Wild Turkey announced on Wednesday that Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old, a “cult-favorite” bourbon worldwide, is returning to the United States as a permanent addition to the brand’s portfolio. It hosts a suggested retail price of $45.
For many years, Americans would bemoan the fact that Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old was only available in export markets like Japan or other countries, and it seems like the brand has finally answered the prayers of many Wild Turkey devotees.
“Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon has always been a favorite — not just for my granddad Jimmy, but for bourbon lovers around the globe,” said Wild Turkey’s Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell in a statement. “After one sip, you’ll see why.”
Wild Turkey shares that the extended hang-time in barrels lends “more complex notes of toffee and clove” and yields a longer finish. The brand claims the bourbon has notes of clove, charred oak, citrus zest and black cherries. The finish lingers for an age, with aromas of allspice, brown sugar and dried fruit.
In September 2024, Wild Turkey dropped a limited run of and 8-year-old 101-proof bourbon to honor Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary at the company. Fans went wild over the release, and the Russells took notice. The Campari-owned brand’s 8-year-old expression is a blend drawn from a smaller selection of barrels that are all hand-chosen based on complexity.
Russell’s 70th Anniversary marked a tremendous milestone for both the man and the brand. After working for 70 years with the distillery, Russell earned himself the title of the “world’s longest-serving spirits Master Distiller.” Jimmy claims he has “never worked a day in his life,” and that bourbon making is a passion — not a job.
The brand’s 8-year-old bourbon is a favorite of Jimmy Russell, and the fact that this release is now a permanent part of the portfolio in the United States signifies a very special time for Russell as he enters his eighth decade as a Master Distiller.
“This bourbon holds a special place in our distillery’s history, and a return to the US proves the timeless quality of its recipe,” Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell continued. “As age-stated expressions become more popular across the category in the US, we are looking forward to more bourbon enthusiasts being able to enjoy this masterfully-crafted bourbon.”
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