Wild Turkey 101: Jimmy Russell's Favourite — 101 Proof of Kentucky Tradition Since the 1940s

Item: Wild Turkey 101: Jimmy Russell's Favourite — 101 Proof of Kentucky Tradition Since the 1940s
Rating: 8
Author: Joe Whitfield

Joe Whitfield April 10, 2026 1 views

8 /10

EDITOR

Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
Type: Bourbon
Age: 6-8 Years
ABV: 50.5% ABV
Price: £25

Tasting Notes

Nose

Unmistakable Wild Turkey character — caramel and vanilla wrapped in seasoned oak, honeyed warmth, the 101 proof adding aromatic intensity

Palate

Rich toffee and caramel — waves of cinnamon, black pepper, dried apricot, cherry, pumpernickel, roasted oak, clove, licorice, the signature Turkey funk, full-bodied at 101 proof without harshness

Finish

Long and warm — cinnamon and oak, the pre-Prohibition style that Jimmy Russell preserved, rich caramel fading to dry oak spice

First Impressions

Jimmy Russell — Master Distiller for over 60 years — embraced the pre-Prohibition style and 'didn't change a damn thing.' Wild Turkey 101 is his favourite: 101 proof (50.5% ABV), full-bodied, and rich. The higher proof delivers flavour that lower-proof bourbons sacrifice. Now part of Campari Group.

Tasting

The nose is caramel, vanilla, and seasoned oak. On the palate at 50.5%, rich toffee with cinnamon, black pepper, cherry, and roasted oak. The finish is long and warm with cinnamon and oak.

The Verdict

Wild Turkey 101 earns an 8 — at 101 proof and under £25, it delivers a rich, complex, full-bodied experience that more expensive bourbons envy. Jimmy Russell's favourite for 60 years. The bourbon that didn't change.

Where to Buy

Master of Malt
£33.95

Buy Now

As an affiliate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.

Joe Whitfield

Editor-in-Chief

Joe has spent over fifteen years immersed in the whiskey industry, beginning his career at a Speyside distillery before moving into drinks journalism. As Editor-in-Chief at Whiskeyful.com, he oversees...