It wasn’t long ago when I reviewed a 2023 bottling of W. B. Saffell. At the time, it seemed a step down from early batches (2018-2019), though still a respectable, albeit expensive, bourbon. It just so happens that as I was browsing the isles of a newly opened liquor store in my home town, I stumbled upon an even newer bottling of W. B. Saffell – this one sporting a new glass mold and slightly modified label design. Based on the laser code, it was bottled on July 24, 2024. While filled nearly a year ago, this is more than likely the version of W. B. Saffell you’ll find in stores today, which makes it an ideal expression to review.

I should mention that over the last several months, I’ve received more requests to review this particular version of W. B. Saffell than any other Wild Turkey produced whiskey (though the Spring 2025 Russell’s 13 is quickly gaining ground). My guess is that whiskey enthusiasts anticipate a profile change due to Saffell’s revised design. Traditionally, when it comes to Wild Turkey, an expression’s profile rarely changes simply because its glass or label changes. Perhaps over time, which may be the reason why such logic persists. If you purchase a bottle today (which could’ve been bottled anytime in the past) and then buy another a year (or even months) later with a label change in the interim, it’s human nature to marry the design change with any product variance. This phenomenon exists across the majority of whiskey (and even non-whiskey) brands. 

Setting that aside, all that really matters today is how this particular bottle of W. B. Saffell tastes. I’ve joked online that this is the “batchless” batch. In other words, it has no stated batch number. Honestly, it’s irrelevant because the original W. B. Saffell – a product that was bottled over a span of over five years – always stated “Batch 1” on the strip label. The chances of one giant batch being bottled over an extended period of time is slim to none. Hell, I know it’s not the case because the 2023 bottle I reviewed was notably different from the others I’ve tried and reviewed. This 2024 label also has a new UPC code, though that could simply relate to the design revisions. 

Anyway, let’s taste this thing. 

W. B. Saffell (2024)

Campari Whiskey Barons Collection – W. B. Saffell (2024)

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Proof: 107

Age: Not stated (reportedly a blend of 6-12-year whiskey)

Misc.: Distilled and bottled by The American Medicinal Spirits Co. (produced at the Wild Turkey Distillery), Lawrenceburg, KY

Tasted neat in a Glencairn after a few minutes rest …

Color: copper 

Nose: caramel, toasted honey, oak, orange peel, baking spice, faint cherry 

Taste: woody vanilla, spicy oak, toffee, brown sugar glaze, singed lemon peel 

Finish: medium-long w/ diet cola, clove, semisweet citrus, leather, white pepper 

Impression: Well, I have both good news and bad news. I’ll start with the bad news first. This still isn’t anywhere close in profile to the original W. B. Saffell that blew me away in 2019; however, it is a step up from the 2023 I reviewed in April. If I had to rank the latest W. B. Saffell among Wild Turkey’s catalog, I’d place it somewhere between the new Wild Turkey 101 8-Year and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon. A damn good profile, no doubt. It’s just priced higher than it should be for its size. At $50 for 375ml, anything outside of a standout profile is a tough sell. 

At this point I’m not sure what to make of Campari’s Whiskey Barons Collection. I suppose I should reserve judgement until I taste the latest version of Bond & Lillard, though based on previous batches I’m doubtful it will measure up to W. B. Saffell. And with Saffell being so close in profile to other Wild Turkey products – products that are either larger in volume, lower in price, or both – I just don’t see a sustainable audience. In hindsight, this series would’ve been an ideal vehicle for the “Buffalo Turkey” that was bulked out to non-distiller producers. The label doesn’t carry the words “Wild Turkey,” nor does it state the name of any Russell. But an age-stated, 750ml W. B. Saffell that’s 15+ years old? That, or a unique blend with Lawrenceburg distilled bourbon … I could easily see that selling quickly (price depending). 

While my hope for a return to the original profile of W. B. Saffell was (again) dashed, I’m not wholly dissatisfied with the liquid itself. Sure, it’s overpriced and lacks that special magic from 2018-2019, but it’s good whiskey. Maybe in the future we’ll see an overhaul or even new entries of the Barons. Until then, there remain plenty of alternatives in the Wild Turkey portfolio.

dj

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