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By Richard Thomas
Ranking: B+
(Credit score: Richard Thomas)
Jimmy Russell is without doubt one of the dwelling legends of not simply Kentucky bourbon, however of world whiskey typically. That legend started 70 years in the past, when Russell first started working at what was then referred to as Anderson County Distilling, sweeping flooring in 1954. Throughout Russell’s time as an worker, the identify would change to J.T.S. Brown & Sons and at last the Austin Nichols Distillery (formally, the plant continues to be referred to as the Austin Nichols Wild Turkey Distillery immediately, even when that identify may be very little utilized in apply). He grew to become Grasp Distiller in 1967, 4 years earlier than the distillery even grew to become the house of the Wild Turkey model. His son took over in that function in 2015, and now his grandson is being groomed to step up as effectively. The best way we consider core Wild Turkey expressions, reminiscent of Wild Turkey 101, Uncommon Breed and Russell’s Reserve, may be very a lot what Russell made them to be.
Russell by no means formally stepped down or accepted a title like “Grasp Distiller Emeritus,” however he’s nonetheless semi-retired. He nonetheless comes out generally to greet guests on the distillery Customer Heart or for occasions, and he has been memorialized by various particular launched through the years; in 2014, the distillery marked his sixtieth yr with Diamond Anniversary version bourbon.
They’ve now marked the seventieth anniversary with an eight yr outdated expression of Wild Turkey, and in most respects I believe it’s extra applicable to the topic than previous commemorative bottlings. These had been center aged and quite costly, however Jimmy Russell was by no means keen on whiskey that outdated and he’s finest identified for expressions that, whereas undeniably premium in nature, are approachable by the everyman. This platinum expression is due to this fact extra in step with Jimmy’s fashion, and at 101 proof is considerably harking back to the export-only Wild Turkey 101 8 years outdated.
The Bourbon
Within the glass, the whiskey has a vibrant, center amber look. The nostril is thick with cedar, vanilla and toffee, plus traces of baking spices. The flavour profile spins away from that to a big diploma, discovering its footing proper on prime of what I consider as benchmark bourbon qualities: caramel, brown sugar, nutmeg and a pinch of cinnamon. That final spice blends right into a what’s a the distinguishing trait, a modestly dry, woody present. Add to that slightly citrus zest, and the profile is full, with simply sufficient to present it some character away from and above the bourbon stereotype. The end runs with peppermint and vanilla.
The Worth
This one is kind of cheap at $50 a bottle.
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