It is always exciting when a large distiller releases a new core product to their lineup, especially when it is age-stated. Now personally, I think we will see this become a trend as the bourbon and whiskey boom starts to slow and several large distillers are left with excess stock. I for one have no problems with this, as my sweet spot for bourbon and whiskey is about 10-12 years old and I would welcome new age statements like this on some of our favorite bottles! Today’s review comes from the Wild Turkey Distilling Co. and is their newest addition to the core lineup, Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old.

Bottle Information

From the Wild Turkey website: Crafted by Jimmy Russell and rooted in a time-tested recipe, this exquisite bourbon is the result of utilizing hand-picked, small batch bourbons that have been aged a minimum of 8 years.

Wild Turkey 101 8-year-old is blended from a smaller batch of barrels that are hand-selected for their characteristics and complex flavor profiles. The longer maturation of the 8-Year-Old 101 enhances the bourbon’s profile for a remarkable serving neat or on-the-rocks – it’s the ideal offering for those seeking a mature and rich expression of Wild Turkey that still shines with bold flavor from its classic high-proof.

• Distiller: Distilled and Bottled by Wild Turkey Distilling Co.
• Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
• Proof: 101
• Age: 8
• Year: 2025
• MSRP: $45
• 2024 National Average: $75
• Official Website

It has been stated that this product is the newest addition to the Wild Turkey core lineup. However, the shelves in the NoCo area would tell a totally different story. I was lucky enough to pick this bottle up when it was first released, and since then, I have yet to see this product on the shelf anywhere; except for those rare one-off bottles being treated as allocated.

Overall, this is what I would call a classic bourbon with strong notes of brown sugar, vanilla, baking spice, and oak throughout. I find this release to be better than the regular Wild Turkey 101, however, it is not quite as good as the 2024 Jimmy Russell 70th Release. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Red Fruit, Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Baking Spice, and Oak
• Palate: Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Baking Spice, Red Fruit, Oak, and a Slight Citrus
• Finish: Medium with Notes of Baking Spice and Dry Oak
• My Rating: Mix It/Drink It! (Better than the Regular Wild Turkey 101, but not as good as the 2024 Jimmy Russell 70th Wild Turkey Release)

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®