And with that, it’s time to dive in and discover what 2021’s Wild Turkey 101 Rye has to offer. I have little doubt it’ll fall outside of the profile maintained rather steadily over the last four years. But then, stranger things have happened. Today, Rare Breed is in contention for most affordable barrel proof bourbon on the shelf. After many years of waiting, Wild Turkey rye fans' prayers were answers, as the company introduced Rare Breed Rye in summer of 2020. Note: The recently released, brand new Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye (barrel proof!) would also likely be a great entry here, but I haven’t had a chance to try it yet. From mass-produced products like 101 to highly limited releases like Master's Keep, you could make the argument that Wild Turkey is the only major American whiskey maker whose lineup hasn't been compromised by the Bourbon Boom. Its products are available widely at or near their suggested retail price, and are generally ignored by rare whiskey hunting communities that have driven many a bottle to extinction. This makes Wild Turkey whiskey — weighed by price, age, proof — one of the best brands for value in the whiskey world. As stated earlier this year, I made it a goal to review each of Wild Turkey’s core expressions by the end of 2021. When I saw this liter of Wild Turkey 101 Rye at my local bottle shop, a liter bottle sporting the new “embossed Turkey” design, I knew it was time. It’s also December, so let’s just call that perfect timing.

Wild Turkey Ryes | Malt - Whisky Reviews

Bourbon Mash: though it's never been confirmed by the brand, it's widely understood all its bourbon whiskey products start with a mash of 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley (Wild Turkey 101, Russell's Reserve, Longbranch, Wild Turkey Master's Keep, etc.). Taste: “fizzy” lemon-lime soda, sugar cookie, herbal spice, clove chewing gum, tea, waves of nutmeg & faint licorice On the nose: More classically rye-like than any of its predecessors, but also more exuberant. There are some buttery, corny scents, but better balanced against some offsetting aromas of aloe vera, eucalyptus, and menthol. This has the spicy citrus note of pink grapefruit, which is a highlight for me. The comparatively high strength is noticeable in the form of a slight burn inside the nostrils.

It is the oldest and lowest proof bottle in Wild Turkey's main collection of bourbon, features that paint it as an ideal value sipper, especially for those who aren't attracted to Wild Turkey's 100-plus proof products. Delivery is available in: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, ME, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NH, NV, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY

rye whiskey brands to drink in 2022 | The Independent Best rye whiskey brands to drink in 2022 | The Independent

Rye Mash: again, neither Campari or Wild Turkey have officially confirmed this, but Turkey's rye products are thought to start with a mash of 52% rye, 36% corn, 12% malted barley (Wild Turkey Rye, Rare Breed Rye, Russell's Reserve Rye, etc.). Wild Turkey Pricing

A Love Letter to I’m Sorry and a Tribute to Funny Moms in 3 Bits By Annie Berke September 6, 2023 | 11:48am Nose: First thought - spicy bubblegum. The rye spice mixes in with a sweet cotton candy note that gives Wild Turkey 101 Rye a sweet and spicy nose. The rye spice isn’t in your face and instead the heat on the nose seems to come more from the proof than the mashbill. There’s wood bark, maple syrup, and lightly earthy tones as well. As with many ryes, there are notes of spearmint and pine, but they are faint and restrained. Overall, the nose is pleasant, and beguiles you into taking a sip. In the mouth: This tastes like a moderately mature grain whiskey. It’s got a brittleness in terms of texture, and little but a vaguely creamy buttery flavor. If I really swirl, I can elicit some of the grape candy flavors from the nose, but it’s a stretch. Conclusions Here then, are our thoughts on the best current values when it comes to rye whiskey, split into two price tiers.

to Wild Turkey Whiskey: Important Bottles The Complete Guide to Wild Turkey Whiskey: Important Bottles

Palate: The first sip gives off a sweet, herbaceous quality of freshly cut grass, rye spice, and vanilla. As it develops more, flavors of toasted sweet oak, evergreen pine, leafy greens, and caramel show up. The proof and rye spice give a warm mouthfeel – perfect for brisk winter nights. The heat isn’t overpowering, with the 101 proof being perfect for allowing the flavors to develop in the mouth. Wild Turkey 101 Rye is more spice forward than other barely legal ryes, leading with a stronger rye influence than the mashbill would have you to believe. The mouthfeel is pretty good, with a creamy, yet punchy quality that is no doubt aided by the 101 proof. Wild Turkey 101 Rye was once (and possibly still is) the quintessential rye whiskey. People that are newer to whiskey might not even realize there is such a thing as Wild Turkey 101 Rye, since due to supply constraints, it isn’t found in many stores. With the rye revival and MGP-produced rye whiskeys flooding the shelves, Wild Turkey’s rye whiskeys seem to be diminishing in the public conscience. The company may speak of high demand, but when was the last time anyone spoke fondly of the 81 proof version and how many are even aware of the fact that a 101 proof version exists anymore? Finish: medium & well-balanced – “brisk” toffee, lemon-pepper, caramel drizzle, oak char, citrus zest, sweet basil, light sassafras Finally, we have the newest entrant in the Wild Turkey rye whiskey family. After years of fan requests, Wild Turkey finally obliged by providing a barrel strength rye to match the bourbon in the Rare Breed series. Will generously provided this sample to me; cheers for that, Will!

I was prepared to write off Wild Turkey rye entirely until the Rare Breed. While it’s not my favorite rye by a long shot, it at least convincingly justifies the consideration of this grain as more than a component of the Wild Turkey bourbon mash bill. Given the preponderance of evidence, I’m not sure I’ll be buying another Wild Turkey rye for a while… but if I do, it will definitely be Rare Breed Rye.

Wild Turkey Rye 81 Review - The Whiskey Jug Wild Turkey Rye 81 Review - The Whiskey Jug

The Best Sitcoms on Netflix Right Now (October 2023) By Garrett Martin and Paste Staff October 20, 2023 | 12:00pmThe most rye-like of the “ryes” from Wild Turkey. Presenting this at barrel strength allows the whiskey to maintain some of the more forceful aromas and flavors that I normally associate with rye. It’s not a world-beater, especially for the price, but it has at least salvaged the category of Wild Turkey rye for me. Score 5/10 Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie. On the nose: Immediately presents a note of grape bubblegum so convincing that you could chew on it. Violets and lavender provide some floral and herbal nuance. There’s a bit of candied sweetness here, but with a more syrupy quality than on the 101 Rye. With some extended sniffing I am getting a provolone cheese scent, a first for me in any whiskey. It’s that “most wonderful time of the year” again. So, what am I reaching for this holiday season? You guessed it – Wild Turkey 101 Rye.