From roughly 2015 to 2017, rye whiskey barrels had a small but lauded place in Wild Turkey’s private selection program. In that two-year stretch there were roughly 10 barrels selected, each bottled as a Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye and decorated with a spartan private selection hang tag. 

By 2018, rye was out of the program. To my knowledge, there was never a formal statement regarding the reason, though one could surmise that the inventory of well-aged rye stocks simply wasn’t there. Historically, rye whiskey has been produced by Wild Turkey at an almost negligible volume, at least in comparison to their bourbon. Not to mention core expressions requiring that whiskey. Rye production has increased over the years, but it’s still nowhere near the level of other Kentucky distillers like Jim Beam and Heaven Hill. 

Enter 2024 and single-barrel rye is back on the menu as Wild Turkey Private Selection Rye. Unfortunately, it didn’t arrive with the grand slam whiskey enthusiasts were hoping for. It’s a bit early to call, but I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as a home run either. Why? Let’s start with the specifications. 

2024 Wild Turkey 101 Rye selections are 101 proof and, I assume, chill filtered (as the label doesn’t state otherwise). While that’s only a 1.5% ABV reduction from Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye, it’s a reduction nonetheless with unnecessary filtration to boot. Then there’s its retail price of $80 (even higher in some states). In light of products like the barrel-proof, NCF Rare Breed Rye at $60-$70, that’s a tough swig to swallow. 

Yet here we are. We asked for rye selections to return and Campari made it happen. Shouldn’t we just be grateful and enjoy the opportunity? I suppose what it comes down to – what it always comes down to – is how the whiskey tastes. Which leads me to my favorite part of writing a review – tasting the whiskey. In this case it’s a rye barrel selected by Southern Spirits in Fort Mill, SC curiously named the “Bartender’s Toy.” I don’t often find myself a sucker for barrel pick nicknames, but this one has me intrigued. 

Wild Turkey Private Selection Rye

Wild Turkey Private Selection Rye

Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Proof: 101

Age: six years, five months

Misc.: barrel #24-6016 (Tyrone G, third floor), “Bartender’s Toy,” selected by Southern Spirits, Fort Mill, SC; distilled and bottled by Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY

Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …

Color: rich amber

Nose: lemon squares, toasted honey, grilled pear, apple jam, tangerine peel, baking spice

Taste: brown sugar cookies, singed toffee, herbal tea, charred oak, sweet & savory citrus

Finish: medium-long w/ toasted caramel, cream soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, hints of dried orange & clove 

Impression: I enjoyed this selection when I tasted it at Southern Spirits and I’m enjoying it even more today. For those thinking these private barrels are just a single barrel version of Wild Turkey 101 Rye, think again (at least based on this barrel’s profile). There’s a greater degree of complexity, particularly with warmer notes like toasted honey, grilled pear, flame-kissed toffee, and cream soda. Overall, a damn fine pour and an excellent example of a quality single-barrel Kentucky rye. 

But is it worth $80?

It’s an excellent whiskey – an uncommon profile in consideration of Wild Turkey’s core rye lineup. If the flavor speaks to your palate and $80 isn’t a hefty purchase for you, I’d argue it’s worth picking up. Do I wish it were cheaper? Absolutely. $80 is a lot of money for six-year-old rye whiskey at 101 proof, especially with less-expensive options to be found. At the same time, 2015-2017 Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye selections go for $400-$500 on secondary markets. Even with a slight ABV difference, $80 seems far more appealing. There’s also counterfeits to consider with a secondary purchase, as your only security with a Russell’s Reserve bottle is a removable hang tag and generic plastic seal. 

It will be interesting to see how Wild Turkey rye selections perform over the next few months. I’m guessing sales will go well initially, as there’s typically a degree of excitement around new products. But if the age statement stays low and the price stays high, I wouldn’t be surprised to find them lingering on store shelves. With an $80 price tag, Campari should consider the primary audience for this expression. It’s not your everyday folks who buy the affordable Russell’s Reserve Six-Year Rye or Wild Turkey 101 Rye, it’s the enthusiasts who buy Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye and Rare Breed Rye. At present, the latter two are better values. 

If Wild Turkey really wants to knock rye whiskey out of the park the solution is simple: Have Eddie and Bruce Russell select some amazing barrels, bottle them uncut and unfiltered, and sell them at the Visitors Center similar to Four Roses and Willett. I guarantee there will be a line of vehicles backed up to downtown Lawrenceburg. At bare minimum, raise the minimum age for 101 Rye selections to eight years and bottle them without chill filtration. Competition in this industry is only getting tougher. As far as rye whiskey goes, Turkey has some catching up to do.

Cheers!

dj

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