Wild Turkey 101 Kentucky straight bourbon Best for an old fashioned ABV: 50.5% Wild Turkey's mash bill is high in corn, which softens its high strength. We argue incessantly about it on Twitter and Reddit. This comes at no extra cost for you and supports our team to create more content. As mentioned before here, the RR10 is worth a try, but doesn't have the punch of a 101 proof. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Wild Turkey is another premium brand thats been distilling whiskey for more than 100 years. Anyone new to the category who would like to give a craft product a try should sample this bottle. While the bourbon will obviously differ depending on which barrel it comes from, this is a really good and affordable whiskey that you should try and compare tasting notes to the classic Black Label. Its a sophisticated brand thats won awards and acclaims internationally. Check our ranking of the best bourbons of the year to discover the entire list. Whether you prefer Scotch, Japanese single malt, or Kentucky bourbon, we've got the perfect whiskey for your next relaxing, post-dinner drink. The higher amount of rye in the mash bill gives this bourbon a spicy kick that goes well with its sweet character. Try one of these whiskey cocktail recipes or treat yourself to one (or more!) Recently, the distillery has been innovating with the Wood Finishing Series, sort of a different take on Makers 46 which uses different proprietary wood staves to develop unique flavors. The brand doesnt just do bourbon, however. This 9-year-old bourbon is a great place to start for anyone interested in the category. And theres no right way to enjoy Bourbon, but there are certainly ways of drinking the liquor that make for a more enjoyable experience. Dont let the initial sticker shock deter youwe promise Kujira Ryukyu 12 Year Whisky is worth the investment if youre passionate about Japanese whisky. Wild Turkey uses non-GMO grains to make whiskey. Smooth, woody, and with quality, Woodford Reserves Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon is made up of a wonderful mellow spice flavor. Tasters will note an oaky nose with hints of cherry and sweet caramel, a somewhat thin mouthfeel, and an average finish of black pepper and clove. A lower proof may be more successful in cocktails while a higher proof could be enjoyed more on the rocks. Generally, the bourbon is about six to eight years old, with the spice from Four Roses high rye mash bill nicely complementing the fruity notes from the yeast. [Legent] is a lesser-known bourbon that blends Japanese techniques and traditional Kentucky bourbon, says Joshua Lopez, bar manager at Osaka Nikkei Miami. WOODFORD RESERVE Kentucky Straight Bourbon 14 . Its almost impossible to go wrong with anything Pappy Van Winkle so, if its proving tricky to get your hands on the 23 Year release, the 15 Year and 20 Year are also top contenders. Sip 101 and Russell's Reserve 10-year together; the former is more youthful and 11 proof points more stout, but the latter's 10-year minimum shines through clear as day (if you find it at a bar or collecting dust at your liquor store, the 17-year-old Bottled-in-Bond Master's Keep release is an even better comparison). But its not just fruity flavors thatll come through: alongside its sea air saltiness comes milky coffee, strong dark chocolate, and a hint of bitterness. Its mostly a sweet and aromatic liquor, with notes of chocolate, marzipan, honey, and brown sugar. The Wild Turkey is a more tasty bourbon as the higher proof adds a nice kick to it without being too hot. But some brands have thrown caution to the wind and either removed their age banner from their bottles or have reduced the length of time their Bourbon matures for. The finish is medium to long,pleasantly warm, high in charred oak which is a common feature in every Wild Turkey Bourbon. Nicely balancing sweet and spicy notes along oak and pleasing warmth. Consistently good. Of course, this distillery has its own unicorn bottle, and that comes in the form of the annual release of Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch. "We visited Limestone Branch Distillery and sampled a 100% malted rye from their Experimental Collection which was only available on site. It also is one of the few to bear a nine-year age statement, not always a mark of quality but in this case indicative of a properly aged bourbon. A favorite among bartenders, this Bourbon offers rich and complex flavors far superior to what you might expect at its price point. Nowadays, the brand is a staple for Bourbon-loving Americans who enjoy it neat or on the rocks for the ultimate experience. Last but not least, you have rye whiskey, which is also generally aged in oak barrels, but by law, it must contain at least 51 percent rye. After that, they must age for four years in a state-owned warehouse and be bottled at 100% proof/50 ABV. The whiskey comes out in four batches per year, although sometimes less, and usually is aged between six and seven years and clocks in between 120-130 proof. Both bourbons are excellent options and tie 2 to 2 on our 4-category scale. Old Forester delivers a fresh and bright flavor profile perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, with a splash of water, or in a classic cocktail. Turkey makes their own yeast, have their own yeast cultures and have used the same yeast for 65 years," Minnick told me. 