Milliardo
Wild Turkey Rye 101
Rye — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
December 1, 2021 (edited December 21, 2021)
Edit: After trying a handful of other ryes, I was too low on this guy for consistency’s sake. Was a 4, now a 4.5.
It’s December, and that means I’m going to try a new whiskey every day. It really is the most wonderful time of the year.
This year I’m going for a new rye whiskey every day. And while my rye game is not as weak as my Scotch game was this time last year, I’m always up for suggestions on good rye whiskies.
“101 is often used for an introductory course at a beginner's level in a department's subject area.” - Wikipedia
Nose is sugared walnuts, dill, cedar, cloves, fresh cut grass.
Body is sweet and simple. There’s sugar, slight cinnamon, and lemon. A definite leather note that I get from any base WT juice. Overall, this is more like bourbon notes for me than rye notes.
Finish is cinnamon and walnuts. Delicious. Heat definitely builds up over time. I’d classify that build up as more of a pure pepper heat than cinnamon.
I love this whiskey. My Wild Turkey fandom, and my former educator brain was rewarded.
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@Milliardo One more thing on this dram. Would be interested to read your take on a SBS with WT Rare Breed Rye (although not sure if WTRB is part of your rye month line up). Wondering if the 101 is just a lower proof version of same mash bill and drinking experience?
@Anthology thanks! I will have to check out at least one of those.
@Anthology Rittenhouse for me as it has strength, flavor and price (for mixing). Will have to try the Green Label.
@Anthology Absolutely! CRNH is a long term fav, got a couple in the closet. Good call and a nice bridge between the cedar of the lot 40 and the dill of the Wild Turkey!
@Cornmuse @Anthology YES! I had forgotten about those two. The Crown Royal Harvest Rye was my first 90%+ Ryes and it took some time, but I really liked it. The Lot 40 was a good choice as well. I can't believe I haven't reviewed it yet.
@Milliardo My personal bang-for-buck entry level ryes include - Sazerac Rye (not the BTAC one!), Rittenhouse Rye, & Evan Williams green label. And speaking of Canadian cousins @Cornmuse , a surprise entry in this entry-level b4b list (not named lot 40) is…Crown Royal harvest rye!
@Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington too far is never far enough.
@BDanner I share your concern! I’ve already tried most of the ryes that I’ve suspected I would like, so there’s going to be some duds in this lineup for sure.
@Cornmuse thanks! Will try to snag one
@PBMichiganWolverine let’s drink some whiskey brother!
WT101 is definitely a good one, the WTRB Rye is a beast of another color entirely. Along the way don't forget to look to our Canadian cousins, who have a long history of interesting rye. Try Lot No. 40 as an example (makes a weirdly wonderful Manhattan).
Nice...though, I'm afraid you've started at the top and will be working your way down. This is one of my absolute favorites. Looking forward to hearing about your experience with 31 different Ryes.
I feel compelled to ask for session/learning objectives but perhaps that is going too far
@Milliardo i look forward to these from you—-sort of a advent calendar itself