Fortunately, Wild Turkey as a distillery doesn't have the cachet of Buffalo Trace or even Heaven Hill--and I hope it stays that way. Two of WT's offerings--Russell's Reserve Single Barrel, and Rare Breed--offer some of the best bourbon value out there on a price-per-proof basis.
Clear dark copper. Nose shows caramel, mulled apple cider, Chinese five spice, cherry nougat, and a whiff of vanilla. On the palate, the sneaky 110 proof is well integrated, flanked by leather, cedar, and tobacco notes. Silky finish, with lingering vanilla. The heat, like a fine cabernet, is of the iron-fist-in-a-silken-glove variety.
Although there's no age statement, the woody notes suggest 8+ years in barrel. Irrespective of age, this is damn good bourbon, and a heck of a value.
N.B. All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.