It should go without saying – choosing a barrel of fine Wild Turkey bourbon fares best as a team effort. At the very least you’re sipping alongside Eddie Russell, or perhaps a sample he’s earmarked. But more often than not there are multiple talented and opinionated individuals involved in the process. Such is the case with Rare Bird 101 private barrel selections.
As of September 2020, Rare Bird 101 selections will be facilitated through Justins’ House of Bourbon via the Bourbon Outfitter, as well as Keg & Bottle (both nationally recognized licensed retailers). Access to these barrels, as well as the opportunity to join future selection teams, are benefits reserved for my Patreon supporters, or “Russell’s Renegades.” It’s not a bourbon club in the conventional sense, but rather a group of like-minded individuals passionate about Wild Turkey. As such, the barrels we select are a reflection of our community.
If you’re interested in Russell’s Renegades and our zeal for all things Turkey, please check out my Patreon site or shoot me an email and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have. As for past, present, and upcoming barrel selections, please see the following chart for reference.
Wild Turkey Barrel Selections
| Selection Date | Name | Expression | Barrel, Location |
| September 5, 2018 | One & A Century | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon | 18-0643 CNF 5 |
| May 6, 2019 | Promise to Mr. PorkChop | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon | 18-0573 CNF 6 |
| May 6, 2019 | Russell the Muscle | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon | 18-0567 CNF 6 |
| May 6, 2019 | Swan Song: A Barrel to Remember | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon | 19-0074 CNA 4 |
| August 14, 2019 | Fast Eddie: No Ice, No Glass | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon | 19-0538 CNF 6 |
| April 14, 2020 | Russell’s Renegades #404 | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon | 20-0404 TYB 4 |
| April 14, 2020 | Russell’s Renegades #183 | Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit | 20-0183 TYE 4 |
| September 8, 2020 | Rare Bird 101 & JHOB “PayDay” | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon | 20-0689 TYG 4 |
| September 8, 2020 | Rare Bird 101 & JHOB “Granny’s Spice Rack” | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon | 20-0884 TYS 5 |
| March 18, 2021 | Rare Bird 101 and Keg & Bottle | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon | 21-0315 CNA 4 |
| March 18, 2021 | Rare Bird 101 and Keg & Bottle | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon | 20-0024 MCB 4 |
| March 18, 2021 | Rare Bird 101 and Keg & Bottle | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon | 21-0508 TYF 4 |
| March 18, 2021 | Rare Bird 101 and Keg & Bottle | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon | 21-0586 TYF 4 |
| 2021 | 5/8 TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2021 | 6/8 TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2021 | 7/8 TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2021 | 8/8 TBD | TBD | TBD |
Non Wild Turkey Barrel/Cask Selections
| Selection Date | Name | Expression | Barrel/Cask Info |
| February 2021 | A Midwinter Nights Yak | TTG Tessendier Lot 95 | 25-year Cognac, 110 proof (NCF) |
| May 2021 | Riff Bird “Smoky” | New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon | 4-year, barrel-proof KSBW (NCF) |
| May 2021 | Riff Bird “Candy” | New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon | 4-year, barrel-proof KSBW (NCF) |
| August 2021 | Rare Bird 101 and Keg & Bottle | Wilderness Trail Single Barrel Rye | TBD |
Last updated: June 30, 2021