Wild Turkey 81 Review


Country: USA
Brand: Wild Turkey 81 
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon 
Age: 6-8 Years
Alcohol: 40,5%

Colour: Amber/Dark Gold

Nose: No surprises in this department. We get the usual Sweet Grains, Charred Oak, Roasted Coffee, Vanilla, Caramel, Orange, Cinnamon, Honey, Pepper and a fair amount of Rye. The Alcohol is not completely integrated. There's nothing really wrong here but I find it somewhat bland.

Taste: On the Thin side and Bitter-Sweet with Oak, Cherry flavoured Cough Syrup, Rye (Spices), Caramel, Cinnamon, Roasted Coffee, Black Tea, Orange, Brown Sugar, Mint, Clove, Nutmeg and Honey.

Finish: Dry with Charred Oak, Pepper, Cinnamon, Mint, Vanilla, Caramel, Honey, Roasted Coffee, and Strong Black Tea. The 81 Proof leaves a burning sensation on the tongue.

Rating: 79.5 

Nose: 20 – Taste: 20 – Finish: 19.5 – Overall: 20


General Remarks: Wild Turkey is produced in Lawrenceburg Kentucky. Nowadays the Brand is owned by the Campari Group. The distillery produces the 81 Proof, the 101 Proof, the Single Barrel Kentucky Spirit at 101 Proof, Russell's Reserve 10 Years named after Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, Rare Breed a blend of 6, 8 and 12 old Wild Turkey at 108.4 Proof, a Rye Whiskey  made with 65% Rye, 23 % Corn and 12% Barley and a Honey Liqueur by the name of American Honey. The 81 Proof costs around 20 US Dollars, was created by Eddie Russell as a Mixing Whiskey and has a high Rye percentage in the Mash Bill. 

Drinking Experience Neat: Average

Drinking Experience on the Rocks : Good

Conclusion: I really liked the 101 and it's my favourite Bourbon so far. Unfortunately I can't say the same about the 81. On the Nose it's your average standard Bourbon. On the Palate it's rather Bitter and offers too many Cough Syrup associations. The finish is very dry and leaves you with a burning sensation on the tongue. The Wild Turkey 81 is okay on the Rocks and for mixing but not interesting enough to be considered as a sipping Bourbon.

Jan van den Ende                                                                   August 9, 2013

No comments: