November 7, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer
Back in September, Wayne and I enjoyed a fantastic visit to the Wild Turkey Distillery and it happened to be the week of celebration for Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary in the industry. During that visit, we were each able to acquire one bottle of the special release for this momentous occasion.
Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Release: “Commemorative bourbon release honoring Master Distiller Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary with Wild Turkey making him the longest-tenured spirits Master Distiller in the world.”
“To honor Jimmy’s incredible impact on the bourbon world, Wild Turkey is proud to present the limited-edition Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell’s 70th Anniversary 8-Year-Old Bourbon. This collector-worthy release is an 8-Year-Old, 101-proof bourbon, with an additional blend of 8- to 9-year-old whiskeys, hand-selected from a few of Jimmy’s favorite Rickhouses. Best enjoyed neat or over ice, this bourbon is a true tribute to Jimmy’s legacy.”
Tasting Notes: Wild Turkey Jimmy Russell 70th Anniversary Release
Please be sure to read our approach to Tasting Whiskey if you haven’t already.
Mashbill – 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Age – 8 years
Proof – 101
Price Paid – $49.99 (plus tax)
Color – Medium copper.
Aroma – Vanilla, caramel, cinnamon – a very classic bourbon profile, inviting on the nose, and with a tad bit of smokiness or tobacco notes.
Tasted Neat – Like the nose, there is creamy vanilla, caramel (almost a butterscotch), and cinnamon. There is also a hint of a dark stone fruit and a slight nuttiness.
Finish – The finish is medium to long. The flavor profile really continues with the finish as there is oak and cinnamon that linger in a very pleasant way. There is also a note of very dark chocolate with some caramel sweetness on the finish.
Tasted with dried cranberry – This somewhat muted the flavor profile. Sweetness at the beginning, some orange zest, very limited finish.
Tasted with a pecan – Brings a lot of barrel notes of char and smokiness forward. It also intensified the pecan flavors. This truly highlighted the barrel in a great way.
Tasted with dark chocolate – Creamy, chocolate, not spicy, with a long finish of barrel char, cinnamon, dark chocolate, very nice finish.
Final Notes and Video
A few reasons why we love this bourbon: The nose confidently showcases vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon – a classic bourbon profile that is undeniably inviting, complemented by subtle hints of smokiness or tobacco. Upon tasting it neat, it is clear this is a bourbon drinker’s delight. Echoing the nose, creamy vanilla, rich caramel (almost akin to butterscotch), and vibrant cinnamon make their mark. There’s an unmistakable essence of dark stone fruit and a touch of nuttiness that enhances the experience. The finish is impressively medium to long, with flavors of oak and cinnamon beautifully lingering in a most satisfying manner. Additionally, a rich note of dark chocolate intertwines with a delicate caramel sweetness, rounding out the terrific finish.
We love that this commemorative bottle is affordable and that is truly in alignment with who Jimmy Russell is. In addition, they made it available! Too often, such releases are nearly impossible to find. Wild Turkey has placed this on a wider distribution so that fans can find it, buy it, enjoy it, and raise a glass in honor of Jimmy Russell! Cheers!
Embracing the Craft,
Wayne & Rebecca
Photos and video by Rebecca Herman McBrayer
NOTE: The bourbon 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.
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Such whiskeys have all the requirements of bourbon: Made in the U.S, distilled at <= 160 proof, barreled at <= 125 proof, aged in new, charred oak containers, bottled at >= 80 proof. Straight bourbon means it is aged at least 2 years (and must have an age statement if less than 4). In addition, to be Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it has the additional requirement that it must be produced and aged at least 1 year in the state of Kentucky. For additional information on bourbon requirements, please read this post – Bourbon Whiskey.
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