Wild Turkey 101 8-Year Bourbon Review – Is the Age-Stated Return Worth the Hype?
Wild Turkey 101 8-Year Bourbon Review – Is the Age-Stated Return Worth the Hype?
In this episode of Tortured Bourbon, we take on a bourbon tasting lineup that pays tribute to one of the most iconic distilleries in Kentucky — Wild Turkey. But the spotlight belongs to the newly released Wild Turkey 101 8-Year, a long-anticipated age-stated bourbon finally returning to American shelves after decades of Japan-only exclusivity. With B, Heather, and returning guest Aaron (our resident Wild Turkey whisperer), we taste and rank three expressions: the classic Wild Turkey 101, the new Wild Turkey 101 8-Year, and the limited Wild Turkey 70th Anniversary Jimmy Russell Edition.
We kick things off with a deep dive into Wild Turkey’s legacy. Since the 1940s, this Lawrenceburg-based brand has been defined by boldness — high-rye mash bills, heavily charred barrels, and a refusal to chase trends. Jimmy Russell, the Godfather of Bourbon, joined the distillery in 1954 and built a legacy that his son Eddie continues today. When Wild Turkey drops an age-stated expression, it’s not just marketing — it’s a flex.
Mash Bill for All Three Expressions:
75% Corn
13% Rye
12% Malted Barley
Wild Turkey 101
Proof: 101
Age: Blend of 6–8 years (not age-stated)
MSRP: ~$25
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Vanilla, caramel, light oak
Palate: Cinnamon, brown sugar, toffee
Finish: Black pepper, toasted oak, lingering warmth
This is the daily drinker that built the brand. A rock-solid staple for any bourbon shelf.
Wild Turkey 101 8-Year
Proof: 101
Age: 8 Years (age-stated)
MSRP: ~$50
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Rich oak, molasses, dried fruit
Palate: Deeper vanilla, tobacco, dark cherry
Finish: Warm, layered, with a lasting sweetness and spice
For bourbon lovers who appreciate depth without sacrificing Wild Turkey’s signature edge, this bottle brings serious heat. A true evolution of the core profile.
Wild Turkey 70th Anniversary Jimmy Russell Edition
Proof: 101
Age: 8 Years (age-stated)
MSRP: ~$75
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Sweet oak, honeycomb, baked spice
Palate: Balanced sweetness, leather, vanilla bean
Finish: Refined, soft heat, and classic Wild Turkey spice
A tribute bottle with elegance, complexity, and all the Russell family swagger you expect.
Throughout the episode, we debate, sip, and crack wise. B compares Wild Turkey to noir detectives and Russell Crowe. Heather keeps the show on the rails while roasting B’s ’90s obsession. Aaron brings the expertise — and maybe tries to steal the 70th bottle when we’re not looking.
Is the 8-Year worth the hype? Absolutely. It’s not just a return to form — it’s a bold statement that Wild Turkey can evolve without losing what makes it great. For fans of the brand or anyone looking for a powerful, well-aged pour at a fair price, the Wild Turkey 101 8-Year delivers in spades.
Pour yourself a dram, check out the full tasting and ranking on YouTube, and let us know which Turkey flies highest for you.
