How Much Does Wild Turkey Bourbon Cost? A Price Guide

Wild Turkey is one of the most popular and iconic American bourbons. With its rich history dating back to the 1800s and its distinctive flavor profile, Wild Turkey has earned a special place in the hearts of bourbon enthusiasts. But with several expressions and bottle sizes available, how much does Wild Turkey cost? Let’s take a closer look at Wild Turkey prices.

A Brief History of Wild Turkey

The Wild Turkey distillery located near Lawrenceburg Kentucky has a long and storied history. It all began in 1869 when the Ripy brothers built what would become the Wild Turkey distillery. They sold the distillery to the Gould brothers in 1882.

In 1904 the Anderson County Distilling Company took over the distillery and began distilling a bourbon they called Wild Turkey. The brand got its name after company executives went on a wild turkey hunt and enjoyed some bourbon. The Wild Turkey name stuck going forward.

The Austin Nichols company purchased the distillery in 1940 and really grew the Wild Turkey brand over the decades Master distiller Jimmy Russell joined Wild Turkey in 1954 and has been there ever since, making him the longest tenured master distiller in the bourbon industry

Today, Wild Turkey is owned by the Campari Group and the Russell family still runs the distillery, now with Jimmy’s son Eddie as co-master distiller.

Wild Turkey’s Core Expressions and Prices

Wild Turkey has built up a wide range of expressions over the years, but these core bottles make up the backbone of their offerings:

• Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon – Wild Turkey’s flagship bourbon, aged 6-8 years with a high rye content. 101 proof. Price range: $23 – $35 per 750ml bottle.

• Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit – Single barrel bourbon aged around 8 years. 101 proof. Price range: $45 – $65 per 750ml.

• Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon – Barrel proof blend of 6, 8, and 12 year old bourbons. Usually around 112 proof. Price range: $45 – $70 per 750ml.

• Wild Turkey Longbranch – 86 proof bourbon aged in Texas mesquite barrels. Price range: $35 – $50 per 750ml.

• Wild Turkey Russell’s Reserve 10 Year – Aged 10 years at 90 proof. Price range: $40 – $60 per 750ml.

Special and Limited Edition Offerings

In addition to the regular lineup, Wild Turkey releases several higher end and special edition bourbons:

• Wild Turkey Master’s Keep – Range of limited edition bourbons ($120 – $200 per 750ml)

• Wild Turkey Diamond Anniversary – Released for master distiller Jimmy Russell’s 60th anniversary ($130 – $150 per 750ml)

• Wild Turkey Revival – Finished in 20 year old Oloroso sherry casks ($130 – $180 per 750ml)

• Wild Turkey Masters Keep Cornerstone Rye – 13 year old rye finished in Oloroso sherry casks ($250 – $450 per 750ml)

Bottle Sizes and Pricing

Wild Turkey is available in the standard bottle sizes:

• 750ml – The standard bottle size seen at most liquor stores.

• 1 Liter – A larger bottle typically sold at warehouse clubs and some liquor stores. Priced around 20-30% less than a 750ml bottle.

• 1.75 Liter – Also known as a “handle”, this large bottle size is sold at warehouse clubs and some liquor stores. Priced around 30-40% less per ml than a 750ml.

Miniature 50ml and 100ml bottles are also available. These small bottles can range from $2 to $8 based on the expression.

Factors That Impact Cost

Several factors impact the cost of a particular bottle of Wild Turkey:

• Age – Older bourbons like Russell’s Reserve 10 Year tend to cost more than younger ones like Wild Turkey 101. More time in the barrel means more cost to the distiller.

• Special Finishes and Processes – Bourbons finished in sherry casks or undergoing extra filtering like Master’s Keep cost more to produce.

• Limited Runs – Special editions and limited releases understandably often demand a higher price due to scarcity.

• Reputation – Longstanding customer favorites like Rare Breed can sustain a slightly higher price point.

• Geography – Certain states apply higher spirit taxes which raises retail costs. Shipping costs can also vary by location.

Best Value Wild Turkey Expressions

For bourbon drinkers looking for the most value, it’s hard to beat mainstays like Wild Turkey 101 and Russell’s Reserve 10 Year. These iconic Wild Turkey expressions provide excellent quality at reasonable prices compared to limited editions or rare bottles. Wild Turkey 101 in particular gives consumers tremendous bang for their buck.

Kentucky Spirit also offers single barrel quality for just a small step up in price over 101 proof. And 1.75 liter handles of 101 or Kentucky Spirit let buyers stock up their bar at the best per ml prices.

Is Wild Turkey Worth the Price?

Given its reputation and history as a legendary Kentucky bourbon, most whiskey experts agree that Wild Turkey generally provides excellent value at its various price points. While some limited editions do carry premium pricing, Wild Turkey’s core range offers quality bourbon that lives up to its brand name without breaking the bank.

For bourbon drinkers looking for a genuine and reliable American whiskey, it’s hard to find better options than Wild Turkey for the money. The distillery’s commitment to quality and consistency makes Wild Turkey a safe bet and smart buy for any budget.