Meeting #22: December ‘25 - Wild Turkey Night

The holiday season is upon us, and nothing tastes better than a turkey dinner with family and friends! So…we might as well drink some turkey too! 

Wild Turkey is a classic American whiskey. While they only use one mash bill, each product is remarkably unique due to variations in age, barreling, and proof. What started as a small family distillery in the late 1800’s, Wild Turkey grew to a bourbon juggernaut adored worldwide, largely due to the efforts of master distiller Jimmy Russell (and later his son, Eddie Russell).  Of note (since our club has a few current and retired Southwest Airlines employees), the late great SWA CEO Herb Kelleher was a HUGE Wild Turkey Fan, and every aircraft in their fleet kept a few bottles on board, just in case the boss was a passenger. Even today after his passing, each plane still carries bottles in his honor, keeping the Southwest Wild Turkey tradition alive.

In the holiday spirit, and in honor of Herb, grab a glass and let’s have some Turkey! 

#1) Wild Turkey 101 8-year

101 proof / 8 years / $50

75% corn,13% rye, and 12% malted barley.

HF avg: 3.29

NOSE: Candy Corn, vanilla frosting, caramel, hint of lemon zest

TASTE: Caramel, vanilla, and seasoned oak forward. Tobacco, black pepper emerge

FINISH: Rye spice, cinnamon, peppery oak

The 8-year version was released In early 2025, a variation on the classic Wild Turkey 101. It is blended from a smaller batch of barrels, which are hand selected from the pile by Bruce Russel, grandson of the great Jimmy Russell. This one starts sweet and approachable, and ends with a little classic turkey heat. Would be interesting to blind taste it against the standard 101.

#2) Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel

101 proof / aged ~ 9 years / $65

75% corn,13% rye, and 12% malted barley.

HF avg: 3.33

NOSE: Sweet oak, baked cherry pie, caramel

TASTE: Caramel, cherry, oak

FINISH: Oak, some tannins, followed by more cherry.

A bit one-dimensional, but awesome from start to finish. I really enjoyed the baked cherry pie vibes, and the oak tannins balances out the sweetness nicely. This was the group's favorite of the night (mine too). Awesome buy for $65 MSRP, and you can score it for cheaper!

#3) Wild Turkey Rare Breed

116.8 proof / blend of 6, 8, and 12 year barrels / $65

75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley

HF avg: 3.29

NOSE: Honey, orange, touch of mint, rye spice, beautiful oak in the empty glass.

TASTE: strong cinnamon, followed by creamy vanilla, caramel, and molasses

FINISH: Long, warm finish of cinnamon and oak, with a touch of vanilla.

Initially, this one just seemed “okay” to me. After a few minutes, more flavors emerged with every sip, and it really opened up into a nice complex whiskey! Maybe it was the jump in proof that threw me off, or all the peanut m&m’s I was inhaling… at any rate, this one is pretty great too. Another awesome buy at $65 MSRP. Actually, FWGS has it listed at $50. Sold! 

Out of the two, Kentucky Spirit is consistent throughout the sip, full of cherry and oak flavors from start to finish. On the other hand, Rare Breed is more complex, and changes with each sip. Both are good, and I’d happily add either to my collection. 

Well, that's a wrap for 2025! High Flight is still going strong, and we have a lot of good things planned for this year! See you on January 8th, same time, same place!! Check your emails for info. Cheers!