Wild Turkey 101: A Bird Worth Giving This Holiday

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools." – Ernest Hemingway

To actually see a standard bourbon, that is any particular distillery's face brand, at 101 proof is good news. Where so much of the market is dominated by 80 proof standard face-brands (however this is quickly changing) Wild Turkey 101 stands at the front of the pack. Perfect for any cold winters night, Wild Turkey 101 is much of what it seems to promise, knocking your socks off with a wild and spicy delivery, while simultaneously providing a basic 101 class to the Turkey line. This is an entry level bourbon without being entry level. No age statement on this, though I have heard it being around 7 or 8. This is one of those heavy rye forward bourbons, so the spice will come up at the get-go.

Price: Around $22.99 for a 750ml bottle.

Packaging/Labeling: Standard, nothing to complain about. I did buy the 375 ml bottle which has the classic booze shape which is nice.

Alcoholic Content: 101 Proof, 50.5% ABV.

Color: Dark Gold.

Nose: Lots of fall flavors. Oak and honey with that cinnamon spice and dried cherries – almost a fruit cake. You have this hinting of the rye.

Tasting: Wow – the rye in this is so incredibly forward on the initial palette. And this spiciness opens up on the tongue to reveal a spiced and brown sugared honey. There is char and red candy. This comes on thick, yet doesn’t go down as hot as one would think – the heat is all from the rye, not the proof. Everything seems very balanced and in check. This is a strong and sweet whiskey.

Conclusions: Very much my style. This is a very spicy bourbon, but not one which appears out of control. Simply put: if you haven't yet tried Wild Turkey 101 you should go out and buy it. It's value is better than its price.