Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary
8-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
50.5% ABV
$50
Website
We would like to thank Campari Group and Allison Worldwide PR for sending us a sample to review.
What the Distillery Says
Commemorative bourbon release honoring Master Distiller Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary with Wild Turkey making him the longest-tenured spirits Master Distiller in the world.
To honor Jimmy’s incredible impact on the bourbon world, Wild Turkey is proud to present the limited-edition Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon.
This collector-worthy release is an 8-Year-Old, 101-proof bourbon, with an additional blend of 8- to 9-year-old whiskeys, hand-selected from a few of Jimmy’s favorite Rickhouses. Best enjoyed neat or over ice, this bourbon is a true tribute to Jimmy’s legacy.
A LIFETIME OF PASSION
From his earliest days at the distillery sweeping the floors at age 18 to rising through the ranks to become Master Distiller, Jimmy has remained committed to crafting bourbon one way, the right way, even when it wasn’t popular. In the 1970’s and 80’s when the bourbon industry was close to collapse, Jimmy stayed the course.
When many began favoring lighter spirits, Jimmy refused to dilute his bourbon or change the distilling process at all. Embracing the pre-prohibition style that he learned from his mentor and predecessor Bill Hughes, Jimmy “didn’t change a damn thing.” This approach helped propel the popularity of many of the distillery’s classic bourbons, including Jimmy’s favorite, Wild Turkey 101. He knew bold Kentucky bourbon would always have a place on the bar, a legacy that endures today.
“In my eyes, I’ve never worked a day in my life. The day I do, I’ll retire,” jokes Master Distiller Jimmy Russell. “Until then, I’m going to continue making the bourbon I love.”
TASTING NOTES
AROMA: Vanilla, oak, and honey with notes of cinnamon, brown sugar, tobacco, and orange peel.
TASTE: Sweet cream, vanilla, butterscotch, stone fruit (dates), pecans, and black tea.
FINISH: Warming with notes of caramel, dark cherry with a long lingering finish of oak, burnt sugar, and bitter chocolate.
PROCESS: 101 proof, 8-Year-Old bourbon with additional blend of 8-9YO whiskeys from Jimmy’s favorite rickhouses.
What Gary Says
Nose: Turtle brownies (caramel, chocolate, slightly nutty), vanilla, a bit of cinnamon, honey, slightly sour oak note, and orange zest.
Palate: Round mouthfeel with caramel, toffee, hazelnut, cinnamon, nutmeg, oak, pepper spice with black cherries and a hint of orange marmalade.
Finish: Long and wet with vanilla, cocoa, honey, leather, and oak.
Comments: Damn, this is just delicious. I can see why this is how Jimmy Russell likes his Wild Turkey! Comparing this to Wild Turkey 101, this is more refined, nuanced, and complex. It is (dare I say) a bit softer than Wild Turkey 101 – but that is NOT “smooth”. Don’t go thinking that they tamed the Turkey, because Jimmy wouldn’t be having that – but this trades that biting edge for a more viscous mouthfeel and depth of taste that is just scrumptious. A bit of water doesn’t hurt it, but it absolutely doesn’t need it either – this sips beautifully neat. The whiskey is just lovely, and I appreciate Wild Turkey putting this out at an accessible price point and enough volume to allow their fans the chance to get one.
Completely agree with your comments…and that $50 price makes it an absolute steal.