Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Bourbon

So I love love love Russell's Reserve Single Barrel, particularly the cinnamon, orange rind and spicy finish. I also feel that Wild Turkey 101 has many of the same features as Russell's SiB, just toned down and a little younger and rougher. Ridiculous value for the quality. As for Rare Breed, it's 116.8 proof and from what I've read a mix of 6, 8 and 12 year whiskies. The nose is a bit subdued for such a high proof, but there is a lot of caramel and brown sugar, some vanilla and maybe red fruit like cherry. The palate is a flavor bomb of brown sugar, tingly rye spice and surprisingly, mint. If you do a hearty Kentucky chew, it's very spicy and tingly on the finish with a bit of that very familiar, awesome Wild Turkey finish that I identify as some kind of cinnamon and orange, but not as strong as in the RR SiB. Was extremely excited to try this, and it's really good! But I think that certain features of the Wild Turkey 101 and in particular the spectacular Russell's Reserve Single Barrel that I really love are missing, in particular the stronger cinnamon and orange flavors. Instead, there is a bit more heat, caramel, brown sugar and mint. This just comes down to what flavors you prefer because Rare Breed is great. But I prefer the unique cinnamon/spice/orange flavors because I don't think they're as commonly found in other bourbons. All the same, Rare Breed is terrific and I'm very happy with the purchase. I also frankly have to spend more time with this bourbon. This is only my second tasting. If you're newer to bourbon and chasing all the Buffalo Trace products, get into Wild Turkey instead. It's much more rewarding and so much easier on the wallet for a great product. This is $45 for barrel proof awesomeness and you don't need hunt it down or pay some absurd premium.

Rare breed might best be described as Wild Turkey 101's bigger, ass kicking brother. It has loads of the sweet carmel, vanilla, and toffee flavors that WT101 has and Russell's Reserve seems to be short on. There's just enough oak, and plenty of spicy rye kick. There is some alcohol burn, but it's a good burn that warms the soul. The finish is sweet and spicy with hardly any bitterness. For a fan of WT 101 like myself, this is an instant favorite.

Definitely get the spearmint and mint on the finish with some vanilla, heats the nose for sure, good chat