For decades, Wild Turkey has suffered an undeserved rough reputation.  Most companies would consider that a serious problem – one best addressed with careful PR and possible rebranding.  I’m not sure how talks in the boardroom of Austin, Nichols & Co. went, or Pernod Ricard, or even Campari for that matter, but I can tell you how the Russells addressed it.  Regardless of ownership, they kept making quality bourbon and rye whiskey and continue to do so to this day.  Reputation be damned, they stay true to their craft, respect their consumers, and in all ways embrace the distinctive label that started it all.

Unlike many distilleries that simply hire and fire distillers as needed, Wild Turkey has a family legacy to pass on.  It may not be family owned, but it’s most certainly family operated.  And let’s be honest, when it comes to the Russells, nobody’s sitting around.  Jimmy could (and honestly deserves to) be living on beachfront property with his toes in the sand, but instead he gets up each morning and goes to work.  Eddie carries the same work ethic, and in my opinion is crafting bourbon that rivals some of Jimmy’s finest.  And now a third generation is learning the ropes.  Brand Ambassador Bruce Russell, who is based in Austin, TX, is spending more time in Lawrenceburg working directly with his father.

So let’s stop and take a look at where we’re at today.  There’s now three generations of Russells, father to son, actively involved with the production of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey for the same distillery.  How often has that happened?  Maybe pre-Prohibition? Someone once joked that before Prohibition there were at least twelve Ripys making whiskey where Wild Turkey Distillery now stands.  Of course there’s Beams and Noes, but three paternal generations at the same location producing the same bourbon whiskey together – that truly is a rare occurrence.  The torch is passing hand to hand, father to son, and thus the craft stays true.  And the timing couldn’t be better, as I genuinely believe we’ve entered a New Golden Age of Wild Turkey.

The Golden Age of Wild Turkey

How does one define a Golden Age?  Some sources state a Golden Age is “a period of great happiness, prosperity, and achievement,” while other sources describe it as “a period when a specified art, skill, or activity is at its peak.”  Let’s take both of these definitions and apply them to Wild Turkey.

WT-Bottling

As much as enthusiasts love Glut-Era Wild Turkey (about 1979-1991), it most certainly wasn’t a prosperous time for the brand, or bourbon in general.  One could argue there was achievement in navigating the storm.  While commendable, survival isn’t a trait of a Golden Age so let’s go ahead and scratch that era off the list.  And while we’re at it let’s take the Early Years (1942-1966) off the table as well.  The majority of this era’s bourbon was sourced from various Kentucky distilleries, and the rye from Maryland and Pennsylvania.  While Wild Turkey was no doubt a successful and growing brand, I wouldn’t consider that time period a Golden Age by definition.

How about the years when Jimmy Russell first took the reins (1967-1978)?  From all accounts there was happiness, prosperity, and achievement.  Jimmy was in his prime and the bourbon whiskey being produced at that time is considered by many enthusiasts second to none.  There was innovation with the creation of new expressions like Wild Turkey Liqueur (now American Honey), as well as the introduction of collectible ceramic decanters.  This period fits our definition and is unquestionably a top candidate for a Golden Age.

Now, let’s take a look at the Post-Glut era (1992-1998), or what I consider a Turkey Renaissance.  By this time Eddie Russell had been on board for over a decade, though Jimmy was still very much in charge.  The Glut Era was ending and new products were coming out of the distillery nearly every other year.  The 1990s saw the introduction of Rare Breed, Kentucky Spirit, Kentucky Legend, and the continuance of Wild Turkey 101 twelve-year with the “Split Label.”  Two of these products, Rare Breed and Kentucky Spirit, would eventually become core expressions.  The export variety increased as well in the 1990s with Wild Turkey Cuvee LaFayette, 1855 Reserve, Tradition, and the travel-retail Kentucky Legend.  With so much moving in a positive direction, one might consider this time period a Golden Age.  I don’t think so, but keep reading and I’ll offer my reasons later.

Rickhouse-A

The years following the 1990s are what I label as Transitional Years for Wild Turkey (1999-2006).  Logos and core expression labels were redesigned after decades of use.  The revered Wild Turkey 101 Twelve-Year expression became export-only.  New products, like Russell’s Reserve Ten-Year, were introduced then quickly reintroduced at a lower proof.  Rare Breed stopped becoming a uniquely proofed annual batch; bottling moved from Kentucky to Indiana, then later Indiana to Arkansas; barrel-entry proof changed – not once, but twice; and product consistency was arguably askew.  While there were notable releases throughout this time period, there’s far too much change and apparent uncertainty to classify these years as golden by any stretch of the definition.

