Tastes

Was lucky enough to do a side by side comparison of the 2019 and 2020 releases, both tasted neat in a glencairn. The nose of the 2019 was fairly flat especially in comparison to the 2020. The darker fruits were there but I really had to search for them, I kept coming back to the glass thinking I was missing something but to be honest I think it was just lacking. I did however at one point get a creme brûlée note. The 2020 however was a very fruit forward nose, the wine finish really showed itself and it was very inviting, no contest between the two. The palates were surprisingly different for me compared to what I was expecting, I thought they would be more similar than they were. Despite the obvious heat due to the ABV, the 2019 was quite a bit spicier than the 2020. The 2020 just seemed more complex. It started out dry and tannic but then the citrus fruit notes started taking over and balanced it out very nicely. When it came the finish, I got the slightest touch of smoke on the 2019 but for the most part it was a continuation of the palate. I didn’t get any noticeable different notes on the finish of the 2020. Both were mostly just a fairly long extension of the palates. Overall I think the the 2019 is a great pour by itself but my rating may have been brought down a bit because of the side by side with the 2020. Everyone has their own tastes and opinions but to me, the 2020 was the better pour here! I would give the 2019 a rating of 4 and the 2020 a 4.5.

Definitely has the traditional dusty dry oak profile of a good Wild Turkey product. I was lucky enough to have this after a pour of the 17yr BiB and they are actually quite similar other than this one has the added touch of Sherry. I found it most prevalent on the nose but I did get the dark stone fruits slightly on the palate and more so in the finish. Absolutely delicious but you will have to like Wild Turkey’s profile to really appreciate this one!

Definitely get the leather on the nose and the age shows itself in the palate, I got a very dry oak. That happens to be right up my alley so I really enjoy this pour but I could see how some may not like it. There is also a sweetness to it that I can’t quite put my finger on though I would not say it is vanilla or caramel. The mouthfeel is thick and oily which is fantastic! Very different than a typical bourbon and one that I am glad I have at my disposal! Last thought as I finish up my pour, maybe a hint of cherries at the very end of the finish.

Tried this one along with the other select expressions at the distillery. The XO was my least favorite but I couldn’t decide if I like this or the Madeira better. I ended up buying the bottle of Madeira finished simply for the fact that the finish is less common. If they weren’t so expensive I definitely would have grabbed both, this was an outstanding pour that sips very easily given the ABV!

I got quite a few floral notes on this one surprisingly and the rye seemed kind of muted. Sip while for a slightly higher than average ABV, overall a great pour.

Was very good but my least favorite of their three “Select” offerings