Jimmy Russell

The BEST Wild Turkey Distillery Tour & Tasting!

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Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes Episode 42 – Wild Turkey Distillery

Get ready for an adventure down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as we revisit a favorite stop in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky! This episode is packed with our personal journey to getting our 38th stamp and the incredible experiences we had with the people who make Wild Turkey legendary.

Wild Turkey: More Than Just a Stamp 📝

We start with our first stop in May 2023 at the temporary Station Master’s House gift shop, where we originally completed the trail while the new visitor center was under construction. You won’t believe who we ran into that day!

  • The Bo Garrett Connection: Hear the surprising story of meeting music legend-turned-Wild-Turkey-Guide and Brand Builder …  Bo Garrett at the gift shop and how his knowledge of the local history—like the nearby Cedar Brook property—sparked a connection that led to a deeper friendship!
  • A Chat with a Legend: We share the amazing tale of our return visit where we finally got to spend 45 minutes talking with the one and only Jimmy Russell and his wife, Joretta!
  • The Born From the Barrel Tour: Relive the sensory experience of our first tour after the visitor center reopened, including a trip to the historic Rickhouse A and the beautiful grounds, with Bo Garrett as our guide for the special Russell’s Reserve “Born from the Barrel Tour.” We even tasted the rare Russell’s Reserve 15-Year-Old!

A Whiskey Barons Collection Revisit 🥂

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We crack open two small, historic, and highly-coveted bottles from Campari’s Whiskey Barons Collection we snagged on that very first visit:

  1. Bond & Lillard (100 Proof): Revisit this historic bourbon that won the “Grand Prize” at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair! Find out if we can still detect the flavor notes that made it “bear as no equal,” including the highly unusual lemon zest note we picked up!
  2. WB Saffell (107 Proof): This is a blend of 6, 8, 10, and 12-year-old bourbons. See why this pour felt like “an old friend” and tasted more like a traditional, older-style Wild Turkey, with prominent notes of cinnamon and brown sugar.

Click play ▶️ now to join the adventure and find out which of these bottles we regret not buying more of!

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What’s a bourbon trail journey without a good story? 🥃 Welcome to Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, where we dive into the unforgettable moments and hidden gems we discovered while exploring Kentucky’s iconic trail. Join us as we uncork the profound memories that have stayed with us long after the last pour. We’ll revisit the unexpected finds and the bottles that truly surprised us with their exceptional, intricate flavors. So, what stood out as the most memorable sip, and how have those experiences shaped our palates today? Get ready for a passionate retelling of the adventures, the connections, and the spirits that make the Bourbon Trail so much more than just a destination.

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLES REVIEWED

✴️ Bond & Lillard

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: American Medicinal Spirits Co.
  • Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Process: Charcoal Filtration
  • Age: Minimum of 7 years
  • Proof: 100
  • Other: 375 ml
  • Purchased: 05/20/23 for $49.99 at Wild Turkey’s Station Master’s House

✴️ WB Saffell

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: American Medicinal Spirits Co.
  • Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley
  • Age: A blend of 6, 8, 10, and 12-year-old bourbons
  • Proof: 107
  • Other: 375 ml
  • Purchased: 05/20/23 for $49.99 at Wild Turkey’s Station Master’s House

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#KentuckyBourbonTrail #WildTurkey #JimmyRussell #BoGarrett #WhiskeyBaronsCollection #BondAndLillard #WBSaffell #bourbon #Whiskey #RussellReserve #BourbonReview #KBT #BourbonLife #DistilleryTour #BourbonTasting 

Sipping on History: Wild Turkey Honey, Old vs. New

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Vintage vs. Modern: Wild Turkey Honey Liqueur Showdown!

Step back in time with us as we open a rare bottle of Wild Turkey Liqueur with Honey from the 1990s! We’re putting this vintage 60-proof spirit head-to-head against today’s popular Wild Turkey American Honey to see how this iconic brand has evolved.

Join us for a fascinating tasting as we compare the flavor, aroma, and character of these two honey-infused bourbons. Will the 90s-era bottle deliver a cloying, syrupy blast of nostalgia, or a more subtle, bourbon-forward experience? How does today’s higher-proof American Honey stand up?

We’re diving deep into the history behind the legendary Jimmy Russell’s “honey bourbon” to discover the differences that 30 years can make.

