Wild Turkey Tasting (Russell’s Reserve 10 year, Rare Breed, Wild Turkey Decades)
In my opinion Wild Turkey is one of the most underrated brands in whiskey today. I used to pass by Wild Turkey on the shelves, but after my first visit to Kentucky where I took a trip to the Wild Turkey distillery, I changed my mind completely! When I walked in for the tour, Mr. Russel (master distiller and living legend) walked around the counter and introduce himself to me. I must have seemed like a mute to this icon of the industry. I had been talking about how amazing it would be to meet a master distiller during the entire trip. The minute he introduced himself I was star struck, and I completely clammed up. Of course, leave it to me to meet the longest working distiller in the industry and suddenly become shy. I couldn’t help but love how kind and welcoming he was to all of the customers that walked into the distillery. It is clear that Mr. Russell loves his craft, and the tasting made me thankful for his hard work. Jimmy Russell, thank you for all that you do! Now, I’m sure you are ready for a drink!
Russell’s Reserve 10 year is my personal favorite sipping whiskey. I experienced sweet scents of caramel with hints of orange, cloves, and nutmeg. This led to a sweet start with some woody undertones that finish with a spicy heat. The finish leaves the spicy flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg lingering in your mouth. I recommend this for anyone that enjoys sweet spicy flavor profiles in their bourbon. The price is amazing considering the complex flavor profiles; I always keep a bottle in the collection.
Rare Breed has a completely different flavor profile than that of Russell’s Reserve. The scent comes through with the grainy essence; I particularly noticed the corn and rye with just a hint of wood. I tasted spice from rye up front which continued on to a sweet smooth finish with very little heat. A few drops of water opened up some of the sweet caramel and wood undertones. This is a nice smooth bourbon; it’s very easy to drink. I would recommend this for anyone that is looking for a bourbon with a little less bite and layers of flavors.
Wild Turkey Decades This is a special occasion bourbon to be sure. The scent was sweet caramel and toffee with delightful hints of fruit. My taste started with sweet nutty flavors that reminded me of pecans and finished with a light spicy burn that left lingering hints of cinnamon and cloves on my tongue. This bourbon is the perfect combination of smooth and spicy. It is on the higher end of the price rage as far as bourbons are concerned, but I definitely break out my bottle anytime I want to treat myself.
Please comment and let me know what you though of my tasting notes, and even better, what you think of these wonderful bourbons. With that, I’m off to yoga. Cheers!
My Washington sister (Macallan 12 year, Glenmorangie 10 year, Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban )
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