Is Wild Turkey Good Bourbon? A Closer Look at This Iconic Brand

Wild Turkey is one of the most iconic and well-known bourbon brands around. With roots tracing back to the 1940s, Wild Turkey has become a staple for many whiskey drinkers. But is this readily available, affordable bourbon actually good? Or is it just riding on brand recognition alone?

In this in-depth article, we’ll take a closer look at Wild Turkey bourbon to see if it lives up to its reputation We’ll explore some key factors that determine bourbon quality and see how Wild Turkey stacks up From mashbills to tasting notes, let’s find out if this wild bird can fly or if it’s just a turkey.

A Brief History of Wild Turkey

First, some background. The Wild Turkey Distillery began operating in Tyrone, Kentucky in 1869 under the company name Austin Nichols. They originally produced a variety of spirits including bourbon, rye, and whiskey.

In 1940, Thomas McCarthy, the executive in charge of sales and marketing for Austin Nichols, took some warehouse samples on a wild turkey hunting trip. His buddies loved the bourbon and said it was smooth enough to be called “Wild Turkey”. A brand was born.

The company was renamed Wild Turkey in 1971. Even through various acquisitions and mergers over the decades, Wild Turkey has stayed true to its Kentucky roots. Master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell have over 100 combined years of experience at Wild Turkey!

Now produced at Campari Group, Wild Turkey continues to be a major bourbon brand worldwide. But let’s look beyond the history at what’s actually in the bottle.

Key Factors That Determine Bourbon Quality

There are a few key factors that impact the quality and taste of bourbon:

• Mashbill – The ratios of grains used. Wild Turkey uses 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley.

• Fermentation – The process that converts sugars to alcohol. Wild Turkey uses a lower pH for fermentation which impacts flavor.

• Distillation – The process of heating and condensing the wash. Wild Turkey uses a lower entry proof.

• Barrel Entry Proof – The ABV when bourbon goes into barrels. Wild Turkey uses 107-115 proof.

• Aging – The time spent in charred oak barrels. Wild Turkey is aged 6-8 years.

• Blending – How barrels are selected and blended. Wild Turkey aims for consistency.

• Bottling Proof – The final ABV when bottled. Wild Turkey 101 is bottled at 101 proof.

Let’s explore some specific Wild Turkey expressions through this lens of quality.

Wild Turkey 101 – A Classic Bourbon

Wild Turkey 101 is the flagship bourbon of the Wild Turkey brand. Aged for 6-8 years, it’s bottled at 101 proof – just above the minimum legal requirement. Here are some tasting notes:

• Nose: Vanilla, baking spices, oak, and a punch of alcohol

• Palate: Light sweet corn, rye spice, oak, vanilla

• Finish: Flash of rye spice followed by vanilla and dry oak

Considering it’s readily available at around $25, Wild Turkey 101 offers fantastic value. It’s a classic, no-frills bourbon that provides solid flavors aged in quality oak barrels.

For a straight-forward bourbon profile at a great price point, WT 101 is tough to beat. This is an ideal “daily drinker” bourbon.

Wild Turkey Bourbon 81 Proof – Milder Version

Wild Turkey also offers an 81 proof bourbon that was introduced in 2011. It’s essentially a more diluted, milder version of the 101 aimed at mainstream drinkers. Here’s what you can expect from the 81 proof:

• Nose: Caramel, vanilla, light oak, hint of spices

• Palate: Sweet caramel and spices, muted oak and vanilla

• Finish: Subdued rye spice with caramel

Priced around $20, it’s an easy-drinking bourbon that would appeal to casual whiskey fans. But enthusiasts would likely find it too light. Still, it’s impressively flavorful considering the lower proof.

Wild Turkey Flavors Stack Up Well

Looking at the production process and tasting notes, Wild Turkey bourbon delivers on quality, especially considering the price points.

The mashbill produces a nice balance of sweet corn flavor with rye spice kick. Aged for 6-8 years in quality charred oak barrels, Wild Turkey pulls solid vanilla, caramel, and oak notes.

The lower barrel entry proof allows the bourbon to extract more flavors during aging compared to many competitors entering at 125 proof. And it’s bottled at an approachable 101 proof or easy-sipping 81 proof.

When you taste Wild Turkey next to comparably priced bourbons like Jim Beam White Label, Evan Williams, and Four Roses Yellow Label, the Wild Turkey flavor profile stands out.

The Verdict – Absolutely a Good Bourbon

So is Wild Turkey good bourbon? The answer is a resounding yes.

For a widely available, modestly priced bourbon, Wild Turkey packs great flavor and quality. The brand has built a reputation through consistency and approachability.

Bourbon snobs may turn their noses up at Turkey 101 and dismiss it as rotgut. But for a smooth, enjoyable spirit that won’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong with this wild bird.

Next time you need an affordable bourbon for sipping or mixing cocktails, be sure to give Wild Turkey 101 or 81 proof a try. At the price point, it’s hands down one of the best options around. The legacy of Wild Turkey bourbon lives on.