In this video, we explore:

  • The Proof Test: Does the higher 71 proof of American Honey make it less sweet and more balanced than the vintage 60-proof version?
  • A Tale of Two Honeys: How do the honey notes themselves compare? Is one fresher or more complex than the other?
  • The Bourbon Factor: Can we taste more of the classic Wild Turkey bourbon base in one over the other?
  • The Legacy: A look at how a beloved product can evolve while staying true to its roots.

Whether you’re a bourbon aficionado, a Wild Turkey fan, or just curious about how spirits change over time, this is a tasting you won’t want to miss.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more great bourbon and whiskey content!

Join us as we explore how this unique, vintage whiskey holds up after all these years. This is your chance to experience a genuine taste of whiskey history with us. Don’t miss out – hit play now!

Cheers! 🥂

#bourbon  #vintagebourbon  #WildTurkey 

Purchased: 01/31/25 at Revival Vintage Spirits https://revivalky.com/ 

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NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

Best Whiskeys of 2025 (So Far!): Our Top Picks!

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Wow, 2025 has been an absolute blockbuster year for whiskey, bringing some truly unforgettable bottles to our glasses! In this can’t-miss video, we’re uncorking our BEST WHISKEYS of 2025 so far and trust us, you’re in for some surprises!

Join us as we take a thrilling journey through each month, revisiting our highly anticipated Whiskey of the Month winners and their fierce contenders. But that’s just the warm-up! We’re also thrilled to reveal the very first two Whiskey of the Quarter champions and give you an exclusive peek at the current Whiskey of the Year seeding results. The competition is heating up, and you’ll want to see who’s leading the pack!

And here’s a twist: We’re also sharing an absolutely mind-blowing release that, for special reasons, we decided to exclude from this intense competition. You won’t believe what it is and why it didn’t make the cut for our official rankings!

Ready to discover the must-have whiskeys of 2025? Click that play button now and find out if your favorites made our prestigious list!

What are your favorite whiskeys of 2025 so far? Did your top picks make our list, or do you have a dark horse contender we need to know about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Passionate about bourbon and exceptional whiskey? Don’t miss out on another drop! Hit that LIKE 👍 button and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to our channel so you never miss our deep dives into the most exciting new releases and hidden gems. Share this video with your bourbon buddies and let’s celebrate the art of fine spirits together! Cheers to rare finds and unforgettable pours! 🥂

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth  #WhiskeyOfTheQuarter #WhiskeyOfTheYear 

1st Quarter WOTQ Video

2nd Quarter WOTQ Video

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NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

Blind Tasting: Who Wins Whiskey of the Quarter!

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Alright, buckle up, whiskey lovers! 🥃 Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! 🔥 In this blind tasting adventure, we’re putting three incredible contenders to the ultimate test to crown the UNDISPUTED CHAMPION 🏆 of our Second Quarter 2025! 🎉

Prepare your senses as we dive deep into the aromatic world 👃 and tantalizing flavors 😋 of:

🐅Orphan Barrel Fanged Pursuit Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 

🌟Star Hill Farm American Wheat Whisky

🦃Wild Turkey 101 8-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

No labels, no biases – just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! 👀 Join us as we meticulously nose, sip, and savor each dram, dissecting the nose 👃, the dance on the palate 👅, the lingering finish ✨, and that all-important je ne sais quoi. 🤔

Will the barrel proof powerhouse 💪 dominate? Will the aged elegance 👑 steal the show? Or will a unique finish or single barrel charm ✨ take the crown? We’re ranking them from 3rd place🥉 to the coveted 1st place spot🥇, and the suspense is BUILDING! 🤩 The results will be used for seeding in our Whiskey of the Year competition! 🏆

🎉 Grab your own glass 🥃 (of whatever you fancy! 😉), settle in 🛋️, and experience the thrill of the reveal with us. Get ready for some serious whiskey talk 🗣️, maybe a few surprises 😮, and definitely a good time! 😄 Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery!

Hit play ▶️ and join the tasting party!

