"Yup That's Bourbon": Wild Turkey Bourbon Review

Wild Turkey Bourbon Review

Origin: USA, Kentucky (Wild Turkey Hill)

Type: Bourbon

Proof: 81 (40.5% ABV)

Age: minimum 5 years

Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% malted barley

Color: Auburn

MSRP: $18

Wild Turkey is a big name in the budget world of bourbons. Although it is known by enthusiasts for its great bourbon at a budget price, the general public seems to think of Wild Turkey as a budget bourbon only good for getting wasted. There is a hard to ignore stigma that Wild Turkey is the drink of potbellied alcoholic uncles and frat boys who don't know the difference between WhistlePig and Jim Beam, and while all of that is true, there is a reason why alcoholic Uncle's across the US reach for this bottle, time and time again.

Real Review:

The standard 81 proof Wild Turkey has an auburn color and a light sweet corn nose with a hint of oak tannins. On the palate the 81 proof Wild Turkey is quite underwhelming. It has a very middle of the road presence. You taste it and think, "Yup that's bourbon", no tasting notes or characteristics are pronounced, it goes down easily but does not leave me impressed. On the palate it is very light, with hints of oak and almonds wrapped in that sweet corn flavor. For a new enthusiast, I think that this bourbon would be perfect. The first thing a new bourbon enthusiast can say about a bourbon is that the liquor is "smooth". Wild Turkey definitely falls into that category just as well, if not better than other entry level bourbons like Old Forester and Four Roses.

Diving deeper into the flavor profile, I notice a long pronounced caramel note lightly heightened by a hint of vanilla that seems to run against the oak and sweet corn. I think it is the competing contrast of these flavor profiles on the tongue that results in Wild Turkey being easy to drink, but lacking in any real substance. There is no joint unity to the flavor, Wild Turkey presents all of its cards upfront, and fails to balance the notes into an evolution.

Overall, I think Wild Turkey is a fine bourbon for beginners, something easy to drink as one smokes a cigar or talks with friends. However, despite its obvious ease, it lacks the character necessary to make it a classic.

85/100

Comments

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