43% abv Nose: sweet and inviting. Hints of charred oak, vanilla, dark chocolate, maple syrup and cinnamon with a bit of bbq smoky sweetness in the back (likely from the mesquite “refining”) Taste: initially quite light, creamy and almost fruity, but quickly develops into sweet vanilla and light sugary toffee followed by drying dark chocolate and roasted dark coffee bean. A slight but pleasant bite at the tail end. Finish: medium with hints of light salted caramel, vanilla, cocoa and little bitterness and nutmeg. Value: $25-$35 USD. For the price I’d personally just reach for a bottle of 101 but I don’t regret this one-time purchase. Final thoughts: this is an interesting one certain to polarize fans of Wild Turkey. The lower proof chosen by actor Matthew McConaughey when crafting this bourbon was almost certainly to make it a sipping whiskey straight out of the bottle. In that respect they succeed, and the addition of some mesquite (or rather, “refined” mesquite, whatever that means) is a nice touch on the nose but offers little else than a nod to his home state of Texas. Perhaps at a higher abv this could have been a truly standout pour, but as is it’s more of a easy, pleasant sip with a little flair. Score. 3/5. Recommend trying or buying a bottle at a good price. Malt musing: “My off days I start drinking at noon...you don’t get to interrupt that.” - Matthew McConaughey, as “Cohle” in True Detective