Don’t forget to subscribe! 👍 and let us know in the comments below 👇 which whiskey YOU thought would win! 🤔💬

#BlindWhiskeyTasting #bourbonreview #WhiskeyOfTheQuarter 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🔥DETAILS REGARDING OUR THREE FINALISTS🔥 (in alphabetical order): 

✴️ Orphan Barrel Fanged Pursuit

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Diageo
  • Distillery: Sourced from an undisclosed Kentucky
  • Mash Bill: 68-74% Corn, 18-22% Rye, 8-10% Malted Barley
  • Age: 17 Years
  • Proof: 92
  • MSRP: $200
  • Released: February 2025
  • Purchased: 03/13/25 for $200.00 at Archie & Clyde’s Restaurant Newburgh Indiana

Original YouTube Review: 

✴️ Star Hill Farm Whisky 2025

  • Classification: American Wheat Whisky
  • Company: Star Hill Farm
  • Distillery: Maker’s Mark Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Blend of two: 70% Soft Red Winter Wheat & 30% Malted Barley; and 100% Malted Soft Red Winter Wheat
  • Age: 7-8 Years
  • Proof: 114.7
  • MSRP: $100
  • Released: May 2025
  • Other: First new mashbill in 70 years
  • Purchased: 05/16/28 for $100 at Maker’s Mark Distillery

Original YouTube Review:

✴️ Wild Turkey 101 8 Year

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Campari Group
  • Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Year minimum
  • Proof: 101
  • MSRP: $45
  • Released: April 2025
  • Purchased: 04/25/25 for $42.99 at Beverage Barn in Henderson, KY

Original YouTube Review:

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

May 2025 Whiskey of the Month: Blind Reveal!

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🔥🥃 Blind Whiskey BATTLE ROYALE! Who Will Be Our May 2025 CHAMPION?! 🏆

Alright, buckle up, whiskey fanatics! 🚀 Get ready for a showdown of EPIC proportions! 🥃 In this thrilling blind tasting adventure, we’re putting THREE incredible contenders head-to-head to crown the UNDISPUTED champion of our May 2025 whiskey lineup! 👑

Prepare your senses for an immersive journey into the captivating aromas and tantalizing flavors of these contenders:

  • ✴️ Bernheim Single Barrel (A225)
  • ✴️ Blood Oath Pact 11
  • ✴️ Wild Turkey 101 8-Year

🚫 No labels, no biases – just pure, unadulterated whiskey appreciation! 👀 Join us as we meticulously nose 👃, sip 😋, and savor each dram, dissecting the intricate notes on the nose, the delightful dance on the palate 👅, the satisfying lingering finish ✨, and that crucial je ne sais quoi that makes a whiskey truly special. 🤔

Will the barrel-proof powerhouse 💪 dominate the competition? Will the elegantly aged spirit ⏳ steal the show? Or will a unique finish 🍇 or a captivating single barrel charm ✨ take home the ultimate crown? We’re ranking them from 3rd place to the coveted 1st place spot🥇, and the suspense is building with every sip! 🤯

Smash that play button ▶️ and join the ultimate tasting party! 🎉 Grab your own glass 🥂 (of whatever you’re sipping on!), settle in for some serious whiskey talk 🗣️, and experience the thrill of the grand reveal with us! Get ready for potential surprises 🎁 and definitely a fantastic time! Cheers to an unforgettable evening of delicious discovery! 🥳 Sláinte! 🍀

#WhiskeyOfTheMonth #BlindWhiskeyTasting #bourbonreview

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🔥DETAILS REGARDING OUR THREE FINALISTS🔥 (in alphabetical order): 

✴️ Bernheim Barrel Proof A225

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • Distillery: Bernheim Distillery (Heaven Hill)
  • Mash Bill: 51% Wheat, 37% Corn, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 7-9 Years
  • Proof: 125.4
  • Released: March 2025
  • Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/reEe3BgOa40 

✴️ Blood Oath Pact 11

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Lux Row Distillery
  • Mash Bill: Undisclosed/Blended
  • Age/Blend Notes: Blend of (a) 14-year ryed bourbon, (b) 10-year wheated bourbon, (c) 7-year ryed bourbon that was finished in Añejo Tequila Barrels
  • Age: 7 years
  • Proof: 98.6 (always!)
  • Released: April 26, 2025
  • Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/jg0dprXwIRk 

✴️ Wild Turkey 101 8-Year

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Year minimum
  • Proof: 101
  • Released: April 2025
  • Original YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/8n0PZlDL2Qo 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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NOTE: The spirits in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

Warehouse A Wild Turkey Single Barrel: Taste Test & Review! 

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🔥 RARE WILD TURKEY FIND! 🔥 On a recent pilgrimage to the legendary Wild Turkey Distillery, one of the distillers pointed us to an extraordinary bottle hiding in plain sight: a Wild Turkey 101 Private Selection Single Barrel! But what makes this bottle truly unique and a potential unicorn pour? It hails from the historic and fabled Warehouse TY-A!

