Wild Turkey 101 is so-named because it is bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV). In fact, SAOS barrel picks have been among the best bourbons we have tried in the last few years. Maybe that is its calling card. The number 1 rated bourbon by Luxe Digitals editorial team is Four Roses Single Barrel. Read more about the terms to know when talking about Bourbon or our methodology to select and rank the best Bourbon brands of the year. Whatever the age, the rich caramel and brown sugar flavor, along with that signature Jim Beam nuttiness, shines through. Knob Creek (view at Drizly) is the best bourbon for beginners to try. Distillery: Woodford Reserve (Brown Forman) Type & Region: Bourbon, Kentucky, USA Alcohol: 45.2% Composition: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley Aged: NAS, aged in virgin American white oak Color: 1.1/2.0 on the color scale (deep copper) Price: $30-40 MSRP (750mL) From the Woodford Reserve website: Jim Beam White Label is fine, but for around the same price this Heaven Hill whiskey just packs more punch and flavor (its a bit stronger at 86 proof). Expect a long-bodied finish with a lingering hint of apple. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Color: Yellow Gold. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, two daughters, and one cairn terrier. . Then when you want slightly spoiled, go Four Roses Single Barrel. Thank kychilehead . Mash bill is comprised of 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% barley. Makers Mark uses red winter wheat, resulting in an instantly recognizable soft and sweet flavor with a nice, lasting finish. Theres also a Double Oaked version, which is matured for a second period of time in lightly charred barrels, as well as rye, wheat, and malt whiskeys. The definitive guide to enjoying Bourbon. Ask kychilehead about Wild Turkey Distillery. Product Code. Date of experience: August 2011. Nowadays, the brand is a staple for Bourbon-loving Americans who enjoy it neat or on the rocks for the ultimate experience. I think I'm on my sixth bottle which might be nothing to be proud of but at only $35 for a 750ml bottle, it's not a financial line item I have to make up an excuse for at the end of each month." We use lush tropical flavors of banana, coconut, and chocolate to complement the whiskeys natural sweetness and cardamom bitters to interplay with aromatic notes of vanilla and baking spices., Its not just Ron Swanson who considers Lagavulin 16-Year-Old Scotch Whisky to be the nectar of the godsNick Offerman (a.k.a. The aging process: Similar to the above, many will assume that the longer the aging process, the better the Bourbon. Its easy to get lost down the rabbit hole of Bourbon technicalities and terminologies. But bourbon is actually a style of whiskey that is accessible to anyone, no matter what your experience is. This gives it a light, spicy flavor that's perfect for a Big Apple Manhattan. This comes at no extra cost for you and supports our team to create more content. The double oak Bourbon brings out vanilla and caramel notes with a smooth start and a slightly sweet finish. This makes it good for simple, classic cocktails like a Jack and Coke. The barrel begins to crack and peel in a rough, shiny pattern that looks like alligator skin. Kujira is not commonly known in the states and made from 100% long indica rice," he said. This experiment resulted in a thick, dark Bourbon with complex flavors. If it isnt already, Four Roses Yellow Label should be your go-to budget bourbon (though the label isnt actually yellow anymore). Nose. Unlike other spirits, a company cant just call their liquor Bourbon unless it fulfills every one of the requirements. Think about trying it neat first to find its character, but then go ahead and add ice, mix it into a cocktail, or even add cola to it if thats your preference. Wild Turkey Longbranch vs Wild Turkey 101: Which Bourbon Wins? This 100-proof bourbon (and rye) got its 9-year-old age statement back in 2020 after it was removed for a few years, and some limited-edition 12 and15-year-old expressions came to market as well. "Wild Turkey has never been big or bold in their pursuit of innovation or envelope pushing, and that's fine. This week brings a trio of half-size bottles of straight Kentucky bourbon from the Wild Turkey distillery and Woodford Reserve. Best Rye Whiskey: Wild Turkey 101 Rye. For the sake of focusing on the important bits which Bourbon we recommend buying or drinking for every occasion youll find the common terminology further down. This is strong, but not undrinkableadd a little water if you want to tamp it down, or mix it up in a cocktail if youre looking to go big. Why? Its high percentage of corn in the mash bill (estimated at around 80 to 90%) results in a whiskey that has a lot of structure, relative sweetness, and lower spice factor compared to bourbons with higher rye contents. Looking to take your fully-stocked bar for a test drive? A lower proof may be more successful in cocktails while a higher proof could be enjoyed more on the rocks. For another great option if you want a great value bourbon with a more modern twist, check our Bulleit bourbon review. An Old Fashioned is traditionally made with Bourbon or rye. This is a sweet and mellow bourbon with the right level of heat that drinkers of all levels will appreciate alike. Nicely balancing sweet and spicy notes along oak and pleasing warmth. Its mostly a sweet and aromatic liquor, with notes of chocolate, marzipan, honey, and brown sugar. Old Forester 100 Proof Signature Bourbon delivers richness and good flavor (though you may find theres a slightly bitter aftertaste). 