Is Wild Turkey a Bourbon or Whiskey? Unpacking This Iconic American Spirit

As one of the most recognizable names in the world of American whiskey, Wild Turkey often leaves drinkers wondering – is it technically a bourbon or a whiskey? With its high-rye mash bill and iconic 101 proof expression Wild Turkey tends to stand out from other bourbons. This article will explore the history production process, and portfolio of Wild Turkey to better understand where it fits within the broad whiskey family.

A Brief History of Wild Turkey

The Wild Turkey brand has origins dating back to the late 1800s in Tyrone, Kentucky The Ripy family rebuilt and operated the distillery after Prohibition, selling bourbon wholesale to companies like Austin Nichols The popular legend is that Wild Turkey got its name during a 1940s hunting trip where Austin Nichols executives brought some warehouse samples. It proved so popular among the hunting party that they continued asking for “that wild turkey bourbon.”

Austin Nichols began bottling Wild Turkey in 1942. The Ripys sold the distillery in 1971 to Austin Nichols, who renamed it the Wild Turkey Distillery. Over the next few decades, Wild Turkey grew into one of the most iconic bourbons in the world. Although it traded hands between several major alcohol companies, it is now owned by Gruppo Campari. The Lawrenceburg distillery continues to distill and bottle all Wild Turkey products onsite.

How Wild Turkey Differs from Typical Bourbon

Wild Turkey is distilled and aged at a lower proof compared to most Kentucky bourbons. This allows more interaction with the barrel and results in a more robust, complex flavor. The mash bill also contains a higher rye content (around 13-15%) than most bourbons. This adds spiciness and gives Wild Turkey a signature rye-forward taste.

Given these key distinctions in process, Wild Turkey stands out from classic high-corn bourbons like Jim Beam or Maker’s Mark. But it still meets the legal requirements to be labeled as a straight Kentucky bourbon. Wild Turkey contains at least 51% corn in the mashbill and is aged in new charred oak barrels. So despite its unique production methods, Wild Turkey is very much a straight bourbon whiskey.

The Wild Turkey Family of Whiskeys

The Wild Turkey portfolio contains a range of expressions, from budget-friendly to ultra-premium. Some key bottles include:

• Wild Turkey 101: The iconic bottling, aged 6-8 years and bottled at 101 proof. It delivers a sweet and spicy kick with notes of toasted oak, vanilla, and pepper.

• Wild Turkey Longbranch: A recent release aged in Texas mesquite barrels after the standard oak aging. Adds a smoky, barbecue twist.

• Wild Turkey Rare Breed: A barrel proof blend of 6, 8, and 12 year old bourbons. Bottled at 112.8 proof for robust, amplified flavors.

• Russell’s Reserve: Named for longtime Master Distiller Jimmy Russell. Comes in 10 year and single barrel varieties.

• Master’s Keep: Special limited releases finished in various cask types like sherry and rum barrels.

• Wild Turkey Rye: A Kentucky straight rye whiskey, spicier and more assertive than the bourbons.

So while the classic Wild Turkey 101 stands out from typical bourbons, the distillery also produces more traditional bourbon expressions. But everything coming out of Wild Turkey carries that signature distilling legacy and high-rye personality.

How Wild Turkey Compares to Rye Whiskeys

With its relatively high rye content (for a bourbon), Wild Turkey does share some flavor similarities with rye whiskeys. Its spicy, bold character sets it apart from mellower, corn-heavy bourbons. But Wild Turkey still differs considerably from “straight” American rye whiskeys in a few ways:

• Mash Bill: Rye whiskeys must contain at least 51% rye grain in the mash bill. Wild Turkey bourbons contain 51%+ corn.

• Flavor Profile: True rye whiskeys taste drier, spicier, and are more assertive on the palate. Wild Turkey has a more rounded, sweet flavor.

• Regional Styles: American rye whiskeys follow distinct regional styles. Wild Turkey has a consistent Kentucky bourbon flavor.

So while Wild Turkey stands out among its Kentucky bourbon peers, it falls short of meeting the technical requirements of a straight rye whiskey. With a palate-pleasing balance of corn sweetness and rye spice, Wild Turkey occupies a pleasing middle ground between the two classic American whiskey styles.

Is Wild Turkey a Bourbon or a Whiskey?

In short – Wild Turkey is very much a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, albeit with its own unique production quirks. It meets all the legal requirements to be labeled as bourbon. And the distillery produces other expressions more in line with traditional bourbon.

But its relatively high-rye mash bill and lower entry proof give Wild Turkey a robust, spicy character that demands your attention. Its flavor profile bridges the gap between sweet, easy-sipping bourbon and dry, assertive rye whiskey. So while firmly a bourbon, Wild Turkey adds a distinctive rye-forward flair to the category and cements itself as a true American whiskey icon.