Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Rich, Dried Fruits2022-11-27
The mashbill contains 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% malted barley - which leads us to expect a sweetish, slightly spicy whiskey. Like all bourbons, the Wild Turkey must also mature in a new, freshly burned out Virgin Oak barrel. The barrel was burned out to Char 4 level, also called Alligator Char. Char 4 is the highest char level.
Smell
As usual for a bourbon, the Rare Breed opens with a slight smell of solvents which fades quickly. This is followed by a multi-layered aroma explosion of popcorn, blackberries, fruity cherry, caramel, sugar syrup (maple syrup), and a good portion of oak. Very well woven and integrated variety of flavors overwhelms at the first moment. At the second nosing after the first sip, additional citrus notes, black tea and even more intense caramel are perceptible.
Taste
Whoa. We've rarely experienced such sweet stickiness and chewy viscosity in a whiskey and also whiskey. Once the taste buds get used to the sweetness, rye and oak spice make the second impact. The third, very dry round is characterized by leather, tobacco and dried tangerine.
Finish
The finish is long, warming, dry and chewy - in a positive sense.
Thoughts
This dram is extremly viscous, almost like syrup. Despite the alcohol content of over 58%, the sweetness is - one almost has to say - easy to drink. We have a very intense Kentucky Straight Bourbon with depth in our glass.
The Rare Breed is an excellent introduction to high-level bourbons, although not suitable for whiskey beginners.
Rating: 86/100 - Excellent (Marcel: 83 | Sascha: 89)
Value for Money: 5/5 - Very Good
Purchase on Amazon Information on the Amazon Affiliate Program