1792 Small Batch from Bardstown is a whiskey that drinks higher than its price tag, says Mike Vacheresse, owner of Travel Bar in Brooklyn, N.Y. Eye. Wild Turkey is another premium brand thats been distilling whiskey for more than 100 years. Undoubtedly one of the smoothest bourbon brands on the market, this award-winning bottle is layered and soft, offering a fruity, subtle smokiness with just a hint of spice to round it off. Wild Turkey 101 vs Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve - YouTube 0:00 / 9:27 Wild Turkey 101 vs Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve 906 views Aug 28, 2020 63 Dislike Share. [] Related article: Wild Turkey 101 vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon: Which Whiskey is Better? $58/$808: w.l weller antique: $125/$2,498: whistle pig 10yr rye: $62.00: woodford reserve: $26/$388: woodford rye: $28/$320: woodford reserve double coaked: $38/$448: woodford reserve master . Woodford has always offered a consistent experience, but the Straight Malt might be one of the more unexpected offerings in recent times. As our best bourbon for beginners, we picked Wild Turkey 101 for its approachable taste, rich history, and the lesson in traditional American values that this bottle offers. The price: Its understandable that youd rather spend more money on a whiskey to sip rather than one to mix into cocktails or an Old Fashioned. We dont disagree, but with notes of jasmine, caramel, and toffee, dont be surprised if you want to sip this smooth, sweet whisky all year round. Size. Expect tastes of cherry pie, raisins, and nuts, with an intense finish of tropical fruit. What does proof do for flavor? No bourbon list would be complete without a brand completely dedicated to barrel-proof whiskey, and Bookers (part of the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection with Knob Creek) is one of the best. The difference between Baccarat and the brands other offerings comes from a few final touches: an extra period aging in XO Cognac barrels, the handmade crystal decanters its served in, and its insanely velvety, fruity, sweet, citrus-tinged taste. The finish is medium to long,pleasantly warm, high in charred oak which is a common feature in every Wild Turkey Bourbon. A classic and much-loved choice for Bourbon fans, Jim Beam offers the best option for those who want the best of both: whiskey and beer. This is a blend of more mature liquid selected by master distiller Brent Elliott that is pretty hard to get your hands on, but a lovely sipping bourbon if you do. And note, the release of the 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon has been delayed until 2023, although there is one release of the 10 Year Rye this year. Then, a combination of rye, wheat, and malted barley can also be added. The term small batch doesnt really have a defined meaning other than the batch of barrels used is smaller than for other expressions from the same distillery. How is bourbon different from other whiskeys? The Single Barrel is an excellent whiskey too, but for something tasty and more moderately priced check out Four Roses Small Batch. There are some brands that anyone who wants to call themselves a bourbon drinker simply must try. This iconic bourbon is perfectly aged a minimum of ve years in American White Oak barrels with a level 4 char. With a relatively low . Delish editors handpick every product we feature. This is the OG of the collection, created by legendary master distiller Booker Noe at a time when such high proof bourbon wasnt really what anyone was looking for. And after years of shifting into different production phases, Michters is finally at the point where the whiskey produced in-house is making its way into bottles, along with sourced and contract distilled stock. The Michters range includes bourbon, rye, American whiskey, and sour mash whiskey. found in. And we come to bars and liquor stores armed with a ridiculous amount of knowledge about the truth behind the stories distilleries weave. "[The] flavors come only from one of every 10,000 casks that has the exceptional quality, character, and flavor to deliver a remarkable taste, he noted. Of the 31 warehouses used to age Wild Turkey, only 5 are palletized, and Eddie Russell himself leans toward the rack warehouses anyway. And dont be put off by the whisky spelling: it uses a process similar to that of Scotch, but thats where the similarities end. It's perfect for Scotch newbies, and tasters will note a chocolatey, peaty nose followed by a somewhat spicy caramel and chili pepper-infused palate. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Woodford Reserve Bourbon Review . Region: Kentucky | ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Corn, Fruit. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Like regular Makers, this is a wheated bourbon (made with wheat as a flavoring grain instead of rye), but French oak staves are added to the barrel for a few months to augment the flavor. . Heaven Hill is a longstanding Kentucky distillery that makes whiskey under other labels like Elijah Craig and Evan Williams. In fact, there are some fantastic lesser-known bottles hiding in price points that you wouldnt expect. This differs between distillers and many distillers stick to one specific ratio to produce their offerings. And if youre looking to taste outside the box, head to Kentucky to find a bottle of the new Distillery Series Toasted Oat Grain Bourbon, which as the name indicates is bourbon made with oat grain thats finished in a toasted barrel. Distillery Wars- Wild Turkey 101 vs Woodford Reserve 7,887 views Mar 2, 2020 188 Dislike