Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel is individually chosen by Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell with each bottle of Kentucky Spirit bearing a distinct date, warehouse, rick, and barrel number, embodying the essence of a genuine single barrel bourbon. Aged between 8.5 and 9.5 years, they introduce a precise measure of limestone-filtered water to attain the ideal 101 proof.
It’s always hard to review a single barrel bourbon because no two barrels are alike. However one would think they would be pretty close for the longevity of the brand. Today we review this Single Barrel on a cold day where temperatures started off sub zero with snow covering the ground from a storm a few days ago.
Bourbon Review: Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel
ABV: 50.5% (101 Proof)
Age: 8.5 – 9.5 Years
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Bottle Date: 7/29/24
Barrel No. : 3258
Warehouse: CN-F
Rick No.: 25
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distilling Co.
Location: Lawrenceburg, KY (USA)
The Nose: As I poured this outside prior to taking the picture for the review, the aroma of ethanol was potent but I blame this on the stiff cold wind that blew the aroma back at me before it even hit the glass. After I moved inside I let the glass sit for a bit to officially start the review. The nose has cinnamon, honey and caramel giving it a nice balance. Subsequent pulls from the glass see a bit of rye emerge with an abundance of toffee.
The Taste: The front end of the sip sees no sweetness carry over with hints of rye, leather and tobacco. As the bourbon fully encapsulates the palate with a swish, the sweetness appears in the form of caramel and pecans. Subsequent sips see the bourbon play out in thirds with the front end continuing to showcase rye, the middle portion sees pecan and caramel, while the backend has an abundance of cornbread and honey.
The Finish: The finish seems to have all the tasting notes carry over. There is some rye spice and a lingering heat on the long finish but there is also cornbread, honey, oak and a hint of cloves just as the bourbon fades away.
Conclusion: In 1984, Blanton’s changed the the way bourbon would be collected with the first ever Single Barrel release. 10 Years Later other companies followed suit and Wild Turkey was one of the first to release a single barrel in 1994. The Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit is hands down their best expression I have tasted to date. A partial list of Wild Turkey branded products I have have reviewed Jimmy Russell 70th, Rare Breed, Longbranch, and Wild Turkey 101. Not to mention others.
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel is rich flavorful bourbon with flavor notes that pop making it easy to identify what you are tasting. It’s smooth and balanced with just enough heat to satisfy those high proof bourbon drinker such as myself. If you see this on the shelf it is a must buy just for the notes of cornbread which was pure heaven.
Score: 95
Price: $54.99 (750ml)
