood oranges

Diluted: caramelized apples & pears, cloves, nutmeg

Taste: dark sweet cherries, overripe plums, anise, oranges from the nose, peppery toward the end.

Finish: long & slow & wonderfully paced, warming (with citrus, barrel and rye spiciness), exceedingly satisfying.

Mouth feel: thick & smooth, medium in the mouth (surprisingly smaller & smoother than I though such a high proofed bourbon would be), a little oily, clings nicely to the sides of the glass.


Conclusions: I adore Wild Turkey bourbon, and this particular offering just reinforces that feeling to me. While to me this one seems younger and lighter than some of the others I have tried (i.e. Russell's Reserve), it still has the great full flavors that one can come to enjoy from Wild Turkey offerings. one of the best things about this bourbon is it can have all those big flavors ( & the big Undiluted Barrel Proof) without sacrificing smoothness in any way, it is a preeminently drinkable bourbon, much more so that I thought a 100+ liquor would ever be. The folks at WT work hard and go the extra mile for their products, and the results shine through. If you have not tried this offering (or the standard Wild Turkey 101 proof. or Russell's Reserve), I humbly suggest that you do. you will NOT be disappointed.

(hopefully this is a good first post!)

TomC