What Does Wild Turkey Taste Like? A Closer Look at Its Unique Flavor

When I started professionally reviewing whiskey, I never understood why many critics were low on Wild Turkey.

They all expressed love for master distillers Jimmy Russell and his son, Eddie, but never seem to quite have the same feelings on their whiskey.

This is the Wild Turkey limited edition bourbon we’ve been waiting for. Only 2,070 bottles exist. Deep amber hues and non-chill filtered, it opens up to straight-from-the-woods campfire smoke, caramel, vanilla, fresh-baked macaroon, leather, woodworking shop, and cigar box. But it’s not a smoke bomb or saturated in sweet; its delicate baking spices meet hatch chile, cinnamon, hints of mint and citrus. It finishes strong and long with a lingering caramel chew. (This review originally appeared in Whisky Advocate, Spring Issue, 2016)

After this review, I got a few notes from readers that my palate was off, because it was a Turkey product. I chalked it up as weird commentary from folks and moved on.

Then, Wild Turkey developed a “tough guy” complex and became a biker bar favorite, while marketers tried to position the sweet Jimmy Russell as a rebel even encouraging pictures of him flipping off a camera.

But even before the “Give ‘Em The Bird” campaigns, Wild Turkey rivaled Maker’s Mark for growth in the 1980s and 1990s and dominated / developed export markets like Australia. Marketers were only developing campaigns around their base. And let’s face it, for a long time, Wild Turkey felt like the ultimate blue collar bourbon.

There’s also the actual taste to Wild Turkey, a funk of sorts that’s in just about every bottle. There’s typically an earthiness and spice in Wild Turkey that does not appeal to some, just as Islay’s peaty Scotches are turn offs and sweet tooths hate Jamaican rums. Some folks don’t like that taste; I happen to. A lot.

I have always loved Wild Turkey. And this year’s Bottled-in-Bond release may be the greatest Turkey of the past decade. I will always hold 1970s Turkey, when Jimmy was in his prime, above most of today’s. But it’s extremely special and has a shot to win my whiskey of the year competition.

For many people, turkey is a staple at holiday meals and family gatherings But most of the time, that turkey is a domesticated bird that has been bred specifically for eating. Wild turkey is an entirely different creature, living in the wilderness and subsisting on a natural diet So how does its taste compare to the turkey you buy at the grocery store? Let’s take a closer look at the flavor profile of wild turkey meat.

Understanding Where Wild Turkey Flavor Comes From

Wild turkeys spend their lives roaming free foraging for food in forests and fields. Their diet consists mainly of nuts seeds, berries, insects, and small reptiles or amphibians. This varied “feed themselves” lifestyle contributes to the unique flavor of their meat.

Domestic turkeys on the other hand live their lives in captivity and are fed a carefully controlled diet of grain and corn. This results in large, meaty birds with milder tasting flesh. The muscles don’t work as hard, nor do they develop as much flavor.

So while wild and domestic turkey share a common ancestry, their distinctly different diets and lifestyles produce noticeably different tastes.

Describing the Flavor of Wild Turkey Meat

How would you describe the taste of wild turkey compared to a store-bought bird? Here are some of the common descriptors:

Gamier – Wild turkey has a stronger, richer flavor reminiscent of other game meats. The varied diet provides a more intense taste.
Earthy – Notes of nuttiness and slight sweetness come through, thanks to seeds and berries. There is also an underlying earthiness.
Firm and dense – With increased muscle development from greater activity, wild turkey meat is leaner and firmer than domestic turkey.
Drier – Less natural fat means wild turkey can become dry if overcooked. Proper preparation is important.
Darker meat – Even the breast meat of wild turkeys appears darker than domestic turkey due to higher myoglobin levels.

So while it shares some genetics with the common Thanksgiving bird, make no mistake – the flavor of wild turkey is decisively different. The gaminess and dense texture set it apart.

Factors That Influence Wild Turkey Taste

Several factors affect the unique taste of wild turkeys:

Age – Older wild turkeys tend to have a stronger flavor. The meat is also tougher due to more developed muscles and connective tissue. Young birds are more tender and mild.
Diet – As mentioned, eating seeds, nuts, and insects imbues bolder flavors than a grain-based diet. Regional differences in food sources lead to taste variations.
Preparation – Overcooking intensifies dryness while undercooking leaves bacteria. Cook wild turkey to 165°F for optimal flavor.
Cooking method -Roasting, smoking, grilling and braising all impart slightly different flavors. Experiment to find your favorite.

