The American bourbon brand of Wild Turkey has released a special commemorative whiskey to celebrate the remarkable career of Jimmy Russell, the long-serving Master Distiller. This year marks the 70th anniversary since Russell began working at the distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky on September 10 1954. His remarkable career includes establishing Wild Turkey as a global brand and being inducted into the Bourbon Hall of Fame.
The Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8 years old features whiskeys of 8- and 9-years of age that were hand-selected by son Eddie Russell and grandson Bruce Russell, who both work at the distillery in senior positions, from Jimmy’s favourite rickhouses.
The Wild Turkey distillery is in the town of Lawrenceburg in the famous whiskey making state of Kentucky. The origins date from the Ripy family in the late-1860s and 1870s and there are a couple of stories regarding the name – one is because it was built on Wild Turkey Hill and the other regards a story about a former employee. He used to go on an annual turkey hunt with and took whiskey from the distillery with him. In the following year they asked him to bring more of “that wild turkey whiskey” and the Wild Turkey brand was introduced shortly afterwards.
The brand was one of the most popular bourbon brands before Prohibition, but the distillery was forced to close during that period. However, it was one of the first to reopen after Prohibition and this helped to establish Wild Turkey as a leading American whiskey brand. It is currently owned by Gruppo Campari, who took control in 2009.
The Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8 years old is bottled at 101 Proof (50.5% ABV) and the bottle features Russell’s signature. The bourbon is available in the USA and selected international markets in limited numbers. A bottle will cost US$50.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is deep coppery gold and the nose is packed with aromas of vanilla and toffee, plus burnt orange and the match that lit it. Further aromas of golden syrup, honey and milk chocolate mingle with warming oak spices (think of cinnamon, mace and clove) and hints of cherry, marzipan and old cigar box.
On the palate this whisky has a lovely mouth feel and plenty of honey and vanilla notes to begin with – think of fresh vanilla pod especially. There are also notes of sweet marzipan and glace cherry with some preserved bitter orange, icing sugar and golden syrup. Then come some toasted nuts – imagine almond, hazelnut and brazils.
In the background there is a slightly flinty and mineralic vibe that is reminiscent of wet pebbles or stones. This is followed by hints of cocoa powder and something grassy and hay-like. Some drying oaky spice and a cinnamon stick appear at the end.
The finish is long and increasingly dry, woody and hot. The sweet golden syrup and honey-like characteristics fade after time and this leaves the toasted nuts and drying wood spices to come to the fore. Some later fruitiness also evolves with the bitter orange and glace cherry again coming through well.
What’s The Verdict?
This is a lovely limited edition from Wild Turkey and one that is great for such a great occasion. The lovely and sympathetic use of old casks have given a lovely aroma and flavour profile that balances the sweet, fruity and spicy elements well. This is a proper sip and savour bourbon – that’s exactly what you should do with this. It is absolutely delicious.
