Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
108.2 Proof
Price Point: $35 – $45 for 750 ML
Distiller: Austin, Nichols Distilling Company
Background
One of the great things about writing a blog is that I get to have back-and-forth dialogue with my readers about whiskey. It’s not just a one-way conversation – I interact with people who follow my blog through email, the comments sections, and on social media. Just as I have persuaded people to purchase whiskeys through my reviews, I have also been recommended some whiskeys that I may have otherwise passed over.
In a past review, a reader recommended Wild Turkey Rare Breed; he said I “needed” to try it. I took him up on his suggestion, and below is the review it has earned.
Review
This whiskey noses very much like Wild Turkey 101. How can it not, being only a few percentage points higher in proof? There’s sweet grainy notes surrounded by high alcohol aroma. This is all rounded out by vanilla and a little bit of spice.
In the mouth, Wild Turkey Rare Breed is sweet with rich caramel notes. It’s surprisingly smooth – Wild Turkey’s website claims that this bourbon is so mellow because of its unique mixture of 6, 8, and 12 year old whiskeys. It is buttery in texture (coats the inside of your mouth). Wild Turkey Rare Breed is spicy with notes of nutmeg, while also peppery with a touch of leather and coffee.
The finish is sweet, long, and warming. This is a very flavorful finish to a nice bourbon.
Rating & Recommendations
Wild Turkey Rare Breed earns a respectable rating of 85 out of 100.
This is certainly a tasty barrel-proof bourbon, but I would go with Wild Turkey 101 over this one given the price difference. With Wild Turkey Rare Breed, I feel that you’re more or less paying for the novelty of the words “barrel-proof” on the label.
-Ryan
2 comments
Glad to see you enjoyed it…….I agree with the price point issue and that’s why I always have WT101 on my shelf and ration my Rare Breed for medicinal purposes!
I was reluctant to buy WTRB with it’s “barrel proof” alcohol content as with that much “strength”, I expected the alcohol to dominate over flavor. My was I wrong. Add an ice cube to take the edge off and…. you get an absolutely delicious bourbon bouquet.
I recommend any bourbon enthusiast to give it a try. You’ll be surprised what it can offer.
I’d like to see some more feedback as well.