A favorite of the legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, this age-stated take on the iconic Wild Turkey® 101 will be available in the US starting in April.
Starting this April, Wild Turkey Distilling Company is bringing its Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon to U.S. shelves as a permanent offering. This age-stated version of the beloved Wild Turkey 101 will be available alongside the classic 101, marking a significant moment for bourbon enthusiasts in the U.S. Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old has been a hit in international markets for years, building a strong following among collectors and bourbon lovers worldwide.
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Mashbill: 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% barley malt.
- Proof: 101
- Age: 8 Year
- Price: $45
- Availability: Nationwide
A Bourbon That Pays Tribute to Tradition
The Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon is deeply rooted in the distillery’s long history, particularly in the iconic 101 recipe. Jimmy Russell, Wild Turkey’s Master Distiller, has long favored this bourbon. “Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon has always been a favorite – not just for my granddad Jimmy, but for bourbon lovers around the globe,” said Bruce Russell, Associate Master Blender at Wild Turkey. This new permanent U.S. release showcases the timeless quality of the Wild Turkey 101.
A Unique Experience for Bourbon Drinkers
What sets the 8-Year-Old version apart is its extended aging, which brings out richer, more complex flavors compared to the standard Wild Turkey 101. This bourbon offers refined notes of vanilla, clove, toffee, charred oak, lemon zest, and black cherry. The finish is long, lingering with brown sugar, dried fruit, vanilla, and allspice. Its bold profile makes it perfect for sipping neat or enjoying in a classic cocktail like the Wild Turkey “Bold Fashioned.” This version’s complexity also adds a deeper richness, making it a unique addition to the Wild Turkey range.
Availability and Pricing
The Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon will be available in a 750ml bottle for a suggested retail price of $45 USD. With the reintroduction of this age-stated bourbon to the U.S., Wild Turkey aims to cater to the growing demand for aged expressions. The 8-Year-Old release is set to appeal to those who enjoy a higher-proof, aged bourbon, offering a smooth, yet bold experience that stands out in the market.
About Wild Turkey:
The distillery for Wild Turkey Bourbon is in Kentucky, situated on a deep limestone shelf on the Kentucky River. The shelf acts as a natural filter and provides the distillery with crystal clear water, vital to making such a high-quality product. Wild Turkey features the legendary father and son Master Distilling team of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who have over 100 years of collective experience working at the Wild Turkey distillery, and are now joined by the next generation, Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell.
The famous Wild Turkey brand name first came about back in 1940 when distillery executive Thomas McCarthey took a few warehouse samples on a Wild Turkey hunting trip with a group of friends. The following year, his friends asked him for “some of that Wild Turkey whiskey” and the brand was born.
Wild Turkey is distilled and put into new oak barrels at a much lower ABV than most bourbons. This results in a much richer flavor, as less is cooked out during the production process. Aging in the highest quality new American oak barrels with the heaviest char available (the Number 4 “alligator” char), imparts a smooth flavor and deep amber color to the whiskey. The barrels are filled at the distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Visit wildturkey.com for more info.
Listen to Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast app or stream on Spotify. If you’d like to support Bourbon Lens, subscribe to our Patreon, sign up for our “Weekly Pour” Newsletter, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
If you like cocktails, subscribe to our second podcast, Cocktails with Friends. Cocktails with Friends is hosted by our good friend and partner, Bob Cutler.
Recent Bourbon Lens Coverage
- Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Sets Visitor Record in 2024
- Amazing Milestone: Disaronno Celebrates 500th Anniversary
- Bardstown Bourbon to Be Featured in CBS 60 Minutes Segment Exploring the Journey of a Bourbon Barrel
- Maker’s Mark and Keeneland Launch 2025 “Greats of the Gate” Commemorative Bottle
- Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon Launches in the U.S.
- Copper & Cask’s New Small Batch is a 20 Year HazMat Whiskey
