
Wild Turkey Distilling Company is adding Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon, a favorite of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, to its U.S. market lineup. Set to arrive at retailers this April for a suggested $45 per 750ml bottle, the 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon blends tradition and modern appeal for bourbon enthusiasts seeking richer complexity.
Wild Turkey 101 8-Year: A Return to Heritage
Wild Turkey 101 8-Year connects the brand’s storied past with present-day bourbon culture. The distillery briefly reintroduced an age-stated 101 expression last year to commemorate Jimmy Russell’s 70th anniversary at Wild Turkey, igniting heightened interest from bourbon aficionados. That limited release blended Jimmy’s beloved 8-year 101-proof whiskey with select 8- and 9-year-old whiskeys. Building on this momentum, the new Wild Turkey 101 8-Year arrives as a permanent offering, highlighting its longer-aging process that imparts enhanced notes of toffee, clove, and a more extended finish compared to the standard 101.
The bourbon’s depth of character stems from Kentucky’s aging climate, which intensifies flavors over time. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like the distillery’s signature “Bold Fashioned,” Wild Turkey 101 8-Year reflects the same bold spirit that propelled Wild Turkey’s success for decades.

Wild Turkey 101 8-Year: Tasting Profile
Wild Turkey 101 8-Year stands out for its thoughtfully curated barrel selection. Instead of the 6- to 8-year-old range typically found in standard Wild Turkey 101, these casks lean toward a concentrated 8-year minimum, guaranteeing heightened complexity and richer mouthfeel. Aromas of vanilla, charred oak, and lemon zest greet the senses, followed by nuances of black cherry and clove on the palate. The whiskey’s long, lingering finish marries brown sugar, allspice, and dried fruit, reflecting the masterful craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.
The newly released bourbon joins a portfolio famed for balancing accessibility with quality. By using a smaller batch of handpicked barrels, Wild Turkey 101 8-Year underscores the brand’s commitment to showcasing premium expressions. This revival confirms a growing enthusiasm for age-stated bourbons, particularly ones with 101-proof strength and a distinctive Kentucky pedigree. Its extended aging transforms each sip into a mature, full-bodied encounter—an ideal representation of what bold, time-honored distillation can achieve.
As a permanent member of the Wild Turkey family, Wild Turkey 101 8-Year offers bourbon lovers an opportunity to experience a fabled expression, rooted in Jimmy Russell’s classic recipe and aged longer for deeper flavor.
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