I’ll now use the word “modern” loosely, as modern is a descriptor used in relation to anything remotely in the present.  It’ll work for now, but some years down the road (should this article still exist), one should revise the discussion that follows appropriately.

Let’s talk about modern Wild Turkey (2007-2014).  I’m going to split this era into two periods: the Early-Modern and the Late-Modern Years.  In general, the Early-Modern Years are distinguished as the final years of ownership under Pernod Ricard (2007-2009).  While new releases like Russell’s Reserve Six-Year Rye and limited editions like the fourteen-year Tradition were trickling out, the overall Wild Turkey bourbon profile was beginning to change.  Russell’s Reserve Ten-Year was no longer the dusty-esque 101/12-like pour it had been.  Wild Turkey 101 was losing some of its classic “funkiness,” as was Rare Breed.  And Kentucky Spirit, while still an amazing single-barrel bourbon, wasn’t exactly the same as its 1990’s and early 2000’s releases.  The profile changes were likely a combination of many factors, but as for the overall business direction, I’m curious if Pernod Ricard knew what was coming and simply started coasting.  Regardless, by mid-2009 Gruppo Campari had taken over, and despite what anyone tells you, it was a good thing for Wild Turkey.

The Late-Modern Years (2010-2014) saw new life breathed into Wild Turkey thanks to focussed creative efforts by both Campari and the Russells.  In fact, the wheels started turning in a very short time.  By 2011, a brand new state-of-the-art distillery was fully operational and revised logos and labels for several core expressions started rolling out.  In 2013, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel debuted with a private barrel selection program following closely behind.  2014 saw two major events:  the grand opening of a new Wild Turkey Visitors Center and Jimmy Russell’s 60th Anniversary (marked by a special bourbon release, of course).  Overall, the Late-Modern Years brought quick change – positive change – and with that the stage was set for what I believe are the best years Wild Turkey would see in decades.

Jimmy-Rickhouse

Before I discuss the times we’re in now, I want to circle back and nail down my definitive Golden Age of Wild Turkey.  For me that would be the Pre-Glut years when Jimmy was first designated as Master Distiller (1967-1978).  Yes, the Post-Glut 1990s, or what I call the Turkey Renaissance, is a potential candidate for a Golden Age; the problem is, things were still shaky coming out of the Glut Era.  The venerable eight-year age statement for Wild Turkey 101 was dropped domestically in exchange for the infamous “Old No. 8” label and exports were seemingly getting more attention.  It just can’t compare to the late ’60s and early ’70s when Austin, Nichols realized what Jimmy was doing in Lawrenceburg was magical.  So much so, they purchased the distillery itself – establishing it as the only source for Wild Turkey bourbon, and eventually, rye whiskey.  Those few years and the years just prior to the Glut Era were surely the definitive Golden Age of Wild Turkey.

The New Golden Age of Wild Turkey

Looking back on the last three years up to today, I’ll have to admit, Wild Turkey is performing incredibly well (and I’m not just talking financially).  While prosperous and contributing to the overall growth of the Campari family of brands, it’s much larger than that.  The creativity, craft, dedication, and most importantly, the attitude is unrivaled at its present level by any other Kentucky distillery.  Everything seems to be moving in the right direction, with the right timing, and with the promise of better things to come.

Let’s start by looking back at 2015.  First and foremost, Eddie Russell was officially named Master Distiller.  It was a title well-earned after many years of service under his father, Jimmy.  And in case you haven’t figured it out by now, Jimmy’s not stepping down anytime soon.  Speaking of Russells, 2015 saw the addition of Eddie’s son Bruce as a brand ambassador.  Outside of personnel changes, logos and labels for a vast majority of the core expressions were completely redesigned.  As for new releases, there were two limited editions, Master’s Keep Seventeen-Year and Russell’s Reserve 1998, as well as a new ultra-premium core expression, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye.  Each of these releases were well-received.  In fact, many enthusiasts regard Russell’s Reserve 1998 as one of the greatest Wild Turkey expressions ever bottled.

By 2016, Wild Turkey had gathered considerable steam.  The private barrel selection program was growing increasingly popular among vendors and enthusiasts.  Whiskey consumers that traditionally passed on the brand’s offerings were taking note and branching out.  And then – just when you thought things might be settling down – Matthew McConaughey was welcomed to the Wild Turkey family as Creative Director.  This was no run-of-the-mill spokesman job.  From the release of his first promotional video it was apparent the relationship was the start of something far greater – something genuine and unique.

In the blink of an eye 2017 was here and brought with it two memorable releases:  Master’s Keep Decades and a new Rare Breed batch (116.8).  Decades may be the most artfully-crafted limited edition whiskey ever released by Wild Turkey.  Sure, it’s hard to measure up to fan favorites like Tribute and American Spirit, but that’s not what I’m saying.  What makes Decades so special is it’s a “concept album bourbon.”  Eddie skillfully married his own profile preferences and Jimmy’s profile preferences into a single bourbon aged ten to twenty years.  And it works … beautifully.  It’s small-batch blending at its finest and evidence that all the years – yes, decades – of tutelage under Jimmy paid off.  In essence, Decades is the real Wild Turkey Tribute and I think a lot of folks missed that subtlety.

Eddie-Russell_WT

As for 2017’s Rare Breed, fans disappointed in batch 112.8 (raises hand) were treated to a notable step up in quality, as well as a new bottle and label design with batch 116.8.  And Rare Breed wasn’t the only expression experiencing an uptick in profile complexity.  Both Wild Turkey 101 and Wild Turkey 101 Rye were each consistently impressive by the batch.  Perhaps the six-year whiskey distilled at the new facility in 2011 was finally strutting its stuff?  Hard to say, but something was definitely clicking in 2017.

And here we are in 2018.  Longbranch, Matthew McConaughey and Eddie Russell’s highly-anticipated Wild Turkey collaboration, launched just days ago.  It may not be every diehard bourbon enthusiast’s dream release, but I imagine it’s going to give its competition like Basil Hayden’s and Gentleman Jack one helluva Texas-sized bullfight.  Time will tell, but my bet’s on Longbranch.  As for what else is to come, there’s Master’s Keep Revival and Russell’s Reserve 2002.  Revival is essentially Wild Turkey 101 Twelve-Year finished in Oloroso sherry barrels (yeah, that sounds delicious).  Russell’s Reserve 2002 appears to be the sequel to Russell’s Reserve 1998.  If it’s anything near 1998 in profile, get ready for a stellar straight bourbon whiskey!

Folks, we are without question living in a New Golden Age of Wild Turkey.  Enthusiasts exploring the brand now have more variety to choose from than any generation before it.  There’s truly something for everyone.  As for you old-school enthusiasts stuck on dusty expressions, take a few minutes and put the “forward-facing turkey” bottle back in the cabinet.  Drive to your local and pick-up a Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel private selection.  Take a chance on Decades or the 17-year Master’s Keep (if you can find them).  Hell, grab a new bottle of Wild Turkey 101 or 101 Rye and pop the cork with an open mind.  Yes, dusty Turkey is phenomenal, but it’s a dying breed.  Give today’s Wild Turkey a fair chance and I’m confident that everything I’m saying will make perfect sense in rather short time.

As for the future, we have a lot to look forward to – both short and long term.  From a reported 101st anniversary release celebrating the combined years of service of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, to rumors of a possible collectible decanter, there’s more on the way.  We also get to find out how well-aged whiskey from the new distillery performs, and that’s something a whiskey nerd like me lives for.

Looking further down the road, Bruce Russell may just be the next Master Distiller of Wild Turkey.  He comes from a different generation – open to experimentation and modern trends.  At the same time, he’s cut from the same cloth as his father and grandfather.  He understands the foundation of his brand: the hard-working customers buying handles of Wild Turkey 101 every other week.  From all I’ve seen, Bruce seems to have an excellent understanding of what makes Wild Turkey, well, Wild Turkey, and that’s something you can’t create artificially.

Yes, I’d say Wild Turkey is in good hands – has been since 1954 when Jimmy first started.  Oh, and that rough reputation endured for so long … I say give it the bird.  At the rate things are going, it’s finally looking like the joke’s on it.

Photo credits:  Robin Coupar (bottling line), u/tburd02 (Rickhouse A), Campari/Wild Turkey (Jimmy in a rickhouse, Eddie with a glass), Liquor Barn (Eddie, Jimmy, & Bruce)