Wild Turkey Distiller's Reserve 13 Year

Nose: Oak, mild floral and vanilla notes. Mint, dark cherries and light spices. There is obvious ethanol on the neat nose but a dash of water reduces this. Palate: Hot arrival with wintergreen, clove and aniseed. The spicy arrival fades quickly in the development and the texture is OK but not outstanding. There is a tart cherry note that persists into the finish and a flinty, brittle character throughout. Finish: Medium/short. Spicy cereal and sour cherry. A OK whiskey that has little development. The nose is well balanced but low key, the palate even more so. There is nothing bad here but although it is expressive and well defined (and obviously well crafted) it seemed to me to lack something. The nose was improved by a dash of water, gaining breadth and weight, but the spice notes on the palate were equally expanded by dilution to the point that it lost balance. Overall it was not to my taste and I would not buy a bottle, but that’s just my palate. Over here you can buy 2 bottles of Wild Turkey 86.8 proof bourbon for the price of one bottle of this and still have enough change for a good pub lunch and a schooner of craft IPA. Better deal if you ask me. “Average” : 78/100 (2.75 stars)

Nose - Rich cinnamon, oaky caramel/toffee, toasted vanilla sugar. Taste - Oily, spicy cinnamon, light oaky vanilla, dark caramel/toffee, toasted brulee crust, dark chocolate, light dark cherry sweet. Finish - Lasting cinnamon tingle, light oaky caramel/toffee, dark chocolate, lightly tannic, light dark cherry sweet at end. Score - 92/100 Final Thoughts - This is quite an incredible bourbon. Not overly complex, but what is there is amazingly well balanced and quite tasty. Zero off-putting notes, great nose, oaky but not super tannic/dryingly so. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Yes Would I buy a bottle? - Yes

Nose- Floral wildflowers, rich caramel, spiced oak, maple syrup, vanilla bean Palate- Wave of baking spices initially, followed by notes of charred oak, black pepper, caramel, nutmeg, and a hint of maple syrup Finish- medium, spicy finish with notes of charred oak, baking spices, and black pepper What a nose. Beautiful mingling of herbal, sweetness, and aged oak. Unfortunately, that is the whiskies most shining moment. The palate is average, with an emphasis and spices and black pepper. A bit of maple syrup sweetness comes though, as well as charred oak, but spice dominates the initial sip and finish.

What an absolute gem and such a shame to finish. Despite having the lower proof this dram stood up to Neat, few drops of water or even an ice chip. This had blended nose of clove, pepper, floral and leather but also vanilla/caramel. It had a round, creamy mouthfeel and flavors similar to aroma but add in baking spice and barrel spice. Finish is moderately long. Hate to see this one go.

Mild nose, not surprising given the proof, soapy almost. Opens up after a minute. On the palate, this is definitely one for the Japanese market, it's mild but still complex. Some floral notes, slight spice, long finish. Smooth yet flavorful, almost like a watered down Master's Keep 17. Would love to taste this at barrel proof. 11/8/19

Excellent Wild Turkey high-rye bourbon that noses like a rye and tastes like a caramel bomb. Rye comes back on the finish and the entire experience is rich, complex, and leaves you wanting more. The low ABV might hold back the finish slightly but improves the nose, which I'll take in this case. Try it!