Rare Bird 101 – Rare Bird 101

Welcome

This site is dedicated to the finest American whiskey ever crafted, Wild Turkey. I say this often, but if bourbon is America’s Spirit, then Wild Turkey is about as American as it gets. Its roots go back to the 1830s, but the true heart and soul of this brand rests in the hands of the Russell family. Since 1954, Master Distiller Jimmy Russell has consistently raised the standards of what an everyman’s bourbon should be. Along with his son, Master Distiller Eddie Russell, the Wild Turkey Distilling Company continues its legacy of quality whiskey production. No matter where you travel, you’re sure to find Wild Turkey in some shape or form. It’s affordable, versatile, and above all else, absolutely delicious.

I hope you enjoy the Rare Bird 101 blog. I’ll strive to keep it updated as often as possible as I try new bottles or samples, or in the event of news from the distillery. Important – please note that the reviews posted here are of my own opinion. I am not an employee of Wild Turkey or its parent company, Campari. Typically, the bottles reviewed are purchased with my own funds and the samples I review come from friends, family, and associates. In the event I receive promotional samples from Wild Turkey or Campari, I will make certain to note the corresponding review as such. I welcome your comments and hope you enjoy reading. Thank you.

David J.

Legacy Rating Scale

5/5 🦃 = Outstanding
4/5 🦃 = Excellent
3/5 🦃 = Very Good
2/5 🦃 = Good/Average
1/5 🦃 = Below Average

*Quarter-point scale effective 7/31/2018; ratings discontinued effective 1/1/2023.

Abbreviations

ABV – alcohol by volume
BD – Beyond Duplication (101 12-year bourbon)
BiB – Bottled-in-Bond
B&L – Bond & Lillard
CGF – “Cheesy Gold Foil” (101 12-year bourbon)
CN – Camp Nelson
KSBW – Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey
KSRW – Kentucky straight rye whiskey
MD – master distiller
MK – Master’s Keep
NAS – non-age stated
NCF – non-chill filtered
NDP – non-distiller producer
POAC – Pride of Anderson County
RB – Rare Breed
RBR – Rare Breed Rye
RR – Russell’s Reserve
RR6 – Russell’s Reserve 6 Year Old Rye
RR10 – Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon
RR13 – Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon
RRSiB – Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
RRSR – Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse
SBS – “side-by-side” (used with comparisons)
SCN – Single Cask Nation
SiB – single barrel
SmB – small batch
WB – Whiskey Barons
WT – Wild Turkey
WT 101/8 – Wild Turkey 101 8-year
WT 101/12 – Wild Turkey 101 12-year
WTKS – Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit