Description

Wild Turkey 12 Year Old Distiller’s Reserve Bottling Note

More than just another store-shelf bourbon, the Wild Turkey 12 Year Distiller’s Reserve is a resurrected expression, reborn for the export market in 2022. This Kentucky Straight Bourbon boasts the classic Wild Turkey mashbill (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley) and slumbers for a minimum of twelve years in charred oak barrels, acquiring a rich amber color that hints at its lengthy maturation.

The 101 proof (50.5% ABV) ensures a bold and flavorful experience, beautifully balanced by the twelve years of aging. The taste is a symphony of vanilla and caramel that carries over from the nose, accented by hints of baking spices and a touch of oak. Some reviewers even pick up a subtle chocolate orange note on the finish, creating a truly memorable aftertaste.

This bourbon is a celebration of Wild Turkey’s heritage and the legendary craftsmanship of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, the father-son duo who have steered the distillery for decades. It’s a complex and satisfying expression that showcases the bold character of Wild Turkey in a refined, aged form.

There’s a catch, however. The Wild Turkey 12 Year Distiller’s Reserve is currently an export-only product, so you won’t find it on most American liquor store shelves. But if you’re lucky enough to encounter it on your travels, especially in Japan where it has seen a resurgence, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Wild Turkey 12 Year Old Distiller’s Reserve Tasting Note

Nose: Warm vanilla leads the aroma, deepening with hints of caramel and baking spice. A surprising touch of citrus adds complexity.

Palate: The 101 proof delivers a bold arrival, balanced by the smooth, aged character. Vanilla and caramel flavors carry over from the nose, complemented by oak and baking spices. Some may detect a subtle chocolate orange note on the finish.

Finish: A lingering warmth of spice and oak fades slowly alongside the vanilla and caramel sweetness, leaving a dry invitation for another sip.

Overall: This well-balanced 12-year Wild Turkey bourbon showcases its bold character through a complex interplay of vanilla, caramel, spice, and a hint of citrus. The smooth finish invites slow sipping and savoring.