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. Woodfords mash bill is made from 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% barley; the rye content makes it a bit spicy. sugar, two dashes of Angostura bitters and garnish with a lemon or orange twist in a sturdy Old Fashioned glass to complete. "The above normal [amount] of rye grain in the mash bill allows the spirit to work with, but not be eclipsed, by accompanying flavors.. Discover the differences between Wild Turkey 101 vs Woodford Reserve in this head to head comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You! If you are exclusively looking for a mixer stay with the Turkey 101 as it has the right profile to make tasty cocktails. The bourbon is made from a mash bill of four grainscorn, wheat, rye, and barleyall grown locally. $200 / 6 to 10 years old / 105 proof, George Dickel Bottled-in-Bond: One of the best annual releases in the whiskey world. 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. And it certainly is a high rye content36 percent, in fact. How you feel about bourbon is entirely subjective, although there are a few objective truths: it must be made from a mash bill containing at least 51 percent corn, aged in new charred oak containers (not barrels, even though virtually all bourbon is aged in them), distilled in the U.S., and meet certain proof requirements, which you can Google if you are interested. But the core lineup has long been full of solid options. PDF LE BAR - sanssouci-wien.com But were not the only ones: Sergio Campos, general manager at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen in Scottsdale, Arizona, swears by this stuff. And it damn sure shows," he said. . The top 5 smoothest Bourbons are:Elijah Craig Small BatchFour Roses Single BarrelKnob Creek 9 Year OldMakers MarkBulleit Bourbon, The top 5 Bourbons are:Four Roses Single BarrelKnob Creek 9 Year OldPappy Van Winkles 23 Year Family ReserveElijah Craig Small BatchWild Turkey 101 Bourbon. Furthermore, if an age statement is important to you, its good to note that you wont find one on this bottle. Buffalo Trace vs. Wild Turkey 101: The Verdict. However, if you are in the market for a little guidance as to what might be a quality bourbon to try, one that you can actually find for less than $100 per bottle (and mostly much less than that), here is an updated list of twelve bourbon brands to drink now. The whiskey is pulled from the barrel at 109 proof before being proofed down a notch. Just dont let the haters whiskey-shame you for your personal preferences. Jim Beams Small Batch Collection was created by former master distiller Booker Noe in 1992, at a time when bourbon was struggling for relevance (hard to imagine now). There is much more cherry carryover in this one as well. Rye Whiskeys | Finale | Wild Turkey 101 Rye vs Woodford Reserve Rye vs Whiskey must be aged for at least two years before it can be called straight whiskey. His first love remains whiskey, but he is partial to tequila, rum, gin, cognac, and all things distilled. Or vice versago ahead and make a cocktail with that $500 bottle if you damn well please. The Woodford Reserve Double Oaked review Bourbon Gents Palate is sweet and spicy yet entirely smooth. This release is a blend of whiskey made from stout and pilsner beers, rye whiskey and American single malt whiskey. It comes out of the barrel at around 109 proof necessitating . Wild Turkey 101 & Russell's Reserve 10-Year Comparison (2016) The Best Rye Whiskey Brands - Town & Country Whiskey can generally be separated into two categories: straight and blended. The double oak Bourbon brings out vanilla and caramel notes with a smooth start and a slightly sweet finish. "It's amazing what diverse profiles a single bourbon and rye whiskey recipe can produce in the hands of true masters. We consulted cocktail experts (as well as a few whiskey lovers on the Delish team) to learn about their favorite whiskey brands and what can take a bottle from just okay to rich and robust. Whatever the age, the rich caramel and brown sugar flavor, along with that signature Jim Beam nuttiness, shines through. Whereas other inexpensive options may be a bit overpowering, the mild Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey hits the spot with its warm and rich flavor. "[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. 4 alligator charred barrels. Its bottled at 90 proof, giving it enough structure to stand up in a cocktail without being so boozy that its unpleasant on its own, especially with an ice cube or two. Black pepper and summer fruit are up front, with notes of caramel and warming spices in the middle, and vanilla and butterscotch on the back end. Also called the Alligator Char, it is obtained after 55 seconds of fire. The Jim Beam distillery has been producing excellent Bourbon since the late 18th Century and has more than a few tricks up its sleeve for creating a range of delicious whiskeys. 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. Some distilleries basically only use palletized but if theyre working with a variety of different types of [products]," Russell said. Attention all self-respecting .css-1es3cx1{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#004685;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#004685;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1es3cx1:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:#595959;}whiskey drinkers: You dont have to be a velvet jacket-wearing, cigar-smoking, library-lounging cad to be knowledgeable about the brown stuff. . Blantons is nothing if not a satisfying whiskey and the Single Barrel Bourbon is an excellent example of just that. Buy for dinner parties when you want to casually impress. Ranking The Big Bourbon Brands, From Worst To Best - TheList.com Cardinal Spirits Straight Rye Whiskey may not be able to solve all your problems, but its worth a shot! It uses hand-selected barrels for the aging process and has a smooth flavor to match. In 1964, Congress even declared Bourbon Americas Native Spirit. Its easy to get lost down the rabbit hole of Bourbon technicalities and terminologies. This is good tasty bourbon thatgives a moderateyet pleasing burn; add a large ice ball if you want it go down easy. Makers Mark isnt as spicy as rye-influenced whiskeys, making it a great Bourbon for a pairing. Discover the Best Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey: Which Wins? The Woodford Reserve (Alternatives) is nicely balanced, body is creamy and does not have any off-putting or demanding notes. [] Related article: Wild Turkey 101 vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon: Which Whiskey is Better? 