The Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon was announced via a press release in September 2024.
According to the press release, “Jimmy’s earliest days at the distillery were spent sweeping the floors at age 18, and he rose through the ranks to become Master Distiller by remaining committed to crafting bourbon one way – the right way – even when it wasn’t popular. In the 1970s and 80s when the bourbon industry was close to collapse, Jimmy stayed the course. Consumers were favoring lighter spirits, but he refused to dilute his bourbon; embracing the pre-prohibition style that he learned from his mentor and predecessor Bill Hughes, Jimmy “didn’t change a damn thing.” His approach helped propel the popularity of many of the distillery’s classic bourbons, including Jimmy’s favorite, Wild Turkey 101. That’s why the distillery is proud to celebrate Jimmy’s milestone and legacy with a collection-worthy and commemorative 101-proof bourbon tailored to his taste.”
The press release goes on to state, “Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon features Jimmy’s signature 8-year-old, 101-proof bourbon, along with an additional blend of 8- to 9-year-old whiskeys that were hand-selected from a few of his favorite rickhouses. Best served neat or on the rocks, the bourbon offers rich aromas of oak, honey, cinnamon and tobacco and tasting notes marked by sweet cream, butterscotch and black tea notes that transition to bitter chocolate, dark cherry and burnt sugar. The limited-edition release was made for Jimmy, but it’s also meant to share his incredible legacy with the world. ”
Bourbon Review:Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon
ABV: 50.5% (101 Proof)
Age: 8 Years
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distilling
Location: Lawrenceburg, KY (USA)
The Nose: There are notes of orange slices, vanilla and an abundance of brown sugar on the initial pull from the glass. Additional aromas include corn, oak and a subtle cinnamon and honey. There is a lot going on in this glass before we take our first sip.
The Taste: The initial sip sees an explosion of vanilla creme and oak on the front end with a perfect amount heat on the back end. As we settle into our pour of this delicious bourbon, there are additional notes of oak, brown sugar, clove and a touch of honey.
The Finish: The lingering oak creates a warm finish that borders on palate drying with nuances of cinnamon and clove that linger between sips.
Conclusion: Everyone I know was hoping this would be as good as the Jimmy Russell 13, for me it doesn’t come close to touching that pour. But at $49.99 a bottle it wouldn’t be realistic to expect that. My buddy Cody described it as a, “smoother more complex version of the 101,” and I couldn’t agree more. The Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary is a limited edition and if I see it again I would buy it. However, if it was on the shelf all the time, I would opt for the regular Wild Turkey 101 at nearly half the price.
Score: 91
Price: $49.99 (750 ml)
