1. Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Wild Turkey Rare Breed is one of the many lines produced by the Wild Turkey Distillery, known for its diverse and appealing range of products. All products from the distillery share the same mash bill, consisting of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, providing a similar flavor profile yet allowing each whiskey to have its unique charm.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed stands out with an alcohol content of 58.4%. It is a barrel-proof bourbon whiskey, meaning it has not been diluted with water from the time it was aged in the barrel until it was bottled, explaining its high proof. This small batch selection faithfully represents the taste and aroma of whiskey in every drop.
As a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Rare Breed is a blend of selected bourbons aged 6, 8, and 12 years, showcasing intense vanilla flavors and an excellent texture.
Wild Turkey
1) Range
Wild Turkey Distillery offers a wide range of products, including notable lines such as Wild Turkey 101, and the aged series of 8, 12, and 13 years.
Additionally, there are products without specified aging years, including Longbranch, Kentucky Spirit, and Rare Breed. Products named after Russell, like the Russell’s Single Barrel and a 10-year variant, are also available in Korea. The more premium line from Wild Turkey is the Master’s Keep series.
The diversity in the Wild Turkey product line, ranging from NAS (No Age Statement) to various aged expressions, is largely attributed to the influence of its two master distillers, the father and son duo of the Russell family.
Their contrasting tastes contribute to the variety; the son prefers aged, smoother whiskies, while the father favors robust and bold flavors. This dynamic allows Wild Turkey to cater to a wide range of whiskey enthusiasts.
2) Tasting Notes
Drinking it neat was definitively intense, a fact underscored by its robust alcohol content of 58.4%.
The aroma blends floral notes with pepper, almond, honey, and dates, with a hint of acetone emerging. Bringing the nose close, the high alcohol content delivers a sharp alcohol sensation. The texture is notably substantial.
The high alcohol content seems to whisk away moisture upon contact with the mouth, likely contributing to the perceived spiciness. The flavor carries a warm essence of grains and spices, with a hint of smokiness. The finish is long-lasting, with a prominent spice flavor.
When diluted with ice, it becomes much smoother, and the distinctive characteristics of Wild Turkey, initially overshadowed by the high alcohol content, become more pronounced.
3) Product Information
Product Name: Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Country of Origin: USA
Type: Whiskey
Ingredients: 100% Whiskey
Alcohol Content & Volume: 58.4%, 750ml
Manufacturer: Wild Turkey Distilling Company
3. Overall Review
I recommend this for those seeking a bold whiskey experience. Personally, I find bourbon offers better value for money compared to Scotch whiskey, especially considering the alcohol content.
Through my journey with alcohol, I’ve come to associate bourbon with intensity and Scotch with smoothness. In the case of Wild Turkey Rare Breed, it exemplifies the intensity that bourbon can deliver.
If you find bold whiskey too overwhelming, I suggest trying it in a highball or cocktail form. You can find recipes for cocktails that pair well with bourbon on the Wild Turkey website.
4. Link
Bourbon Whiskey Regulation And Grades