In 2022, Wild Turkey fans welcomed the return of Wild Turkey 101 12-Year. Granted, it remained an export-only expression as it had since its domestic discontinuation in 2012 (and even as far back as 1992); however, the chances of obtaining a Wild Turkey 101/12 at a comfortable price improved significantly with this news. Until a few months ago, every bottle of the new 101/12 I’d enjoyed was bottled in 2022. I figured it was past time to review a more recent bottling – in this case, a February 2024 release.

Before diving into the tasting, it’s probably best that I mention the only way to purchase this bottle in the United States are from stores that specialize in vintage spirits, as well as online whiskey secondary markets (both licensed and unlicensed). Typically, modern 101/12 (700ml) can be found domestically at around $150 – sometimes more, sometimes less. Overseas, it ranges anywhere from 60 USD to 100+ USD, market and retailer depending. If you’re familiar with my review of the 2022 iteration, you’ll recall that I was more than satisfied with my $115 investment at the time. Will that be the case this go around? Let’s find out! 

Wild Turkey 101 Distiller’s Reserve (2024)

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Proof: 101

Age: 12 years

Misc: February 2, 2024 bottling; distilled and bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Company, Lawrenceburg, KY

Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …

Color: rich amber 

Nose: vanilla cake frosting, honey-maple, sweet oak, savory orange, faint clove 

Taste: creamy caramel, butter toffee, baking spice, blood orange, maraschino cherry

Finish: moderately long w/ baked apples, brown sugar glaze, charred oak, singed lemon peel, hints of sassafras 

Overall: There’s undoubtedly a difference from 2022’s distinctive cherry, oak, and leather profile. As for the fruit aspect of 2024’s 101/12, I’m getting more of a blood orange vibe as opposed to cherry. Maybe a little maraschino cherry, but certainly not the darker, black cherry characteristics commonly associated with well-aged Camp Nelson offerings, such as Russell’s 15, Single Rickhouse CNF, and the occasional Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel selection. The oak influence, while arguably well-balanced and finessed, isn’t as robust, playing more of a backing role than a profile feature. The same could be said for the once-prominent leather and tobacco notes. So what does that leave us? Quite a lot, actually. 

First, I should stress that 2024’s Wild Turkey 101/12 benefits greatly from time and air. While that could be said for virtually any whiskey, I find it to be exceptionally true for 2024’s 101/12. Upon the first crack of the cork, the bourbon felt “tight,” or firmly concentrated for lack of a better descriptor. Given sufficient time in a glass the whiskey opens up, allowing for a more diverse range of notes and an overall layered sipping experience. It’s not the darker, woodier profile of former 101/12 bottlings, but it’s no slouch either. I’m reminded of Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 101 8-Year, albeit with increased maturity and depth. All of that to say, I think it’s reasonable to assume that 2022’s 101/12 was largely Camp Nelson aged, while 2024’s was likely aged at the Tyrone campus. 

If you’re in the market for Wild Turkey 101 12-Year, consider taking time to familiarize yourself with its occasional variances in profile. This could be accomplished via pours at a bar specializing in vintage spirits, or possibly via a friend or fellow whiskey enthusiast. If you’re looking for a bourbon that’s closer to Camp Nelson’s cherry, oak, and leather, you can’t go wrong with a 2022 101/12. If, however, you find releases like Jimmy’s 70th to fit into your wheelhouse, a 2024 bottling is the way to go. As for me, I’m happy with both. Each offers its own spin on Wild Turkey at 12 years of age. After all, variety – quality variety – is the spice of whiskey life. 

dj

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