Last year, Wild Turkey reinstated its private barrel rye program. Whether it’s been a success or not depends on who you ask. Some saw the barrels (of which many were just over six years old) as overpriced at $80. Add to that the fact that all Wild Turkey rye selections are now bottled at 101 proof (CF) instead of Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye’s 104 proof (NCF), and you can understand why some fans see the revival as a downgrade from 2015-2017’s program. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t incredible barrels to be found – barrels that are worth every penny of $80 (and then some). 

Back in April, I had the pleasure of attending The Masters golf tournament. As an Augusta area native, you’d think I’d checked that box long ago. Needless to say, it was a week of special guests and special bottles. One of those bottles arrived just in time – an eight-year-old Wild Turkey Private Selection Rye from the fifth floor of Tyrone Q. This whiskey, named “Whoryeno,” was selected by my friend and fellow diehard Turkey fan, Ryan Alves. Truth be told, I’d tried it in March at Justins’ House of Bourbon (Lexington) and was able to secure a bottle with a little help from friends. 

To say I was impressed with this rye selection would be an understatement. The depth, the richness – the balance of sweetness and spice – it was exactly what a Kentucky rye should be. It also seemed like the perfect whiskey for golf’s biggest week, with its sweet springtime honey and peach-like notes. But it appears I’m getting ahead of myself. It’s probably best if I pour a glass and get to today’s tasting.

Wild Turkey Private Selection Rye

Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Proof: 101

Age: eight years, six months

Misc.: barrel #24-6143 (Tyrone Q, fifth floor), “Whoryeno,” selected by Ryan Alves for Justins’ House of Bourbon; distilled and bottled by Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, KY

Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …

Color: dense amber 

Nose: boozy lemon squares, toasted honey, French vanilla frosting, oak, woody spice 

Taste: creamy caramel, butter toffee, charred oak, smoky orange, brown sugar glaze 

Finish: long w/ cream soda, singed lemon, white pepper, sweet cedar, warm baking spice

Overall: Hands down, one of the best Wild Turkey rye barrels I’ve tasted in the last decade. And yes, that includes the rare few Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye selections from 2015-2017. Even at 101 proof, the richness and depth are remarkable. Honey, toffee, sweet oak, warm baking spice … This 2024 “Whoryeno” barrel has a lot to offer whiskey enthusiasts. It’s flavorful, well-balanced, and mature beyond its stated age, not to mention incredibly crushable at its signature ABV. 

This is the bar at which Wild Turkey Private Selection Rye barrels should be set. Considering the competition, consumers are banking on high hopes when paying $80 for a 101-proof rye whiskey. This selection delivers; others, not as much. If Wild Turkey can hone in on profiles of this quality there would be far less grumbling when it comes to the current pricing of rye private selections. In fact, if there were more barrels that tasted like this, I’d wager Wild Turkey’s rye program would be the talk of the town. 

Speaking of more barrels, a whiskey friend recently provided a sample of another eight-year Tyrone Q Wild Turkey rye selection. It’s barrel #24-6145 from Benstein Liquor in Township, MI and was bottled only a month before the “Whoryeno” selection (#24-6143). Comparing the two side by side, it’s obvious that the “Whoryeno” barrel has a more robust and developed profile. Even the color and texture differences are noteworthy, with the Benstein selection coming across lighter and thinner. This trend of variance continues on through the nose, taste, and finish. I’m not saying the Benstein selection isn’t a good rye, but it certainly takes a back seat to its sister barrel. 

In closing, when it comes to Wild Turkey Private Selection Rye offerings specs are important but they don’t mean everything. The grand majority of the time it comes down to the person tasting and the barrels they have to choose from. Part skill/talent, part luck of the draw. While this offering may not be cheap, if you find a Wild Turkey Private Selection Rye that’s selected by a store or individual whose palate aligns with yours, I’d roll the dice. Chances are you’ll end up with a damn fine whiskey. 

dj

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