It’s great to be back! After a few weeks recovering my senses of smell and taste, it’s nice to be reviewing whiskey and writing blog posts again. My sincerest thanks to Frank Dobbins for keeping the “12 Rickhouses of Turkey” series going in the interim. I simply couldn’t have done it without your help. 

Today’s tasting should be interesting, as I’m reviewing a bourbon selected from a rickhouse unseen in the single barrel program since 2018, Tyrone D. At that time, Tyrone D selections were everywhere. In fact, you should be able to find several TYD reviews if you browse my archives. Barrels like “Final Pour” and Motor Supply Co.’s #17-0814 received favorable marks, so it’s fair to say the quality bar is set pretty high. 

If there’s anything I’ve learned about Wild Turkey, it’s that change isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Profiles may shift, yet those shifts can often lead to greater variety and new discoveries. While we all appreciate throwback notes, if flavor profiles stayed exactly the same time and time again there’d be a lot less to talk about. It’s the beauty of the single barrel program – you never know what you’ll find.

Speaking of variety and new discoveries … The Mash & Journey Whiskey Club has grown in popularity over the last several years. Jason and Scott have a knack for selecting barrels their respective communities love. Having enjoyed a number of their Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel and Kentucky Spirit selections, I can see why. Will their latest barrel from Tyrone D prove a comparable offering? I’d wager it will, but there’s only one way to know for sure (and staring at this glass ain’t it). So without further ado, let’s give this Turkey a go. 

12 Rickhouses of Turkey: TYD

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Proof: 110

Age: 8 years, 10 months

Misc.: “Kelsey’s And Turkey for All,” selected by Mash & Journey for Keg N Bottle; barrel 23-0295, Tyrone D, 4th floor; distilled and bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY

Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …

Color: copper

Nose: vanilla, buttered sweet corn, candy apple, vibrant oak, faint watermelon hard candy

Taste: cake frosting, Sweetarts candy, citrus w/ a pinch of honey, cane syrup, hints of wildberries

Finish: medium-long w/ brown sugar glaze, Fun Dip, dried tangerine, sweet charred oak, cinnamon sprinkles

Impression: What makes a single barrel great? For starters, uniqueness, and boy does this barrel have it! This is pure candy in a bottle. I have numerous Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel selections open and none of them capture a candy vibe quite like “And Turkey for All.” In this glass there’s tart candy, cake frosting, zesty fruit, and lingering sweet spice. Frankly, I’m not sure if there’s a more suitable Turkey for dessert. If you prefer sweeter whiskeys, seek out a 2023 Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon from Tyrone D. If it’s anything like this Mash & Journey selection, it’ll check that box with a broad-tipped marker. 

As for how “And Turkey for All” compares to Tyrone D selections from 2017-2018, they’re different animals. Of course, one can always find some similarities in bourbons from the same producer, particularly with core notes like vanilla and oak, but that’s about it in this case. 2017-2018 Tyrone Ds, from my experience, tend to showcase richer notes like maple, molasses, gingerbread, and cherry. It’s possible, given additional maturation, that 2023 D barrels could wind up with some of those attributes. Time will tell. But for now, if you’re looking for a whiskey that sips like candy, a 2023 Tyrone D selection gets my recommendation.

I’ll catch y’all on the next installment of “12 Rickhouses of Turkey.” Until then, cheers!

dj

Enjoy this blog? Please consider supporting it via Patreon. In return you’ll receive access to exclusive rewards and weekly whiskey content. Thank you! dj