Wild Turkey Rare Breed

Super smooth for the proof! Sweet, but still lets you know where it comes from.

Appearance: Approaching this glorious barrel proof bourbon one admires the color of mahogany and light henna color. It has thin but oily viscous legs. Nose: The nose starts out strong, not offensive, just bold and rich. Despite the alcohol content there is little to no burn. Heavy notes of caramel start the parade, followed by aromatic pipe tobacco, slices of bread, vanilla, dead leaves, as well as slight notes of soy sauce and dill. After a splash of water sweet wildflowers and cotton candy enter the show. Taste: At first couple sips there is just an abounding spiciness, yet honey sweetness. After adding a splash of water the dram doesn’t just smack you with sweet and spice, but opens up to more nuanced fruity notes of cherries, plums, with a hint of watermelon, Sweet Tarts, and blackberries. Finish: There is a little burn, which is to be expected from the high proof. The finish overall is long, lingering, and spicy, and the swallow leaves a tingling mouthfeel with an almost clove or minty aftertaste. Thoughts: My wife blessed my heart (and taste buds) tonight by having this dram lidded and waiting for me in front of my place at the table with my water jug filled and resting beside it. I could not have asked for a better evening set up or wife! This bourbon blew my mind. Not gonna lie, I was intimidated by the ABV (54.1), but despite that, it really didn’t try to kill you. In fact, it was very smooth and welcoming and with a couple splashes of water, it became even more so. I would definitely recommend this and would buy it for myself again. Wild Turkey, you have my respect and thanks! Cheers!

4.2 Solid and tasty. Well blended from chosen casks.

On the nose I get sweet maple syrup on buttered pancakes with a touch of cinnamon. Aromas of caramel popcorn, fresh baked corn bread, oak, pipe tobacco, cool mint leaves, with a hint of orange peel and maraschino cherries. - Very dense and rich on the palate with a syrupy sweetness coating the mouth before giving way to a spreading warmth and peppery spice. Flavours of dark toffee, sweet vanilla, mint, Luxardo cherries, popcorn, cinnamon, peppercorns, chili powder, leather, tobacco and candied orange peel. - The warm finish lingers with corn bread, mint, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, pepper, orange and cherry candy. — With a few drops of water, the nose opens up to much more intense aromas. The palate retains that syrupy texture, with an amped up sweetness and more balanced spice, revealing more oak and barrel char towards the finish. More astringent, bringing some dryness to the palate, tempering that intense sweetness. —//— Bourbon Mark: 96 —//— Just a fantastic bourbon! I love Wild Turkey. Rare Breed is so rich and flavourful, with a perfect balance of spirit and oak. I was surprised when comparing to 101, that I actually find Rare Breed is easier to drink at full strength! Very impressive stuff.

Neat - smooth with a nice finish