Wild Turkey 101
The Kentucky Straight Bourbon Wild Turkey 101 from the distillery of the same name in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky is a cornerstone of American bourbon culture. Without an age statement on the label, it is known to be bottled as a blend of 6-8 years bourbons. We take a closer look at the US classic.The mashbill is composed of 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% malted barley - which leads us to expect a sweetish, slightly spicy whiskey. Like all bourbons, Wild Turkey has to mature in new, freshly burnt-out Virgin Oak casks. 101 stands for American proof alcohol, which translates as 50.5% ABV.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The whiskey with the turkey on the lable opens up with intense aromas of brown sugar and caramel. Behind the slightly pungent smelling alcohol we perceive vanilla, light spiciness, cola and tobacco leaves. The mind pictures a caramel pudding with brittle and a vanilla coke to go with it.
Palate
In the first moment, the whiskey opens with a neat sugar-popcorn-syrup combination, closely followed by a massively spicy, very powerful kick. The oak and rye are clearly evident here. A liquorice and herb note floats along - somehow the composition reminds us of liquorice sticks with caramel.
Finish
The finish is surprisingly short, tingles and is furry dry on the back of the tongue.
Thoughts
Marcel 78/100
Wild Turkey 101 is simply fun – whether neat or in a cocktail, this robust bourbon always brings good cheer to the glass with its sweet and spicy notes. For anyone looking for an uncomplicated yet characterful whiskey, it’s the perfect choice.
Sascha 80/100
A technically well-structured bourbon with a clear balance between sweetness, spice, and oak, which holds its own even in mixed drinks thanks to its 50.5% ABV. Wild Turkey 101 impresses as a versatile classic with distinctive aromatics, though the finish could linger a bit longer.
Value for Money: Excellent
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88/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t Wild Turkey 101 have an age statement on the bottle?
Wild Turkey 101 is a blend of bourbons aged between 6 and 8 years. The distillery deliberately omits a precise age statement to ensure flavor consistency across different batches.
How does the high rye content in Wild Turkey 101 affect its flavor?
With 13% rye in the mash bill, Wild Turkey 101 imparts a distinctive spiciness and sharpness that balances the sweetness of the corn and delivers the signature peppery notes.
What does the number 101 on the Wild Turkey bottle mean?
The number 101 refers to the American proof value, which corresponds to an alcohol content of 50.5% ABV. This makes Wild Turkey 101 a bold bourbon with intense aromatics.