Wild Turkey 101 Proof Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

This is the original Wild Turkey as made by the company's founders, the Ripy Family. It was selected out of 400 to represent Kentucky at the World Fair in 1893. The style blends 6, 7, and 8-year-old bourbons using a 75% Corn, 13% Rye and 12% Malted Barley mashbill. As many competitors distill at higher (and less expensive) proofs, they must add water to bring down the proof of their bourbons. Wild Turkey, on the other hand, comes out of the barrel at about 109° allowing the distiller to add little water and retain the true characteristics of the bourbon flavour. So although it's not barrel proof, is very close to what came right out of the barrel. Jimmy Russell likens it to making a great soup; if you cook it longer at a lower temperature, you retain the best flavours. 50.5%.Alc/vol.

Other reviews...Perhaps the most corn rich of all the major Kentucky Bourbons. 93 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2020

Bolder but hotter than the 81 proof version, this Kentucky Bourbon has a drying feel, and lots of maple, caramel and vanilla flavor, finishing long with touches of dried orange peel and clove. Add a splash of branchwater to even out the alcohol. 91 points - winenethusiast.com

Cotton candy, campfire smoke, cinnamon, pilsner beer, butterscotch, and vanilla start a whiskey conversation that's about balance, easy sipping, and the pursuit of spice. Around mid-palate, a plethora of baking spices—clove, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, and allspice—charms the senses. It's set up to be a great run, but the approach softens toward the finish with muted brown sugar appearing. Still, the flavor and balance make for a fun sipper and great cocktail mixer. 86 points - whiskyadvocate.com

A surprisingly layered and robust flavor experience for a budget bourbon that might be too hot for some, but near-perfect for others. - breakingbourbon.com

Wild Turkey 101 — in its 2015 incarnation — remains restrained on the nose. Alcoholic vapor obscures a bit of what’s underneath, which is redolent of barrel char, bacon, and vanilla custard, but give this one some time if you can, as a little air helps the nose develop more fully. Wild Turkey 101’s palate is rich though boozy, loaded with butterscotch, vanilla caramel, and ample baking spice. At this point in my career, sipping on WT 101 without water is painless and enjoyable, but a bit of H2O may not hurt in bringing out the spicy and fruity elements, which meld pepper and cloves and cinnamon with a bit of applesauce — a note I continue to pick out on the 101 — with plenty of barrel char notes that add a rustic intensity to the proceedings. Still a fan. - drinkhacker.com