Share Blind Whiskey Reviews 5.95K subscribers The next two whiskeys to go head to head in out. The huge variety of brands, distilleries, proofs, and ages has made the world of whiskey a fascinating one; albeit slightly challenging if youre not sure where to start. The Michters Fort Nelson Distillery in Louisville is a small but charming operation with stills producing limited amounts of whiskey, but the main production facility remains the much bigger Shively distillery. Pappy Van Winkle, WL Weller, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection all very good bourbons (and some ryes), but exorbitantly expensive and nearly impossible to get your hands on. .css-gk9meg{display:block;font-family:Lausanne,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;padding-top:0.25rem;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-gk9meg:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.15;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 73.75rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}The Manhattan Is a Cocktail You Earn, 13 Riffs on Classic Cocktails to Drink This Winter, Nothing Tastes Better Than Irish Whiskey in Coffee, The Rob Roy Is a Cocktail for Scotch Drinkers, How to Make a Whiskey Sour Without Sour Mix, Nothing Soothes the Soul Quite Like a Hot Toddy, You'll Be Drinking Maple Syrup Cocktails This Fall, How to Make a Cobbler-Style Rye Whiskey Cocktail, Jim Beam's Newest Release Won't Be a Bourbon, Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey. Woodinville Bourbon . Best Single Barrel: Four Roses Single Barrel, Best Bottled in Bond: Heaven Hill 7 Year Old Bottled In Bond. And if flavored whiskey is your thing, dont let anyone shame youtheres even a Smoked Maple expression of Knob Creek for you to try. A winner of many international awards, it features rich butterscotch and caramel flavors with hints of fruit and toffee. The time, care, dedication, and craftsmanship that goes into Bourbon makes it quite unlike anything else youll spot in the liquor cupboard. Woodford Reserve may be better known for their bourbon, but their rye is equally deserving of attention. "The high-proof alcohol with the mix of passionfruit, gentian, and lemon makes for an amazingly refreshing bourbon cocktail.. As the name suggests, Woodford Reserve distills its Bourbon in Woodford County, Kentucky, in small batches for optimal taste. Kujira Ryukyu 12 Year is everything you want in a Japanese whiskey. There are rum and rye whiskeys, with the latter making its way into the always interesting Seagrass series that is finished in different types of barrels. What this means: whether you're new to whiskey or a fully fledged bourbonite, Wild Turkey's bourbon lineup serves as the best way to understand the category. And lets not forget the oak casks: the oak used is first stripped and left to weather for six months. Posted on Published: November 9, 2022- Last updated: November 10, 2022, Knob Creek vs Wild Turkey 101: Head to Head. . Wild Turkey 101. Wild Turkey 101 refuses to compromise on standards of excellence. The distillery has released some truly fantastic new expressions in its Whiskey Row series, like the 1920 Prohibition Style and 1897 Bottled In Bond, as well as the 117 Series which includes the recent Whiskey Row Fire expression. All unaged Turkey hooch enters the barrel at the same 115 proof point. "Its bold enough to stand apart in delicately layered cocktails, and complex enough to enjoy straight on its own.. Read our earnings disclaimer to learn more. To qualify as Bourbon, the grains must feature at least 51% corn. Any way you choose! Spicy and sweet and perfectly balanced, Knob Creek 9-Year-Old packs a solid punch in a single sip. Though its wide appeal may make it too simple for whiskey lovers seeking a challenge, this is still a solid, versatile bottle that will satisfy most palates (especially in our Apple Cider Old Fashioned). "It's amazing what diverse profiles a single bourbon and rye whiskey recipe can produce in the hands of true masters. James MacInnes, Liquor Boss at Miami's Klaw Restaurant, swears by Redemption Straight High-Rye Bourbon for cocktails. We tell people they are wrong for liking certain brands or drinking it a particular way. Here's Why. It also produces spirits brands, including Appleton Jamaican rum, SKYY vodka, Espoln tequila and Forty Creek Canadian whisky. Wild Turkey is a classic, unpretentious American whiskey brand that permeated the publics consciousness well before Matthew McConaughey was named creative director back in 2016. Tennessee whiskey is also sweet, aged in oak barrels for at least two years, and contains at least 51 percent corn. Its very smooth and easy drinking. This is good tasty bourbon thatgives a moderateyet pleasing burn; add a large ice ball if you want it go down easy. Turkey makes their own yeast, have their own yeast cultures and have used the same yeast for 65 years," Minnick told me. Distilled in a traditional style and named after the area in Kentucky where Abraham Lincoln grew up, this nine-year-aged bourbon is a popular choice at a friendly price point. 4 alligator char to help deepen the flavor as the whiskey ages. Also called the Alligator Char, it is obtained after 55 seconds of fire. This 9-year-old bourbon is a great place to start for anyone interested in the category. sugar, two dashes of Angostura bitters and garnish with a lemon or orange twist in a sturdy Old Fashioned glass to complete. You can find Wild Turkey Bourbon for about $22 for a 750mL bottle at 81-proof, or 40.5 percent ABV. When I was a door guy at a bar in Massachusetts, all my shift drinks were Koval, says Lennon-Simon.