Selecting single barrels is always a delicate endeavor, especially from a brand with such a devoted following as Wild Turkey. For sure, we’re looking for a distinct profile that makes that particular barrel stand out, but we don’t want any wild departures from the signature character that earned the whiskey its legions of fans in the first place. With that in mind, barrel #22-0310 hits the mark on all counts. Bottled in March of 2022 from Warehouse A, Rick #2, it pours a bright orange hue with flecks of red in the center and leads with a hallmark, spice-driven nose that just screams Wild Turkey. Notes of sawdust, cinnamon, candied orange peel, and rich toffee emerge with a bit of air, while subtle heat sits in the background. On the palate, this bourbon carries its 101 proof with authority (exactly how Wild Turkey is meant to be), needing a few drops of water to really round out and open up. The nose picks up extra definition with orange oil, Christmas cookies, vanilla wafers, pumpkin pie spice, and fine sandalwood, while the palate becomes noticeably more approachable, taking on flavors of spicy jerky, mulled citrus, more pumpkin pie, and green peppercorn, all culminating in a smooth even finish with a slight medicinal touch. Fans of the Russell Family magic will not be disappointed with this one.
92 points, Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer (Feb 2025)
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