Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve surely read, heard, or watched plenty of reviews of Wild Turkey’s latest offering, Wild Turkey 101 8-Year. Most of these reviews touch on the expression’s history and praise the domestic return of Wild Turkey’s original offering – a bottle that had been export-only since 1992. I’m not in disagreement with those reviews. I’m thrilled to see Wild Turkey 101/8 back in the United States; moreover, at 750ml (as opposed to the export-only 700ml version). 

As deserving as the praise may be, one could argue this should’ve happened years ago. At a minimum, Wild Turkey could’ve killed Longbranch following McConaughey’s departure and earmarked those barrels for a fan-focused release like this one. Instead, Longbranch kept going and 101/8 continued to populate shelves in Asia. Better late than never, right?  

Viewed through a different lens, one could counter that the timing was perfect. Now acting as the brand’s Associate Master Blender, the task of crafting a new domestic 101/8 fell largely on the shoulders of Bruce Russell. While Bruce shares many traits with his legendary patriarchs, Jimmy and Eddie Russell, he has his own unique approach and range of preferences. Even before he held his present title he played a notable role in expanding Wild Turkey’s rye whiskey portfolio. A new 101/8 under Bruce’s influence might just be exactly what Wild Turkey enthusiasts have needed. 

And it is.

I’ve been sipping on 2025’s Wild Turkey 101/8 over the last two weeks and I must say, (spoiler) for the price it checks every box I want it to check. No, it’s not dusty 101/8. Anyone expecting modern whiskey to taste like dusty whiskey – especially a $45 bottle – is being unrealistic. It’s not Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary release either. While I appreciate the comparison reviews, Jimmy’s 70th is a one-off limited edition crafted from eight- to nine-year barrels aged at several of Jimmy Russell’s favorite rickhouses. That product is largely sold out, so comparison reviews, while enlightening, offer little relevance for now and the future. 

For this tasting, I’ll be sipping Wild Turkey 101 8-Year neat, on its own. Sure, I could compare it to various export or vintage iterations, but I see no need for that today. I’m simply going to laser focus on the bourbon and how much I appreciate it. 

Wild Turkey 101 Aged 8 Years (2025)

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Proof: 101

Age: eight years

Misc: February 25, 2025 bottling; distilled and bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Company, Lawrenceburg, KY

Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …

Color: amber

Nose: vanilla cake frosting, nutty toffee, woody spice, hints of dried orange peel

Taste: caramel syrup, peppery oak, coffee cake w/ cinnamon crumbles, toasted nutmeg

Finish: long w/ baked brown sugar & cinnamon, semisweet cola, white pepper, faint savory lemon peel

Overall: What’s not to love here? Is 2025’s 101/8 the same profile as Jimmy’s 70th? No. Is it better than the non-age-stated 101? Absolutely. In fact, as far as I’m concerned it’s a considerable step above Wild Turkey 101 and worth every penny of its $45 retail price. Yes, one could buy Rare Breed for $10-$15 more, but that’s not this product. Rare Breed, while reportedly a blend of six-, eight-, and 12-year bourbon at barrel strength, isn’t age stated. In other words, there could be whiskey as young as four years in it. Knowing the Russells I’m doubtful that’s the case, but it’s a fact nonetheless. Besides, some folks prefer their bourbon at a more comfortable ABV. The new 101/8 gives you a respectable age at a respectable proof for a respectable price. What more could one want?

All said and done, I applaud the return of Wild Turkey’s classic eight-year expression. I’ve put a significant hurting on my bottle already. It may be $20 more than the standard Wild Turkey 101, but I’m 101% okay with that based on the inaugural release’s flavor profile. In the future, should the profile drift closer to the non-age-stated 101, I’ll probably feel differently. I suppose that’s the challenge for Bruce Russell in the months and years ahead – making certain 101/8’s profile stands tall over its non-age-stated sibling. The good news is, he has not one, but two Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famers to help him with that task. 

Wild Turkey and Bruce Russell’s future is bright. The domestic return of Wild Turkey 101 8-Year only bolsters that assertion. 

dj

Note: While I purchased the bottle pictured, I attended the Wild Turkey 101 8-Year release event in Lawrenceburg, KY and received a complimentary bottle as a result. The opinions expressed are solely my own. 

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