Wild Turkey 17 Year Old 101 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon / Japan
The Wild Turkey distillery, then known as Boulevard, was built in 1935 by the Ripy Brothers in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The Wild Turkey brand name originated around 1941 when some, shared on a hunting trip, was referred to as "some of that wild turkey whiskey." It is distilled at bottled by the Austin Nicholls company and for many years they had sourced the whiskey from the Ripy's, but eventually bought the distillery from them in 1972, renaming it in the process. Of almost equal importance, the purchase of the distillery included the contract of legendary master distillery, Jimmy Russell, who started working there in 1954. His name is synonymous with the brand, and his son succeeded him 2015. In 2011 a new Wild Turkey distillery was built on the same site, replacing the original Ripy plant after 76 years.
This is a beautifully presented 17 year old limited edition, produced in 2001 exclusively for Japan, a market that historically had a taste for older aged bourbon than in the US.
The story of Wild Turkey began when McCarthy, with a vision to craft a bourbon that would capture the essence of the wild and untamed spirit of the American wilderness, set out to create a whiskey that would stand apart from the rest. Drawing inspiration from the rugged terrain and the wild turkeys that roamed freely in the Kentucky hills, McCarthy meticulously developed a recipe that would later become the hallmark of the brand.
The brand's commitment to quality and authenticity has remained unwavering throughout its journey. Wild Turkey's distinct flavor profile, characterized by its bold and robust taste, quickly gained popularity among bourbon enthusiasts. Over the years, it has garnered a loyal following, becoming a staple in bars and households alike.
Despite changes in ownership and shifts in the whiskey landscape, Wild Turkey has stayed true to its roots, preserving the time-honored techniques and traditions that have defined its legacy. From its classic 101 proof expression to its premium small-batch releases, each bottle of Wild Turkey bears testament to the brand's enduring commitment to excellence.
Today, Wild Turkey continues to be celebrated as a symbol of American craftsmanship, revered by whiskey connoisseurs around the globe. With a legacy spanning over eight decades, it remains a timeless icon in the world of bourbon, embodying the spirit of adventure and authenticity that has come to define the American whiskey tradition.