Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Bourbon

Wild Turkey is one of my favorite distillers and 101 is, by far, a favorite bourbon of mine. So I have been itching to try the barrel proof Rare Breed, among others in the line. I am not disappointed. I believe Rare Breed, while being a barrel proof, is a combination of 6, 8, and 12 year old Turkey bourbons, which provides a nice mix of flavors in the expression. Enjoyed neat in a Glencairn. On the nose I am greeted with spice, vanilla, and toasty char mixed with a minty whiff. Sort of a subdued nose, even compared to the weaker 101. But don't let that fool you into thinking this will lack flavors, because on first sip it's an explosion of spice, warmth, deep caramel, and classic Turkey flavor. On the palate you first instantly notice the warm heat of the barrel proof and the classic high Turkey spiciness, but also a creamy sweet syrup. Then lots of cinnamon, toasted marshmallows, burnt sweet caramel, and light toasted barrel. I was surprised there wasn't more barrel flavor here, as 101 is way more barrel char and ash forward which I love. It seems you lose the strong cherry syrup and cedar flavor of 101 too. Although I detect a little pine in the RB. Late in the taste is more tart than in 101, perhaps due to hints of a bit of dark chocolate. Beautiful barrel strength bourbon from Wild Turkey! Finish is somewhat short for the strength, surprisingly, but leaves a nice dark sugar, lingering tobacco and char barrel notes. Overall, for $45, this is a fantastic WT expression at barrel strength. It's like 101 but much more refined. But honestly I think I like 101 more at times, just because it's less refined. 101 actually seems more flavorful, rustic, and wood/char forward. A lot of these edges are rounded off with Rare Breed. It's still got that classic WT flavor profile, but seems to lose some of it's character in the process. Maybe it's best to describe it as a mature 101, more of a domesticated turkey if you will. So if you like 101 but would like it richer and deeper on the toasted sugars this is it. Personally I love that 101 is rough, rowdy, and edgy, just full of flavor. I think that really sets it apart from the others from the big distilleries. I still highly recommend RB if you love Turkey bourbon like I do. I look forward to trying others in the line, including some of the Russell's products. I am so impressed with what the Russell's have accomplished in WT bourbons!! Cheers!

I have yet to have a bad product from wild turkey. They are consistently a solid bourbon no matter which product you have. This is a very smooth high proof bourbon. Will always keep this one in my collection.

Pretty strong. Decent taste.

One of my favorite bourbons. I get a ton of vanilla, maple syrup, cinnamon, oak. Easy drinking for the proof. As good as it gets for my taste.