Based on
4 categories
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit
Distillery: Wild Turkey (Campari Group)
Release Date: May 2021
Mash Bill: 75% corn; 13% rye; 12% malted barley
Age: NAS (but 8 years, according to the website)
Style: Single Barrel Bourbon
Barrel Details: Barrel Number 2078, Warehouse F, Rick 16
ABV: 50.5% (101)
Price: $55 - $65
Bottom Line: While all single barrels are unique, Kentucky Spirit has been consistently good across years and barrels. This particular barrel from warehouse F was outstanding, but Kentucky Spirit, under the close steward of the Rusells, overall punches well above its weight for the price. Kentucky Spirit can be increasingly hard to find, but is worth picking up a bottle.
Background: Wild Turkey, a faithful standby in the whiskey drinking world (and the favorite whiskey of literary luminary Hunter S. Thompson), has artfully evolved over the decades. Adding classics like Rare Breed, Masters Keep, and the Russell’s Reserve lineup to its arsenal, Wild Turkey has managed to stay relevant with newer generations of whiskey drinkers. The introduction of Kentucky Spirit in 1994 being no exception. Often referred to as the world’s “second single barrel whiskey” (behind Balnton’s, which was introduced in 1984), Kentucky Spirit has a been a reliable, but often overlooked part of the Wild Turkey family. Undergoing a dramatic bottle change in 2019 — from the classic turkey tail feather inspired glass to a more sheikh, contemporary design — many were upset about the new appearance and the brand’s drift, and even called for the removal of Kentucky Spirit from the Wild Turkey portfolio. Though sometimes a controversial whiskey, particularly among Wild Turkey fans, Kentucky Spirit represents a brilliant and essential facet of the company’s character.
Nose: A medium nose with cornbread, honey, and Nilla Wafer upfront, with underlying notes of citrus and pipe tobacco. The nose is memorable in its sweet, well-balanced complexity, and is an on point preview for the overall experience.
Palate: Medium viscosity. Opens up with a blast of big, round butterscotch, honey, and caramel sweetness that melts into vanilla, citrus, and almonds.
Finish: A beautiful long, smooth finish of caramel and butterscotch that pleasantly lingers in your mouth.
Conclusion: Kentucky Spirit’s 101 proof is a sweet spot for this single barrel. For the price, Kentucky Spirit punches above its weight in flavor, balance, and overall quality. This particular single barrel from warehouse F was outstanding, but the Kentucky Spirit expression of Wild Turkey overall presents consistent high quality.
