Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Bourbon

I visited the Wild Turkey distillery this past weekend and was fortunate enough to chat with Jimmy Russell, their 90-year-old Master Distiller, who was kind enough to have a pic taken with me and sign a couple bottles that I’d purchased. I asked him if he could tell me which Wild Turkey bottling was his favorite, and his reply was “one of each,” which I suspect he’s answered many, many times to the same question. But he then allowed that it might be Rare Breed, which he said is a blend of 6-, 8-, and 12-year-old bourbons. I’ve been a fan of Rare Breed for a long time, and was glad to hear that I was in good company. This is classic, full-throttle bourbon, firing on all cylinders: it’s high-proof, but not too high (this bottle is 116.8–more than enough for a nice Kentucky Hug). There’s creamy caramel, chocolate-covered cherries, some pipe tobacco, leather, spearmint, and faint buttered corn, finishing with a focused espresso note. At roughly $50, Wild Turkey Rare Breed is one of the best bourbon values on the market today. It’s a great sipper, and though I’d be hard pressed to do it, the high proof would work well in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Would I buy more? Unequivocally. Who am I to disagree with Jimmy Russell?

Wild Turkey has just one bourbon mash bill - 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% barley. This bourbon is 116.8 proof (all Rare Breed is this proof, which tells me that they're kind of playing with the meaning of "barrel proof"). This bottle was $58.99 at the Total Wine store in the Uptown area of Albuquerque. There's no age statement, and the whisky is the color of old copper in the glass. 𝗡𝗼𝘀𝗲: Smoke, honey, creamed corn, and something warm and savory that I can't identify. 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹: Viscous, creamy, and oily. 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲: I get honey, cinnamon, a little oak, and brown sugar. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵: Very short, with cinnamon and brown sugar. 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆: If you just go by the number of notes I got on the nose, taste, and finish, you'll probably conclude that this isn't very good. But you'd be wrong to draw that conclusion. I don't think I've encountered such a beautiful mouthfeel anywhere else. And this whisky tastes great too. There's more to it than I've been able to quantify - it's liable to be a good while before I can fully analyze and describe what Rare Breed gives me. 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: On my hick scale, which counts eight levels from bottom to top, this comes in at 7, Right Fine. That's the same as 4.375 stars, 87.5/100, or 8.75/10.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof is a bold, unfiltered bourbon that showcases the best of what high-proof whiskey can offer. Bottled at a robust 116.8 proof (varies by batch), this expression delivers a powerful yet balanced experience. On the nose, it bursts with rich aromas of caramel, toasted oak, vanilla, and a hint of baking spices, inviting you in with its warmth and complexity. The palate is where Rare Breed truly shines. It’s a full-bodied, layered whiskey with flavors of dark honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of dried fruit. The high proof is masterfully integrated, providing a satisfying heat without overwhelming the senses. The mouthfeel is lush and oily, coating the palate with a luxurious texture. The finish is long and warming, leaving behind lingering notes of oak, pepper, and a touch of sweetness. Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a standout in the world of barrel-proof bourbons, offering exceptional depth, character, and drinkability. It’s a must-try for enthusiasts seeking a bold yet refined whiskey experience. Overall Rating: 96/100

When I think of Wild Turkey, it reminds me of my college years. It was cheaper and got the job done for my underdeveloped palate. My now wife got sick off of it in her younger days. It never crossed my mind that I'd be sipping on an offering years later. They definitely made some changes and drastic improvements since then. I thoroughly enjoyed this! The nose was all baking spice, vanilla, and ethanol. The flavor contained some enjoyable characters consisting of said vanilla, caramel, grain, with a sprinkle of brown sugar and pepper. The heat was evident, but smooth. The finish was fairly long too. This is one of those bottles that surprise you because it stands up proudly to some of its more expensive counterparts. I definitely recommend grabbing one ASAP. I wouldn't be surprised if it goes up in price over time.

I wanted to try a njcer bourbom than Bulleit, and took a gamble with Wild Turkey Rare Breed. It paid off. Taste - as soon as i opened it and took a taste it felt like the finest of maple candy or brown sugar hitting my palette, but with less sweetness. There's a little vanilla and you can taste the corn mash in the background. This is a beautiful bourbon and my new favorite dessert drink. Also strong on the palette is oak and spice with a nice long finish. Color - beautiful brown sugar. Nose - Matches the drink but with more floral notes. Value - eh it isn't exactly cheap nor is it expensive. But it is very good and i want this on my shelf. Overall 8.5/10 One of my first really good bourbons (i used to drink too much jim beam, jack, and makers in college)

The nose is spicey with spearmint and oak leaping forth with a ton of vanilla also prevalent. On the palate the spice hits immediately coating the back of the throat with mint, pepper, and oak spices. Brown sugar, vanilla, green apple skins, and char. Each sip is more sweet than the last, but each sip also hits the throat with spicey heat.....what a conundrum! Complex, and extremely enjoyable. The teeth feel furry, the throat feels warm, and the palate is properly coated......long finish and each sip leads for the want for the next. Nose: 4/5 Taste: 4.5/5 Overall 4.25/5 Repurchase: Yes Type: Friday Night Pour