Wild Turkey 8/101 1997 (375ml)

The year 1997 bestowed a truly exceptional bottling from Wild Turkey, captured in this 8-year-old, 101-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon. This era of Wild Turkey is celebrated for its bold, well-structured flavor profile, offering a rich and complex journey from nose to finish.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A profound and complex aroma greets the senses, bursting with rich caramel, aged oak, and vanilla bean. Underlying notes of dried dark fruits like cherry and fig emerge, intertwined with hints of baking spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and a whisper of clove. A subtle earthiness, almost like worn leather, adds depth, followed by a faint whisper of roasted nuts and a classic Wild Turkey rye spice kick.

Palate: The palate is immediately assertive yet wonderfully balanced, showcasing the signature Wild Turkey bold character alongside a refined maturity. Sweet caramel and toffee notes lead, quickly followed by a rush of rich vanilla and toasted, char-kissed oak. The rye spice is prominent but well-integrated, delivering black pepper, allspice, and a peppery zing. Layers of dark chocolate, stewed plums, and dried apricots provide a fruity depth, complemented by a persistent, creamy mouthfeel that coats the tongue.

Finish: A long, warm, and highly satisfying finish that lingers beautifully. The oak presence is pronounced but never overpowering, drying elegantly with notes of tobacco leaf and charred wood. Caramel and vanilla sweetness gently fade, leaving behind a delightful warmth of lingering rye spice, dark fruit, and a pleasant, leathery earthiness. A true testament to the extended aging and higher proof point.

About the Distillery

Austin, Nichols Distilling Company, based in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, is the home of Wild Turkey Bourbon. With a heritage stretching back to the mid-19th century, the distillery is renowned for maintaining a consistent, high-rye mash bill and utilizing a distinct char level on its barrels. Under the long-standing stewardship of master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey has cultivated a reputation for producing full-flavored, higher-proof bourbons that embody the authentic spirit of Kentucky whiskey.