Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel Bourbon

5/4/18, Southern Spirits Keith’s Pick, barrel 18-0033, bottled 3/4/18 $61

A real exercise in contrasts: the nose is caramel silk, with tiny pop rocks of shoe varnish rye; then it hits the tongue and the back of the throat, and it’s a fireworks display of bright white cinnamon spice, with a blazing hot, mouth-tingling, hourlong finish. Not my favourite Turkey, and likely overpriced, but definitely interesting. Also, is it a reach to say that distiller Jimmy Russell’s palate might not be as sensitive, at age 80, as it once was? Because this tastes like it was selected by a man who wants to taste the biggest possible flavours bourbon can offer.

Really, nice, smooth, yet complex bourbon. Great looking bottle. Just makes me feel good to sit outside with a small fire in the firepit on a cool evening. Classy, old fashioned feel.

Bite. Tough stuff. Not a hint of smooth. Not a easy drink.