Wild Turkey is one of the most popular bourbon brands in the world, known for its bold, spicy flavor profile. Many whiskey drinkers enjoy Wild Turkey straight or neat, with no ice or mixers. However, drinking any bourbon straight is an acquired taste and Wild Turkey tends to have more kick than some other bourbons on the market. Here is a detailed look at what makes Wild Turkey unique and whether it tastes good when consumed straight.
What is Wild Turkey Bourbon?
Wild Turkey is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced by the Austin Nichols Distillery, which is owned by the Campari Group. It was first distilled in 1940 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky near the Kentucky River. The distillery takes its name from a legend that says its original Master Distiller, Thomas McCarthy, once shot a wild turkey while on a bourbon hunt with his friends. The Wild Turkey brand was officially established in 1942.
All Wild Turkey bourbons are aged in new, charred American white oak barrels to impart color and flavor. These are the key characteristics of Wild Turkey bourbons:
- Wild Turkey 101 – The flagship bourbon, aged 4-6 years and bottled at 50.5% ABV (101 proof). It has a very bold, spicy flavor with notes of oak, maple, orange, pecan, and rye.
- Wild Turkey Longbranch – Aged in Texas mesquite charcoal barrels after the standard aging, giving it a smoother taste with notes of oak, citrus, and pepper.
- Wild Turkey Rare Breed – A barrel proof blended bourbon with no age statement, typically around 112 proof. Big oak, caramel, and spicy flavors.
- Wild Turkey Master’s Keep – Special limited releases finished in various casks like sherry or cognac.
- Wild Turkey Rye – Made with a high rye mashbill, aged at least 4 years. Robust rye spice flavors.
The core Wild Turkey 101 bourbon has a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. It is aged for 4-6 years in deeply charred new oak barrels. The higher rye content gives Wild Turkey a spicier, bolder flavor profile than many other bourbons.
Tasting Notes for Wild Turkey 101 Straight
Here are some of the most common tasting notes people get when drinking Wild Turkey 101 straight or neat:
- Color: Amber to medium-dark brown
- Nose: Very oaky and rich with vanilla, caramel, orange, clove, and pepper notes. Hints of tobacco and leather from aging.
- Palate: Thick, oily texture. Robust oak, brown sugar, and pepper bite right away. Notes of maple syrup, toasted nuts, baking spices, and dried fruit come through as well.
- Finish: Long, warming finish with lingering oak, spice, and sweetness. Alcohol heat is noticeable but not overpowering.
Compared to lighter or wheated bourbons like Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey has a much bolder, richer flavor with more oak influence. The high rye content provides plenty of spicy kick. It is packed with complex flavors like brown sugar, baking spices, and orange, but also has some burnt, leathery notes from the aging process. It has noticeable alcohol heat, especially on the finish, given its high 101 proof.
The Pros of Drinking Wild Turkey 101 Straight
There are several positives to drinking Wild Turkey 101 neat or on the rocks:
- You get to fully experience the complex, robust flavors without anything else interfering. No added water or ice to dilute the flavors.
- Bourbon fans enjoy picking up on the different tasting notes from the nose to the palate to the finish. Drinking straight allows you to notice the subtle oak and spice notes.
- It’s the traditional way to drink high-quality bourbon like Wild Turkey 101. Many whiskey lovers prefer it this way.
- You can slowly sip it straight to appreciate the nuances, or drink it faster to feel the alcohol heat and spice.
- Drinking straight has a certain mystique and novelty factor, making it great for impressing guests or enjoying on special occasions.
While the alcohol burn may be off-putting to some, many aficionados consider it an integral part of the straight bourbon experience. Sipping Wild Turkey 101 neat allows the full flavor to shine through.
The Cons of Drinking Wild Turkey 101 Straight
There are also some drawbacks to consuming Wild Turkey 101 bourbon straight with no ice or mixers:
- The high alcohol content (101 proof) makes it burn quite a bit going down. The heat can overwhelm some drinkers.
- The oak and spice flavors are very strong and concentrated when drinking straight. Some may find it overpowering.
- It’s not as approachable or easy-drinking as having it on the rocks or in a cocktail. Less suited for casual sipping.
- Bourbon novices may not be able to appreciate the nuances of the spirit when consumed straight.
- Given the intensity of flavor, some drinkers may find they need to add a few drops of water to open it up and make it more palatable.
While Wild Turkey 101 straight certainly packs a punch, even experienced whiskey fans may find it a bit harsh without any dilution. The oak and spice on the palate and lingering heat on the finish may be exhaustive over the course of a full glass.
Who Should Drink Wild Turkey 101 Straight
Drinking bourbon like Wild Turkey 101 straight best suits these types of whiskey drinkers:
- Bourbon purists – Aficionados who want to experience the bourbon in its purest form and appreciate all the complex flavors.
- Cocktail enthusiasts – Those who want to understand the base spirit’s flavor profile before using it in cocktails.
- Spicy food lovers – Those who enjoy and can handle the punch of high-proof, spicy bourbon.
- Fans of oak flavors – As Wild Turkey is aged in heavily charred barrels, those who like oak influence suit it straight.
- Sippers – Slow drinkers who want to savor bourbon and analyze the tasting notes.
In general, straight bourbon best suits experienced whiskey drinkers who want to closely analyze flavors and are not bothered by higher alcohol heat. Novices may want to start with a few drops of water or ice to dilute the intensity.
Who Should Avoid Wild Turkey 101 Straight
Some types of drinkers may want to avoid consuming Wild Turkey 101 straight or neat:
- Those sensitive to spicy flavors – If you find even mildly spicy foods too hot, 101 proof bourbon may be overpowering.
- Cocktail drinkers – If using in mixed drinks, no need to drink it straight. Best to judge its flavor when blended.
- New bourbon drinkers – To develop an appreciation for bourbon, start with lower proof options before graduating to Wild Turkey.
- All-night drinkers – The flavor intensity may exhaust your palate if consuming over a long session.
- Dislikers of oak flavor – The heavy charred oak influence will dominate when drinking straight.
In general, Wild Turkey 101 straight is not ideal for newer bourbon drinkers or those who know they dislike oak or spice. Building up slowly to higher proof bourbons is recommended to develop your palate.
How Should You Drink Wild Turkey 101?
While Wild Turkey 101 can certainly be enjoyed neat, here are some other recommended ways to drink it:
- On the rocks – Adding ice cubes dilutes the flavor while chilling it. More approachable for sipping.
- With a few drops of water – Lets the bourbon open up but still keeps the robust flavors.
- In classic cocktails – Works great in Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Whiskey Sours.
- As shots – Some prefer to drink 101 proof bourbon as shots to feel the alcohol kick.
- In highballs – Mix with ginger ale, cola, lemonade, etc. for easy-drinking refreshment.
One of the beauties of Wild Turkey 101 is that it is bold enough to shine through in cocktails, while also being enjoyable chilled or diluted for casual sipping. Find what works best for your palate!
What Does Wild Turkey 101 Go Well With?
Certain foods, desserts and snacks pair excellently with the robust flavor profile of Wild Turkey 101 straight bourbon:
- Barbecue – The savory, charred flavors complement turkey’s spice.
- Spicy cuisine – Holds up well against chili, buffalo wings, curry and cajun dishes.
- Grilled meats – Excellent with the charred notes from steaks, burgers, etc.
- Aged, hard cheeses – Pairs nicely with parmesan, aged cheddar and gouda.
- Dark chocolate – The cocoa notes match the bourbon’s sweetness.
- Apple pie – The classic bourbon and apple dessert pairing.
- Coffee – The roasted coffee flavors mesh nicely with the oaky bourbon.
In general, foods with some sweetness or richness balance out Wild Turkey’s spice and oakiness. But it also complements many savory, charred flavors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, is Wild Turkey 101 good when consumed straight or neat with no ice or mixers? Here are some key points to help you decide:
- Wild Turkey 101 has an intensely flavored, high-rye mash bill aged in heavily charred oak. This gives it lots of spice, oak, and heat – but also incredible richness and complexity.
- Drinking it straight allows you to experience the full range of flavors and appreciate the bourbon’s bold character.
- It’s a great choice for seasoned bourbon drinkers who enjoy spice, oak, and alcoholic heat. But it may be overpowering for novices.
- To make it more approachable, try adding a few drops of water or drinking it on the rocks to provide some dilution while enjoying the flavors.
- It also shines through fantastically in cocktails, especially Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Whiskey Sours.
- Bolder foods like barbecue, aged cheeses, chocolate, and coffee complement it nicely.
Wild Turkey 101 makes an excellent sipping bourbon, but is best appreciated by those who already enjoy high proof, oak-heavy spirits. The flavor may be a bit intense for casual drinking. But it’s a world-class Kentucky bourbon with an avid following.