For decades, Warehouse TY-A has been whispered about among bourbon aficionados as a place where magic happens. What secrets does this particular warehouse hold that might influence the whiskey aged within its hallowed walls?

In this video, we’re diving deep! First, we’ll uncover the fascinating history and mystique behind Warehouse TY-A, exploring why this location is so significant to the Wild Turkey legacy. Then, the moment you’ve been waiting for: we’ll uncork this rare find and share our first, unfiltered tasting notes!

We’ll meticulously explore every facet of this unique Wild Turkey 101:

  • Color: Does it reflect its unique aging environment?
  • Nose: What distinctive aromas waft from the glass?
  • Palate: How does the flavor profile differ from standard 101 or other single barrels?
  • Finish: Does it leave a lasting impression?

Did we find it to be remarkably different? Was it exceptionally good? And most importantly, did this unique single barrel from Warehouse TY-A offer a solid value for the price?

Curious about the magic of specific bourbon warehouses? Ever wondered how location impacts flavor? This is the video for you!

Ready to join us for our honest reactions, detailed analysis, and find out if this rare Wild Turkey lives up to the hype?

🔥 Click play ▶️ now to uncork the adventure and discover the secrets of Warehouse TY-A! 🔥

Don’t miss a single sip! If you enjoy rare bourbon finds and honest reviews: 

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👇 Leave a comment below and tell us: What’s the most unusual or rare bourbon bottle you’ve ever found?

Cheers! 🥃 Let’s explore the world of bourbon together!

#bourbon #WildTurkey  #bourbonreview 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Wild Turkey Private Selection Single Barrel Distiller’s Select 2025

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Campari
  • Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 years, 7 months (Distilled 06/28/16, Bottled 02/24/25)
  • Other: Warehouse TY-A, Floor 4, Barrel 25-0001
  • Proof: 101
  • Signed by: Jimmy Russell
  • Purchased: 05/17/25 for $80.00 at Wild Turkey Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

Uncorking a Legend: Wild Turkey 101 8 Year First Look

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For years, it was a coveted gem whispered about in bourbon circles, a legend only found in select corners of the globe. Now, the wait is over! Join us on an exciting quest as we track down the newly returned Wild Turkey 101 8 Year Bourbon right here in the USA. We’ll share our experience of acquiring this highly anticipated bottle.

But the real adventure begins when we pop the cork! Get ready for a detailed sensory journey: we’ll pour a dram and meticulously explore its deep amber hue and captivating appearance in the glass. Then, prepare your nose as we delve into the rich tapestry of aromas this 8-year-old expression unveils. Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the first taste! We’ll break down the initial flavors, the development on the palate, and the signature boldness that Wild Turkey 101 is famous for.

The experience doesn’t end there. We’ll linger over the finish, discussing its length, complexity, and the lingering notes that define this special release. Ultimately, we’ll share our honest, unfiltered impressions and offer our recommendations on how best to enjoy this iconic bourbon. Whether you’re a die-hard Wild Turkey fan, a seasoned bourbon collector, or simply curious to taste a piece of bourbon history, grab a glass and join us as we celebrate the triumphant return of Wild Turkey 101 8 Year!

Don’t miss out on future explorations of rare and exceptional spirits – hit that subscribe button and become part of our growing community of flavor enthusiasts! Cheers!

Note: Wild Turkey Distilling Co. is permanently bringing its Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon to the United States after it gained popularity as a best-selling favorite in select export markets. This age-stated bourbon, a nod to the original Wild Turkey 101, has long been a favorite of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell. Associate Master Blender Bruce Russell highlights its special place in the distillery’s history and notes the growing US demand for age-stated bourbons. This reintroduction follows a limited release last year celebrating Jimmy Russell’s 70th anniversary. Unlike the standard Wild Turkey 101 (a blend of 6- to 8-year-old bourbons), the 8-Year-Old is crafted from a smaller batch of hand-selected barrels, catering to those seeking an aged, bold-flavored expression.

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

✴️ Wild Turkey 101 8 Year Old

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Company: Campari Group
  • Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
  • Age: 8 Year minimum
  • Proof: 101
  • MSRP: $45
  • Released: April 2025
  • Purchased: 04/25/25 for $42.99 at Beverage Barn in Henderson, KY

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✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.