The Wild Turkey brand has come to be associated with robust, full-flavored bourbons, a characteristic carefully preserved throughout its production history. The bourbon's distinctive bold taste is a product of a high-rye mash bill and a deep commitment to quality, earning the brand a revered status among whiskey lovers worldwide. Learn more about this brand with Pascale’s Wine and Liquors located at 105 Towne Drive, Fayetteville, NY 13066. 

The origins of Wild Turkey date back to the 19th century, when the Ripy brothers built a distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and started producing bourbon in 1869. However, it wasn't until the 1940s that the name "Wild Turkey" came to be when a distillery executive shared some of his bourbon during a wild turkey hunting trip. The moniker stuck due to its popularity among the hunting group. This memorable branding marked the start of the Wild Turkey label we know today.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a barrel-proof bourbon, a blend of 6, 8, and 12-year-old stocks with a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley, yielding a profound depth of flavor. 

Complementing its bourbon counterpart, Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye on the palate presents a bold and spicy flavor that is balanced with a touch of vanilla and a faint hint of sweetness, making it both robust and refreshingly complex. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye successfully captures the essence of the grain while staying true to the Wild Turkey tradition of bold and uncompromising spirits.

Barrel proof bourbon, often referred to as cask strength, is a type of whiskey that is bottled directly from the barrel without any dilution or addition of water to lower its proof. This produces a potent and unadulterated flavor profile, as the bourbon retains all its original characteristics from the casking period. The alcohol content of barrel proof bourbon is typically much higher than that of standard whiskeys, which generally range from 80 to 100 proof. In contrast, barrel proof bourbons like Wild Turkey Rare Breed bourbon can soar to 120 proof or more, reflecting the true essence and intensity of the spirit as it was matured in the barrel.

Barrel proof bourbon is distinct from other types of whiskey for several reasons. Firstly, each batch of barrel proof bourbon is unique, with variances in flavor influenced by factors such as the barrel’s location in the warehouse, temperature fluctuations, and the length of aging. This makes barrel proof bourbon especially appealing to collectors and aficionados who appreciate its authenticity and complexity.

Barrel proof bourbon also offers a more intense and full-bodied taste compared to diluted whiskeys. The higher alcohol concentration amplifies the flavors derived from the barrel, such as notes of oak, caramel, and spices, delivering a robust and pure sipping experience. Additionally, it provides a level of flexibility for the consumer, who can choose to add water to their own preference, thereby controlling the flavor intensity and alcohol strength.

The making of Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof is a meticulous process that begins with sourcing the finest ingredients and combining them with limestone-filtered water to create the mash. This is then distilled at a lower proof to retain more robust flavors before aging in American oak barrels with a deep, “alligator” char, which imparts a rich, caramelized character to the bourbon.

The barrels are carefully selected based on their age and flavor profiles, typically a mix of 6, 8, and 12-year-old bourbons. Once the master distiller deems them ready, they are harvested without adding water or filtering out the natural sediments called the “flock.” This rigor ensures that the final Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof remains a pure expression of the Wild Turkey bourbon experience.

After the blending process, the bourbon is bottled at barrel proof, capturing the essence and full strength of the spirit. The result is an uncompromising, full-flavored bourbon that stands as a tribute to the Wild Turkey heritage and the Russell family's dedication to craftsmanship that spans generations.

Finding and purchasing Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof can be an exciting quest for bourbon aficionados. This coveted whiskey, known for its bold spirit and rich flavor, may not be available at every corner liquor store, but it can be found at Pascale’s Wine and Liquors, 105 Towne Drive, Fayetteville, NY 13066, online at https://pascaleswineandliquors.com/ or (315) 355-6222.