Skymecca
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
October 14, 2020 (edited November 14, 2020)
So I love love love Russell's Reserve Single Barrel, particularly the cinnamon, orange rind and spicy finish. I also feel that Wild Turkey 101 has many of the same features as Russell's SiB, just toned down and a little younger and rougher. Ridiculous value for the quality.
As for Rare Breed, it's 116.8 proof and from what I've read a mix of 6, 8 and 12 year whiskies. The nose is a bit subdued for such a high proof, but there is a lot of caramel and brown sugar, some vanilla and maybe red fruit like cherry. The palate is a flavor bomb of brown sugar, tingly rye spice and surprisingly, mint. If you do a hearty Kentucky chew, it's very spicy and tingly on the finish with a bit of that very familiar, awesome Wild Turkey finish that I identify as some kind of cinnamon and orange, but not as strong as in the RR SiB.
Was extremely excited to try this, and it's really good! But I think that certain features of the Wild Turkey 101 and in particular the spectacular Russell's Reserve Single Barrel that I really love are missing, in particular the stronger cinnamon and orange flavors. Instead, there is a bit more heat, caramel, brown sugar and mint. This just comes down to what flavors you prefer because Rare Breed is great. But I prefer the unique cinnamon/spice/orange flavors because I don't think they're as commonly found in other bourbons. All the same, Rare Breed is terrific and I'm very happy with the purchase. I also frankly have to spend more time with this bourbon. This is only my second tasting.
If you're newer to bourbon and chasing all the Buffalo Trace products, get into Wild Turkey instead. It's much more rewarding and so much easier on the wallet for a great product. This is $45 for barrel proof awesomeness and you don't need hunt it down or pay some absurd premium.
45.0
USD
per
Bottle
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Based on your reviews, I am looking forward to tasting the Rare Breed I acquired a couple months ago. I love E H Taylor, Eagle Rare, Blantons, Stagg Jr and a host of other Buffalo premium offerings but am getting tired of the crazy pricing and near impossible acquisition in recent years. My local guy gets select barrels that I have liked of Russell but it's time to revisit. Thanks for the review. PS you recently touched one of my favorite secrets and gave it a nice review as well.
@ContemplativeFox I think they have a 13 year or something but its an expensive one off. I'd love to see a standard 12 year OB as you suggest as something like $75.
+1 to going after WT instead of BT. I do wish that they had some stuff in their range between RB/RR SiB and Master's Keep though. Like what about a straight up 12 YO offering or mix of 10-15 YO or something?
Good notes! I agree that this is good and the SiB is better. Also agree to skip chasing BT and drink Turkey instead.