Wild Turkey Russells Reserve Single Barrel 2003

Wild Turkey Russells Reserve Single Barrel 2003.

Wild Turkey Bourbon is a popular brand of Bourbon whiskey distilled at Tyrone, near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

There are several aspects of production that help create Wild Turkey’s hallmark rich, oaky style. Wild Turkey uses a slightly lower proportion of corn whiskey against small grain whiskey, and an absence of wheat is considered to give more body and flavor. The white spirits go into the barrel at an unusually low proof of around 110 (55 percent abv) and are then bottled for the principal release at 101 degrees (50.5 percent). This is considered to limit the loss of flavor while the spirit is in the barrel.

As well as the core 101 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Wild Turkey also produces 81 Proof (formerly 80 Proof), the single-barrel Kentucky Spirit, and the Russell’s Reserve range. Other collections in the portfolio include rye whiskeys, spiced liqueurs, and various limited editions.

The distillery was built in 1869 by the Ripy brothers, whose family owned it until 1952. The company was bought from Pernod Ricard in 2009 by the Campari Group, which has invested heavily in a new visitor center and packaging unit as well as doubling the distillery capacity.