Wild Turkey is a classic, unpretentious American whiskey brand that permeated the publics consciousness well before Matthew McConaughey was named creative director back in 2016. Old Forester 100 Proof Signature Bourbon delivers richness and good flavor (though you may find theres a slightly bitter aftertaste). For those who are new to whiskey, diving into the bourbon category can be an intimidating prospect. Bourbon, and all whiskey really, is subject to passionate obsession as much as anything else that people have strong feelings aboutmusic, food, cars, movies, etc. Some of this is actually helpful in understanding what's out there, while a lot winds up being useless bourbon bloviating. The brand doesnt just do bourbon, however. Anyone new to the category who would like to give a craft product a try should sample this bottle. Boasting a traditional flavor, youll note hints of clove and cinnamon in your first sip and a spicy and composed (albeit somewhat short) finish with the taste of black pepper. And after years of shifting into different production phases, Michters is finally at the point where the whiskey produced in-house is making its way into bottles, along with sourced and contract distilled stock. It's perfect for Scotch newbies, and tasters will note a chocolatey, peaty nose followed by a somewhat spicy caramel and chili pepper-infused palate. It leans towards the sweeter end of the spectrum but still appeals to all palates. There are different types of bourbon on the market, depending on how theyre made. "The beauty of Wild Turkey is its got one of the most unique flavor profiles in all of whiskey. It also produces spirits brands, including Appleton Jamaican rum, SKYY vodka, Espoln tequila and Forty Creek Canadian whisky. Bourbon is so popular nowadays, and everyone has an opinion about what is the best bottle, whats a waste of money, and all the different flavors that you should pick up when you are tasting. 4 alligator charred barrels. Proof: Another term for measuring the alcoholic content of a beverage. Looking for a flavorful high-proof bourbon that wont break the bank? On the palate, its candied notes are balanced by oak, char, and spice. If you can't find Buffalo Trace in the $30 range or prefer a more bold and spicy profile, go with Wild Turkey 101. Check our Makers Mark in-depth review to see the price breakdown of each bottle from the brand. Instead, they use different heights and positions in the warehouses to influence flavor. Its almost impossible to go wrong with anything Pappy Van Winkle so, if its proving tricky to get your hands on the 23 Year release, the 15 Year and 20 Year are also top contenders. Made with both fresh and malted wheat, its straight wheat whiskey is floral, sweet and light. But really the 95 proof core bourbon is a lesser known bottle that you should get more familiar with. The aging process: Similar to the above, many will assume that the longer the aging process, the better the Bourbon. Whatever size the batch is, this bourbon is a good place to begin your bourbon journey. Apart from smaller craft operations, Wild Turkey is the closest thing to a control experiment in whiskey. Nicely balancing sweet and spicy notes along oak and pleasing warmth. The newer Small Batch Select uses six recipes, its non-chill filtered, and its bottled at a higher 104 proof. Gruppo Campari is a publicly-held company, making sales data available to shareholders. For those starting out or those well versed, this is an interesting, rich and layered whiskey for everyone., Region: Kentucky | ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Anise, Vanilla, Orange, The best bourbon for beginners is Buffalo Trace, says Shannon Tebay, head bartender at the American Bar at The Savoy in London. (101 fan!) Its a brand that knows exactly whats what when it comes to distilling: its master distiller is Jimmy Russell, the worlds longest-tenured active distiller. Its great in cocktails, you can sip it on its own, and it is hands down one of the best bourbons you can find for the price. This small-batch Single Barrel Bourbon follows an old-school Kentucky recipe with a high rye content. Whiskey Barons Collection This new range from Campariwhich owns Wild Turkeyaims to "recreate historically significant bourbons that were lost after Prohibition," according to a press release. The barrel begins to crack and peel in a rough, shiny pattern that looks like alligator skin. This is a superior Bourbon well worth its money. Its strict production process ensures a smooth and successful drink. To help us rank the best Bourbons in the world, we looked at a number of different factors including the proof, age, and price. I find it somewhat weak to make great cocktails. Age/Age Statement: Though not required, many distilleries display their whiskey offerings with the amount of time theyve spent aging. Thats because the palate of this bourbon is sweet and soft, with just a bit of spice lingering in the background. And make sure to try out different mash bills, from wheated bourbons to high-rye recipes. First of the nose would not suggest a 101 proof spirit bottled at 50.5 abv. The term small batch doesnt really have a defined meaning