Happy Post Turkey Day! Many hobbyists, like myself, often realize that there will be bottles that we read or watch reviews and assume we will never have a chance to see, let alone review. I am not sure how I was lucky enough to come across this bottle, but thank you Wilber’s in FoCo for securing this and allowing me to purchase it at quite a decent price. Today’s review comes from the Wild Turkey Distilling Company and is their 2024 release of Wild Turkey 101 Distiller’s Reserve 12-Year.

Bottle Information

From the inner-box liner notes, printed on a material that mimics charred oak barrel, reads: My son Eddie and I have dedicated our lives to distilling real Kentucky bourbon. You could say it runs through our veins.

We’ve been doing things the right way since day one, staying true to the traditions and processes that have been used for over 100 years. Because good things take time, this 12 year old bourbon is no exception.

I’ve been told this bourbon is a bit like me, aged longer for more character. I like to think there’s a story in every bottle. Feel the Spirit of Kentucky, with its rolling hills, rugged wilderness and bold colours. Taste the richer, more generous flavours you only get from a bourbon matured at the highest level of char possible.

Go ahead and close your eyes. Smell the bourbon first, then let the flavours roll in your mouth. That’s the real way to taste the true character of this 12 year old Wild Turkey Kentucky Bourbon.

• Distiller: Distilled and Bottled at Wild Turkey Distilling Company
• Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, and 12% Malted Barley
• Proof: 101
• Age: 12
• Year: 2024
• MSRP: $60 (In Japan)
• 2024 National US Average: $169
• Official Website

I have only seen this bottle in NoCo and do not expect to see another, since this was originally an international release. This is my first international release and damn it did not let me down! I’m definitely going to have to do some international traveling in the near future. Overall, this is a prime example of bourbon hitting every expected note it should and all I have to say is… why can’t we have a Wild Turkey 101 release with an age statement like this! With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Brown Sugar, Baking Spice, Vanilla, Oak, Flat Cherry Coke, Caramel Apple, and Leather
• Palate: Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Baking Spice, Charred Oak, Stone Fruit (Apricot), and Dark Fruit (Cherry/Blackberry)
• Finish: Beautifully Long Colorado Winter’s Hug with Delectable Notes of Oaky Sugar and Spice
• My Rating: Drink It!/Save It! (This is my first international release and damn it did not let me down!)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman™