It was 70 years ago today that Jimmy Russell began his employment at Wild Turkey Distillery. At that time it was known as Anderson County Distilling Co. but would soon change its name to J.T.S. Brown & Sons. The years that followed were a time of great change for Jimmy. He rose through the ranks quickly, moving from job to job as seen fit by his mentor, pre-prohibition distiller Bill Hughes. Under Bill’s guidance Jimmy became a distiller himself, and by 1967 he earned the title of Master Distiller. Four years later a company from New York named Austin, Nichols & Co. (a subsidiary of Liggett Myers Tobacco. Co.) purchased the J.T.S. Brown & Sons Distillery to produce their flagship Wild Turkey Bourbon exclusively. Wisely, new management kept Jimmy in charge and the rest, as they say, is history.

At least, those are the basics. There’s so much more to the story that it would take a dedicated biography to cover it. After all, 70 years working at the same distillery is an extraordinary accomplishment.

How does a whiskey brand express the significance of such a remarkable achievement? Surely there are celebrations and formal announcements. I’d wager you’ll see a lot of them this week. Yet, these are the types of occasions that consumers expect a special whiskey expression – typically something rare and expensive. Wild Turkey has done this before, namely with Tribute (2004), a celebration of Jimmy Russell’s 50th anniversary, and Diamond (2014) to mark his 60th anniversary. This time is different. 

When you enjoy something, you never work a day in your life. – Jimmy Russell

To commemorate Jimmy’s 70th anniversary Wild Turkey opted for what I believe to be the brand’s most perfectly conceived limited release to date. It’s not aged in the double digits nor priced in the triple digits. It doesn’t come in a decanter-style bottle, nor is there a decorative box or fancy felt bag. In fact, it’s quite familiar to many long-time bourbon fans – eight-year-old Wild Turkey 101. 

I know what you’re probably thinking … Wild Turkey 101/8? That’s it? That’s the celebratory release? 

That’s it, but there’s a very good reason. Those who come to know Jimmy Russell, either as an acquaintance or fan, soon learn about his affinity for eight-year-old bourbon – specifically, his own bourbon. His son and co-master distiller, Eddie Russell, once joked that if Jimmy owned the brand all they would produce is Wild Turkey 101 8-Year. When it came time to celebrate Jimmy’s 70th anniversary (a feat that will likely go unchallenged for generations), Wild Turkey 101/8 not only made sense, it was appropriate. Add to that an affordable price of $50 and a yield that’s reportedly sufficient to satisfy the masses, and you have something genuinely special. 

I’m reminded of the late Parker Beam’s Promise of Hope, a Parker’s Heritage Collection release composed of bourbon from Parker’s favorite rickhouse, bottled at his favorite age and proof. Upon its release some enthusiasts criticized the whiskey for being “only 96 proof and 10 years,” claiming they could simply buy a bottle of Henry McKenna Bottled in Bond and have a similar experience at a heftier proof. Of course, they were wrong and Promise of Hope remains one of Heaven Hill’s most treasured bourbons.

In a similar fashion, Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary Release is the ultimate tribute to one of Kentucky’s last living whiskey legends. It’s 101-proof Wild Turkey bourbon, aged eight to nine years in several of Jimmy’s favorite rickhouses (likely at Tyrone, a campus he’s long favored). And similar to Parker Beam’s swansong, Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary is a reflection of his personal preference, as well as a testament to his skill and tenure as a master distiller. 

Jimmy Russell's 70th Anniversary Release
Photo by Danny Clinch.

Wild Turkey 101 – Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary Release

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Proof: 101

Age: eight years 

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

Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …

Color: copper

Nose: vanilla, sweet oak, butter toffee, singed orange peel, warm baking spice

Taste: caramel, baked brown sugar, nutmeg, honey-maple, hints of cocktail cherry

Finish: long w/ peppery vanilla, cream soda, charred oak, savory citrus, faint leather

Impression: Outstanding. Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary Release is perfection at eight years. It’s everything it should be and nothing it shouldn’t. If there were a single bourbon to best represent Wild Turkey’s signature flavor it would be this bottle. Every single core Turkey note – vanilla, caramel, oak, baking spice – is presented at its optimum with uncanny balance. The more I nose and sip it, the more impressed I become. In fact, it reminds me of one of my favorite Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel selections, “Corner Barrel,” albeit the 70th Anniversary 101 has greater finesse and interplay between the notes. Again, outstanding. 

Folks, I can’t think of a better way to recognize Jimmy Russell’s 70 years of service to Wild Turkey and the bourbon industry than the whiskey in this bottle. This is a spirit that’s made to be consumed and shared, which is exactly what Jimmy prefers. Luxury whiskeys and collectible bottles have their place, but that’s not Jimmy Russell. Hats off to Campari for their understanding and for pricing this release appropriately. 

Before I close, I’d like to state quite firmly that Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary Release is my Whiskey of the Year. No other can or will top it. Yes, I realize that Russell’s Reserve 15 is exemplary and Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson B may exceed its excellence. You just never know. But none of that matters. What matters is that Russell’s 15 and Single Rickhouse CNB wouldn’t exist were it not for Jimmy Russell. 

Every Wild Turkey we enjoy today, we enjoy because Jimmy never gave up. Even when the bourbon industry was at rock bottom, Jimmy never gave up. He kept making bourbon. And never have I seen or tasted a better embodiment of that dedication and devotion – something so bold, genuine, and true – than Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary Release. Just like Jimmy, this bourbon has heart, and that’s something you can’t force into bourbon.

Cheers to 70 years, Jimmy! 

dj

Special thanks to Campari for the bottle and the chance to review this whiskey. Photos courtesy of Campari/Wild Turkey.

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