other than the batch of barrels used is smaller than for other expressions from the same distillery. Consistently good. The distillery has released some truly fantastic new expressions in its Whiskey Row series, like the 1920 Prohibition Style and 1897 Bottled In Bond, as well as the 117 Series which includes the recent Whiskey Row Fire expression. The George Dickel distillery is known for chilling its juice before filtering it with sugar maple charcoal, a signature step in the production of Tennessee whiskeys," he said. From the smoothest to the best premium and budget Bourbons, heres everything you need to know when buying your next bottle. In New York City, Manhatta's head bartender Cameron Winkelman says Wild Turkey 101 Rye is his go-to.Being 101 proof and a Kentucky style of rye, the flavors of pepper and spice add the perfect balance and strong back bone to any cocktail," he said. There are a few facts worth knowing about the Wild Turkey 101: Wild Turkey's mash bill is comprised of 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% barley. Of the 31 warehouses used to age Wild Turkey, only 5 are palletized, and Eddie Russell himself leans toward the rack warehouses anyway. This liquor features an unusually high rye content in the mash, producing a spicy kick. The difference between Baccarat and the brands other offerings comes from a few final touches: an extra period aging in XO Cognac barrels, the handmade crystal decanters its served in, and its insanely velvety, fruity, sweet, citrus-tinged taste. But be sure to keep an eye out and grab a bottle of this single-malt Scotch if you see it, because its availability is hit-or-miss. Wild Turkey 101 2021, 2010 and 1984 Ceramic Decanter (8 Year) Review. Wild Turkey Longbranch vs Wild Turkey 101: Which Bourbon Wins? The Classic 86 Proof clocks in with slightly higher alcohol content (and more flavor) than your average baseline bourbon, while the Signature 100 Proof is a bartenders best friend. But were not the only ones: Sergio Campos, general manager at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen in Scottsdale, Arizona, swears by this stuff. The Wild Turkey is a more tasty bourbon as the higher proof adds a nice kick to it without being too hot. Pro tip: If you want to take a page out of Lennon-Simons book, ReserveBar offers $50 custom engravings for special occasions. The double oak Bourbon brings out vanilla and caramel notes with a smooth start and a slightly sweet finish. Pappy Van Winkle, WL Weller, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection all very good bourbons (and some ryes), but exorbitantly expensive and nearly impossible to get your hands on. No color or flavor can be added. Drink on the porch over ice. What does age do for flavor? Try one of these whiskey cocktail recipes or treat yourself to one (or more!) Its bottled at 90 proof, giving it enough structure to stand up in a cocktail without being so boozy that its unpleasant on its own, especially with an ice cube or two. A cult Bourbon, Old Grand Dad is not for the faint-hearted. Barrel: Whiskey is distilled in oak barrels or casks in order to impart the most flavor into the liquid. There are several single barrel releases to choose from, if you want something closer to Bookers with a higher ABV. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Wild Turkey is a classic for a reason, and while the brand has many other expressions to try, we recommend starting with the 101. Adam Fitzgerald, Editor-in-Chief, Iron & Air, Tell us about (in two to four sentences, please!) The viscous, almost oily mouthfeel might be a turn-off to some, but we think this complex, yet well-balanced liquor is sure to impress whether youre gifting a bottle to someone else or want to add a bit of spice to your home bar setup. I got my brother [Kings County Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey] and he loved it, says Julia Smith, Director of Video here at Delish. Dont let the initial sticker shock deter youwe promise Kujira Ryukyu 12 Year Whisky is worth the investment if youre passionate about Japanese whisky. The sweetness and finish of this Bourbon are often regarded as being superior to any other Bourbon on the market. Formerly known as Ridgewood Reserve 1792 and 1792 Ridgemont Reserve, 1792 is another brand that offers taste beyond its value. But some brands have thrown caution to the wind and either removed their age banner from their bottles or have reduced the length of time their Bourbon matures for. The Johnnie Walker portfolio offers a wide range of whiskey options, each with its own color that indicates the whiskey's price and age. This experiment resulted in a thick, dark Bourbon with complex flavors. Barrell doesnt have that problem very often though, as is the case with the newest bourbon, Batch 033 (a blend of 5 to 9-year-old bourbon from Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee). Go ahead and pick up a bottle of the 10- or 25-year-old bourbon if you can find it (sorry, you probably cant), or the bold Barrel Strength Rye, but Michters US1 is what you should turn to for everyday drinking. With a relatively low . In the Double Derby from Leroy's, we like to make it with a