ContemplativeFox
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
June 30, 2020 (edited September 24, 2020)
Wild Turkey Rare Breed 58.4% has clearly higher ABV than Russell's Reserve Single Barrel - it's harsher, though it has plenty of fresh cherry mixed with prunes and maybe a couple other dried fruits. The Wild Turkey is quite fruity with a decent complexity lurking there. It reminds me of Booker's Kitchen Table, though it might be less harsh, fruity, and acidic. The Wild Turkey might be the equivalent of Booker's Country Ham, but it costs way less. For the money, this is great - it's more balanced than Booker's Kitchen Table and although it's less balanced it's rich with a good balance and complexity. This is a great bourbon, especially for the price. It lacks that classic Russell's Reserve Single Barrel flavor, but it has some nice richness and bitterness that indicates woody age. There's definitely more alcohol here than in Russell's Reserve Single Barrel, though the richness is also improved. This is a tasty whiskey, especially for the price. More complexity does come out as it's swirled, revealing more herbal flavors and some vanilla. This is very good, though not excellent. In comparison, 1792 Full Proof is less harsh, has more sweetness with vanilla and cinnamon, and generally has more of a bourbon balance. Although the two are similar in quality, the 1792 is just that bit better and it doesn't cost much more. This fights against Booker's Country Ham whereas 1792 Full Proof easily handles Booker's Shiny Barrel. That means that this is on the low end of 18 and the 1792 Full Proof is on the high end of 19.
The flavor profile reminds me of a less harsh Booker's Kitchen Table mixed with some of the brown sugar and sawdust of Garrison Brothers and of course the fruitiness of Old Forester Signature. It's good, though not mind-blowing. It isn't as rich as Booker's Country Ham. It's about as good as Booker's Kitchen Table while being substantially cheaper. It doesn't make it to the higher Booker's tier, but it's a great choice for a moderately priced bourbon, especially given the proof. I'd say that 1792 Full Proof is substantially better though, despite tasting a bit like Woodford Double Oaked.
40.0
USD
per
Bottle
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Good assessment. This is indeed the wildest Wild Turkey. While I prefer the complexity of the RR SB also, this is essentially 101 dialed up to 11, and like most Turkey products, very good VFM.
Thanks @Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington . I'm probably going to be replacing most future Booker's purchases with WT Rare Breed given that the former costs close to twice as much.
Spectacular review, as a Bookers Fam this goes on the wishlist.