An In-Depth Look at Wild Turkey Rare Breed Non Chill Filtered Bourbon

Wild Turkey’s Rare Breed bourbon is a popular, affordable, and highly-rated bourbon It offers a bold, spicy flavor profile at a high proof point of 108.2, making it a “rare breed” indeed in the bourbon world

However, standard Rare Breed bourbon sold in the US is chill-filtered. This process involves cooling the whiskey and running it through a filter to remove fatty acids, proteins, and esters. Some argue this stripping process negatively impacts flavor and mouthfeel.

Luckily, an unfiltered version exists – but there’s a catch. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Non Chill Filtered is only available outside the US. As a big fan of Rare Breed, I was excited to try this export-only special release. Here’s an in-depth look at how it tastes.

Overview of Wild Turkey Rare Breed Non Chill Filtered

Before diving into the tasting notes, let’s cover some background. Like regular Rare Breed, the non chill filtered expression is a blend of 6 to 12 year old bourbon aged in charred oak barrels. It’s bottled at 108.2 proof (54.1% ABV).

The mash bill contains Wild Turkey’s usual high-rye recipe of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. It’s distilled at the Wild Turkey distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

As the name suggests, this unfiltered version skips the chill filtration process. This should result in more flavor compounds and oils making it into the final spirit, adding depth and mouthfeel.

The bourbon comes in 1 liter bottles and is exclusive to export markets like Europe and Asia. I purchased mine from a retailer in Japan for around $46, making it a superb value. Now let’s see how the liquid inside tastes.

An Intense, Flavorful Nose Full of Spice

My first impression of Rare Breed NCF on the nose is dark, rich, and spicy. Notes of honey, cinnamon, orange peel, and fresh baked bread immediately leap out. There’s a cinnamon bun aroma from the vanilla, cinnamon, and raisin notes.

Digging deeper, I find toasted oak, clove, roasted coffee beans, and herbs like rosemary. It’s incredibly aromatic for 108 proof, with the alcohol integrating nicely. The rye and oak spices shine alongside molasses sweetness and vanilla.

With time, the nose gains more caramel, ripe peaches, and soft cherry fruitiness. There’s an appealing earthiness too, likely from the oaky char rather than rye spices. It smells robust and complex.

Bold, Intense Flavors of Caramel, Spice, and Oak

On the palate, Rare Breed NCF brings sweet caramel and vanilla up front, followed by cinnamon spice and oak char. Rye spice adds a peppery kick.

The bold flavors continue with orange peel, licorice, toasted bread, and roasted coffee. It’s quite oaky and earthy with touches of cocoa nibs and maple syrup. The viscosity seems a bit heavier than regular Rare Breed.

Despite the whiskey’s richness, the alcohol does make its presence known. It drinks like a 110-115 proof bourbon at times, bringing noticeable heat. However, this roughness fits Rare Breed’s brash, untamed character.

The finish carries notes of honey, cinnamon, dry oak, and orange peel. It has a pleasing oily texture that coats the mouth – evidence of those fatty acids left behind by skipping chill filtration.

Final Thoughts on This Rare Bourbon Treat

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Non Chill Filtered is a flavor bomb. The lack of filtering allows for more lush mouthfeel and layered flavors versus standard Rare Breed. Notes of caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and oak shine through.

It retains the same spicy, high-rye flavor profile, but with a rounder and more viscous texture. The proof brings ample heat, but integrates reasonably well. Overall, it’s a bold, intense bourbon that over-delivers on flavor for the price.

The one downside is sourcing this rare release, as it’s not available in the US currently. But for bourbon fans abroad or anyone willing to import, it’s worth seeking out this unfiltered version of Wild Turkey’s popular Rare Breed. The nuanced flavors and fuller texture provide an upgrade over the standard bottling.