higher proof bourbon [like] Old Forester 100," they shared. Youre sure to savor the smooth taste of The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, which is another top pick for Battles. Eagle Rare goes down smooth and leaves awesome light caramel, toasty notes that make you feel loved, says Katsumi Yuso Ruiz, bartender and co-owner of Curio Bar, Roger's Liquid Oasis and Brass Tacks in Denver. Sometimes, the most noteworthy stuff is the least flashy and most affordable. Earned gold and double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2012, 2013 and 2014. A rising star in the Bourbon market, Makers Mark prides itself on being neither bitter nor sharp, but somewhere comfortably in the middle. Given its higher proof and low price, Wild Turkey 101 is an excellent budget entry into the bourbon category. There is much more cherry carryover in this one as well. But this smooth whiskey isnt just a favorite of prosHearst Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy and Business Development Daniel Fuchs calls Rittenhouse Rye a great value for a bottled-in-bond whiskey. The latest is a 16-year-old blend of bourbon that will likely set you back about $500. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The proof is just high enough to augment the flavors without creating an overly hot sipping experience. This comes at no extra cost for you and supports our team to create more content. Family- and Kentucky-owned Heaven Hill Distillery is home to hallowed brands like Elijah Craig, Old Fitzgerald and Henry McKenna, and still finds the time to push out the world-beater that is Evan Williams en masse. We list them all in our Blantons bottle price list. And theres no right way to enjoy Bourbon, but there are certainly ways of drinking the liquor that make for a more enjoyable experience. single-malt whiskey) only contains whiskey from a single distillery using a single malted grain. And note, the release of the 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon has been delayed until 2023, although there is one release of the 10 Year Rye this year. Then when you want slightly spoiled, go Four Roses Single Barrel. Wild Turkey is distilled at a very low proof and according to the company, helps embody all of the barrel flavors during aging. How much alcohol is typically in bourbon? Soften it even more by adding a splash of water to help appreciate the buttery chocolate, gingerbread, tobacco leaf and toffee flavours. "The sherry cask finish makes Kujira Ryukyu 12 Year a great summer sipper.. They say with age comes wisdom. We tell people they are wrong for liking certain brands or drinking it a particular way. The definitive guide to enjoying Bourbon. The result is a deep color and spicy flavor profile to the bourbon. One of the few differences in barrel-to-barrel production is the brand's use of palletized and standard rack aging warehouses, but the vast majority of the bourbon rests in the latter. Arguably, the most crucial step of the Bourbon production process comes next: aging. Theres no drink so ripe with history and so rich with flavor quite like Bourbon. Then there are smaller batch releases like the barrel-strength Rare Breed and the single barrel Kentucky Spirit to try. Here's Why. Thoughts: . Its easy to get lost down the rabbit hole of Bourbon technicalities and terminologies. As the name suggests, Woodford Reserve distills its Bourbon in Woodford County, Kentucky, in small batches for optimal taste. "I prefer the rack warehouses for us. . If you like to sip Pappy Van Winkle from a Baccarat crystal tasting glass, thats just fine. If you have tried the regular Wild Turkey 81 you are going to find the 101 to be a vast improvement. Sure, Pappy Van Winkle is also a wheated bourbon, but why even consider that when you can find Makers Mark virtually everywhere for a fraction of the price? When it comes to bourbon, no one has done it longer than the Russells. Given its higher proof and low price, Wild Turkey 101 is an excellent budget entry into the bourbon category. Old Forester is a storied bourbon brand known for making inexpensive whiskey that doesnt sacrifice flavor or quality. Product Code. Russell also noted the brand doesn't rotate barrels anymore the practice of moving an aging barrel to different parts of a warehouse because they have many expressions. Generally, the more years the liquor has spent in its barrels, the better although there are some exceptions. Koval is Yiddish for forges ahead, which was meant to honor the [owner's] grandfather for starting his life over when he immigrated to America. Its good to note, though, that all of Kovals whiskeys are bottled as single-barrel, which may cause slight variations. $41 at Reserve Bar. Wild Turkey 101 is bottled at 101-proof, or 55.5 percent ABV and has a suggested retail price of about $25 for a 750mL bottle. Whether you enjoy this rich, pungent Scotch whisky by yourself or in the company of esteemed guests, we think Ron says it best: Prepare to experience true freedom and bliss., For mixologist Simon Sebbah of American Bar in New York City's Greenwich Village, Laphroaig Quarter Cask's "buttery, fruity and cigar smoke notes can be exploited in many