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. No barrel is ever fully emptied, so the end result is a gradual increase in age and complexity. Woodford Reserve Bourbon Review . Why it's better: Say what you want about NDP 's, but Smooth Ambler puts out some amazing bourbon. The design feels sleek, [and it] looks good on a bar cart.. If you prefer to read about Bourbon before opening the bottle, jump to our sections below to learn more about Bourbon. "The sherry cask finish makes Kujira Ryukyu 12 Year a great summer sipper.. 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. Region: Kentucky | ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Orange, Honey. Nose. The viscous, almost oily mouthfeel might be a turn-off to some, but we think this complex, yet well-balanced liquor is sure to impress whether youre gifting a bottle to someone else or want to add a bit of spice to your home bar setup. However, this liquor is made specifically in Tennessee (hence the name) and must go through what's called the Lincoln County Process, which includes a filtering process using sugar maple charcoal. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. One of the few differences in barrel-to-barrel production is the brand's use of palletized and standard rack aging warehouses, but the vast majority of the bourbon rests in the latter. The style of the Gold Label is called single pot, meaning it's a mixed mash of malted and unmalted barley distilled in a pot still. Of all those it shares a place within the pantheon of legendary whiskey labels, Wild Turkey is probably the most unassuming. Wild Turkey 81 and 101 Comparison Review - The Intoxicologist 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. Then there are brands like Barrell Bourbon (part of Barrell Craft Spirits), which carefully select stock from various whiskey-producing states and countries, tastes and blends innovative combinations, and frequently releases new batches without being afraid of missing the mark. First of the nose would not suggest a 101 proof spirit bottled at 50.5 abv. The standard barrel size is 263 liters and weighs 225 kilos when full. 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. We may earn commission from the links on this page. Each voyage of Jeffersons Ocean typically crosses the equator four times. The Classic 86 Proof clocks in with slightly higher alcohol content (and more flavor) than your average baseline bourbon, while the Signature 100 Proof is a bartenders best friend. Whatever size the batch is, this bourbon is a good place to begin your bourbon journey. With a 101 proof, it finishes nicely with a subtle aftertaste of spice. However, to be called a Bourbon, it must also be produced in the United States and be made from 51 percent corn. Sometimes, the most noteworthy stuff is the least flashy and most affordable. Joey Smith, Bar Director of New York City's Chez Zou, loves this liquor, saying, Michter's Bourbon is an American whiskey steeped in history and is one of the best bang for your buck products on the market. Though it also drinks pretty good neat, Smith is sure to include it in one of Chez Zous signature cocktails, the Banana Danse. New Bourbon from Wild Turkey, plus an Encore Woodford Reserve Jonah Flicker is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn whose work focuses on spirits, food and travel. With an average price of around $2,500 a bottle, its certainly not cheap, but the range of (mostly dark) flavors and aromas means youll want to savor its uniqueness. The Russells fought tooth and nail to keep the barrel entry proof, one of the brand's historical hallmarks, lower than the industry average of 125. It also produces spirits brands, including Appleton Jamaican rum, SKYY vodka, Espoln tequila and Forty Creek Canadian whisky. Wild Turkey 101 is so-named because it is bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV). The liquid needs to be distilled to no more than 160 proof and entered into the barrel at 125 proof. Get This Headphone Stand, Complete Guide to Buying Boots This Season. Haven't had OF1910 yet, but it's definitely on my list. Don't be put off by the ABV, because this whiskey backs up its heat with a complex palate and smooth finish. Whats more, Offerman loves Lagavulin so much that the brand and he collaborated to create his own Offerman Edition bottling. Posted on Published: November 9, 2022- Last updated: November 10, 2022, Knob Creek vs Wild Turkey 101: Head to Head. All unaged Turkey hooch enters the barrel at the same 115 proof point. These barrels are charred on the inside for maximum flavor and smokey notes. For some Tennessee whiskeys, it can be tough to taste the sugar maple charcoal filtration process, but thats not the case with the George Dickel Rye Whiskey, which was named Best Buy in 2019 by Wine Enthusiast. Woodford Reserve. Wild Turkey 101 vs. Buffalo Trace: Which is Best?