So a young, nut-eating turkey roasted to perfection will taste different than an old, seed-eating one that is undercooked. Consider all these factors for ideal flavor.

Choosing Between Wild and Domestic Turkey

When it comes to taste, should you go wild or domestic for your next turkey dinner? Here are some considerations:

Choose wild if you want a bolder, richer flavor and don’t mind firmer, darker meat. The gaminess pairs well with robust seasonings.
Pick domestic if you prefer milder flavor and tender, moist meat. It soaks up marinades nicely. The taste is more familiar.
Consider both – roast a wild turkey breast for yourself and a domestic whole turkey for pickier eaters. Offer both flavors.
Or combine them – use wild turkey legs confit-style with domestic turkey breast for an amazing hybrid taste.

With the right technique, you can make either type of turkey shine. Let your taste preferences and creativity guide you.

Tips for Cooking Wild Turkey

To get the most flavor out of your wild turkey, keep these preparation tips in mind:

Brine the meat in saltwater overnight to increase moisture and prevent drying out.
Roast, smoke or grill the turkey to 165°F, watching carefully to avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer.
Baste the meat during roasting or grilling to keep it juicy. A citrus herb baste adds nice flavor.
Rub the skin with butter or oil before cooking for crispiness. Season it aggressively with herbs and spices.
Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain.

With proper technique, you can enjoy deliciously flavored wild turkey, even if the meat is a bit denser and darker. The right cooking method makes all the difference.

Time to Give Wild Turkey a Try

For those tired of the same old bland holiday bird, wild turkey presents an exciting alternative. The complex flavors won’t disappoint the adventurous home chef. With its leaner meat and gamier taste, wild turkey can add rustic, woodsy notes to any meal. Just adjust your cooking technique to avoid dryness, and enjoy this tasty seasonal delicacy. This year, give wild turkey a try for a deliciously different dining experience!

what does wild turkey taste like

Wild Turkey Taste Test & Food Review

FAQ

Does wild turkey meat taste good?

A wild turkey is one of the tastiest game animals around, so avoid these pitfalls to get the most from your bird. Wild turkey is one of our favorite meals.

Is wild turkey healthy to eat?

Turkey is low in saturated fat, which makes it a lean source of protein. Saturated fat increases LDL, or bad cholesterol levels, which can cause or complicate heart health issues. Turkey helps with thyroid and immune function by providing selenium, which can help counteract or stave off cancer risk.

Is wild turkey chewy?

That skin is thicker than the skin on their domestic counterparts, but wild turkey skin will help retain some moisture when roasting a whole breast, and the crispy-chewy edges are a treat.

Do wild turkeys taste different than store-bought turkeys?

Both of them have the unfortunate (for them) trait of tastiness, and are identical in lots of ways. The main differences between wild and store turkeys are body shape and flavor. We’re all familiar with plump, full-breasted domestic turkeys. Wild turkeys don’t have that.

What is the difference between wild turkey and domestic turkey?

When it comes to taste, wild and domestic turkeys have distinct differences. Domestic turkey meat is often described as milder in flavor compared to its wild counterpart. Wild turkey, on the other hand, has a stronger, richer gamey taste that some people enjoy. One reason for these differences in taste could be attributed to diet.

What is wild turkey?

Wild turkey is a game bird that has been hunted for centuries, and its flavor profile is quite distinct from that of domestic turkey. The meat of wild turkey tends to be leaner and richer in taste than that of domestic birds.

What does wild turkey taste like?

All these elements contribute to their distinctive flavor profile. Wild turkey meat tastes earthy with notes of sweetness and nuttiness. It also tends to be slightly gamier than domestic turkey, making it ideal for those who prefer bold flavors. Another factor that affects the taste of wild turkey is how it’s cooked.

Do all turkeys have the same flavor?

Many people assume that all turkeys have similar flavors, but this is not necessarily true. In fact, there are distinct differences in taste between these two types of birds. Wild turkeys are known for their gamey flavor and lean meat. They roam free in the outdoors, feeding on a variety of foods such as nuts, berries, and insects.