Wild Turkey Rare Breed Review

Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a barrel proof bourbon from Kentucky. In 2015 this legendary breed of a bourbon was upped in strength to 56,4% alcohol by volume level. I had heard good things about it even before 2015, so I had to buy one bottle. With 39,95€ it was a bargain.

Confirmed by Wild Turkey Brand Ambassador Matt Gandolfo in a Bourbon Pursuit podcast, Rare Breed is a blend of 6, 8, and 12 year old bourbons.

The distillery uses a “standard rye bourbon” mash bill which means it has 13% rye grain in it, along with the 75% majority of corn and 12% portion of malted barley.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Review

Rich bourbon for great price

Wild Turkey Rare Breed managed to immediately rise to my favorite bourbons category. This rich Kentucky whiskey offers a nice combination of dryness and velvety oil. With a full copper color it is also nice to look at while swirling it in your whiskey nosing glass.

And an explosion of fruits because of its high alcohol content. A true bang for buck American whiskey. Get it if you can!

Mash bill:

75% corn, 13% rye and 12% malted barley

ABV: 56.4%

Colour: Copper

Nose: Starts with strong marzipan notes. Honey and acid. Quickly turns into sultanas and raisins, with plumb notes on the back.

Taste: Sweet yet spicy. Rich with dried fruits and waxy honey and warming spices. Nicely oily, like velvet. Great combination of sweet fruits and spices

Finish: Marzipan is yet again present. Herbs and spices dominate. Sugary corn comes late in the aftertaste. Bit dry, yet nicely oily.

Balance: Quality bourbon, rich with spices and sweetness. Interesting mix of dryness and oiliness.