Recently, there have been a few notable whiskey enthusiasts, content creators, and influencers who’ve claimed that Wild Turkey’s Rare Breed has stepped down in quality. Some have even recommended non Turkey expressions as potential alternatives. With that in mind, I made it a goal to seek out a newer bottling. Fortunately, it didn’t take long. My local bottle shop just stocked the redesigned bottle, which just happens to be the iteration facing scrutiny.

Truth be told, a change in a whiskey’s label design shouldn’t necessarily point to a change in profile or quality. While convenient for one to think so, Rare Breed has carried the same proof (116.8) over three label variations since 2016. It has also maintained the same signature batching formula since 1991: six-year bourbon from the top floors, eight-year bourbon from the middle floors, and 12-year bourbon from the bottom floors. That’s how Jimmy Russell intended it and that’s how it’s made today. Of course, batches can vary based on a number of factors, such as particular distillation runs, barrels selected for batching, and the fact that it’s nearly impossible to replicate a specific flavor with exact precision repeatedly. After all, distillers and blenders work with what Mother Nature fashions over time (and she runs her own show).

This post will be fairly straightforward. There’s really just one question to answer: Has Rare Breed’s quality decreased in the last year? If yes, one could argue its status as America’s barrel-proof bourbon champion might be in jeopardy. If not, there’s little cause for alarm and everyone can relax knowing a genuine deal still exists on every respectable liquor store’s shelves.

For this review I’ll be tasting a Rare Breed 116.8 bottled in September 2023. It may not be a 2024 bottling, but it’s what many folks will find in stores today (as distribution is often delayed and inventory varies by state and store). It’s possible another 2023 bottling could fare differently in a similar tasting. I’ll also be comparing it to a Rare Breed bottling from September 2022. I’m sure if I went back far enough, say 2019-2020 or earlier, there might be greater potential for variance. But for the purposes of this tasting I’ll go with what folks are more presently familiar with.

Let’s pour!

Wild Turkey Rare Breed 116.8

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Proof: 116.8

Age: not stated (reportedly a batch of six-, eight-, and 12-year bourbon)

Misc.: distilled and bottled by Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY 

Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest… 

Color: rich amber

Nose: vanilla creme, candy apple, sweet peppery oak, baking spice, dried citrus

Taste: caramel, butter toffee, honey-glazed apple, orange peel, maraschino cherry

Finish: long w/ toasted brown sugar, baked cinnamon, nutmeg, woody spice, fizzy cola

Impression: Good news! There’s no cause for alarm, folks. This September 2023 Rare Breed tastes almost exactly like the September 2022 Rare Breed I’ve been sipping on lately. Outside of the labels, are there subtle differences between the two? Sure, but they’re minimal. If I tasted these blind I doubt I could pick one from the other. At most, the 2023 bottling seems to have a slightly longer finish, while the 2022 showcases a richer mouthfeel. That’s about it. What little contrast exists is garden variety batch variance as far as I’m concerned. 

So why all the talk about Rare Breed not being as great as it was a year ago? Aside from an off batch, it’s hard to say. Everyone’s palate is unique and I can’t speak for anyone but myself. One guess is that they’re not drinking as much Rare Breed as they used to. That, or they’re relying on memory for comparisons instead of actual side-by-side tastings. It’s also possible they’re comparing Rare Breed to other Wild Turkey expressions, like Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel (which has certainly improved in profile over the last year). Another factor to consider is competition. There are more bourbon expressions out there than ever before – that includes higher-proof options from heritage and craft distilleries. The more Turkey fans become familiar with non Turkey expressions, the more likely their individual preferences may change.

In closing, if you’re a Rare Breed fan I see nothing to worry about. At $60-$70 you’ll get your money’s worth. Are there superior batches out there? Of course. There always will be – past, present, or future. But isn’t that the fun of it all? While consistency of quality is something to be applauded, consistency of profile, however comforting or reassuring it may be, isn’t exactly inspiring. I’ll concede that Wild Turkey 101 and Wild Turkey Bourbon (81 proof) should be as consistent as possible, but Rare Breed and other premium expressions do well to stand out from time to time. Maybe it’s time we kick off a new Rare Breed batch at a new proof and bring the naysayers back? Besides, in less than two years 116.8 will eclipse 03RB as the longest-running Rare Breed batch to date. If that sounds like a record that needs to be broken, it’s not. I’d much rather have something new to try than a continuation of the same basic profile. How about it, Campari?

dj

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