waysneat, on the rocks or just a few drops in a cocktail.. Wild Turkey uses non-GMOs to make whiskey. Its about 2x the cost of 101, but since 101 is so cheap, its really kinda semantics. Or vice versago ahead and make a cocktail with that $500 bottle if you damn well please. "Wild Turkey has never been big or bold in their pursuit of innovation or envelope pushing, and that's fine. Wild Turkey generally bottles liquid aged for at least six years, and the barrels are given the more intense No. The Michters range includes bourbon, rye, American whiskey, and sour mash whiskey. With a gentle and sweet flavor thats nicely complemented by some complex spiciness, Rittenhouse Rye is the go-to for many a bartender thanks to its versatility. If it isnt already, Four Roses Yellow Label should be your go-to budget bourbon (though the label isnt actually yellow anymore). While bottles will vary based on what barrel they come from, Four Roses is consistently a good choice. Woodinville Bourbon . No bourbon list would be complete without a brand completely dedicated to barrel-proof whiskey, and Bookers (part of the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection with Knob Creek) is one of the best. Its craft whiskey that tastes as good as the big brands (although it should be noted Moet Hennessy now owns the company). All unaged Turkey hooch enters the barrel at the same 115 proof point. Many booze brands slap "small batch" on their bottles, but Michter's means it: A maximum of twenty full barrels are produced in each run. It uses hand-selected barrels for the aging process and has a smooth flavor to match. Whiskey must be aged for at least two years before it can be called straight whiskey. You've Never Heard of 2022's Most-Awarded Whiskey, Liquid Death's New Iced Tea Is Both Fun & Tasty, Tasting WhistlePig's New 21-Year-Old Single Malt, The Best New Whiskey Releases of 2023 (So Far), Chloe Fineman on Why NYC Beats L.A. at Drinking, The Best Tequila to Use in Your Margarita Recipe, Psst, Pappy Van Winkle Is Doubling Production, How to Build Your Own Bottle of Whiskey Online, Black-Owned Breweries Deserve Your Attention, To Drink Wild Turkey Is to Understand Whiskey. As one of their more expensive bottles, the flagship Blue Label is a blend of only the rarest of Scotches, though the brand doesnt provide an exact age for the whiskies in the bottle. Region: Kentucky | ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Spice, Cherry, Chocolate. This iconic bourbon is perfectly aged a minimum of ve years in American White Oak barrels with a level 4 char. On the nose the Wild Turkey 101 is sweet, with hints of honey, caramel and vanilla along a charred oak note. Bourbon: The Main Differences, These Peaty Scotches Taste Like Campfire in a Glass, The Best Cheap Alcohol of 2023, According to Bartenders, The 13 Best Canadian Whiskies to Drink in 2023, The 10 Best American Whiskeys Under $50 to Drink in 2023, Which Tennessee Whiskeys Are the Best? It's thick, spicy, chocolatey and a bit oaky. There are also some higher-end releases like Masters Keep, the most recent of which was called One and was finished in toasted oak barrels (the new edition is due out this fall). It is also in the standard pricing statement. There are a few facts worth knowing about the Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon. 22156. We spoke to some bar industry experts to find out what the best bottles for beginners are, and what makes them stand out. Wild Turkey 12 Year 101 Bourbon Review . Distillery: Woodford Reserve (Brown Forman) Type & Region: Bourbon, Kentucky, USA Alcohol: 45.2% Composition: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley Aged: NAS, aged in virgin American white oak Color: 1.1/2.0 on the color scale (deep copper) Price: $30-40 MSRP (750mL) From the Woodford Reserve website: Wild Turkey is a classic for a reason, and while the brand has many other expressions to try, we recommend starting with the 101. Wolves Whiskey (Spring Run): An expensive, highly giftable, very odd whiskey. Old Forester must be the best bang for your buck, so if it turns out bourbon is not your thing its no big deal, says Chris Keller, bartender at Osaka Ramen in Denver. .css-gk9meg{display:block;font-family:Lausanne,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;padding-top:0.25rem;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-gk9meg:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.15;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 73.75rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}The Manhattan Is a Cocktail You Earn, 13 Riffs on Classic Cocktails to Drink This Winter, Nothing Tastes Better Than Irish Whiskey in Coffee, The Rob Roy Is a Cocktail for Scotch Drinkers, How to Make a Whiskey Sour Without Sour Mix, Nothing Soothes the Soul Quite Like a Hot Toddy, You'll Be Drinking Maple Syrup Cocktails This Fall, How to Make a Cobbler-Style Rye Whiskey Cocktail, Jim Beam's Newest Release Won't Be a Bourbon, Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey. So we turn instead to Woodford Reserves Baccarat bottle as the most expensive bourbon you can actually find and purchase if you want the best top-shelf bourbon available.