Wild Turkey is a popular bourbon whiskey brand that is produced in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. It is one of the more affordable and widely available bourbon brands on the market. Many drinkers consider Wild Turkey to offer good value for the price, though opinions vary on whether it qualifies as a “cheap” whiskey.
Price comparison
At around $20-25 for a 750mL bottle, Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon is indeed one of the more affordable bourbon options you’ll find from a major distillery. However, there are a number of factors to consider when evaluating if Wild Turkey is truly “cheap” whiskey:
- It is less expensive than many premium/small batch bourbons which can cost $40-60+ per bottle.
- But it costs more than bottom-shelf bourbon brands like Evan Williams, Jim Beam White Label, and Ancient Age which can be found for $15-18.
- Its price is on par with other popular mid-range bourbons like Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, and Woodford Reserve.
- For a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Wild Turkey 101 provides good value – you’re getting a properly aged, high-proof bourbon for a reasonable price.
So while Wild Turkey 101 is definitely on the budget-friendly side of the bourbon spectrum, “cheap” may be too subjective and relative a term. It occupies a space of having premium distillery quality at an accessible price point compared to many boutique/small batch bourbons.
Taste and quality
Wild Turkey 101 is aged for at least 4-6 years and bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV), giving it a bold, rich flavor profile. It’s a high-rye bourbon mashbill, meaning it has more rye content than many bourbons, adding spiciness and complexity. Here’s how it generally stacks up in terms of taste and quality:
- It has a complex array of flavors including caramel, vanilla, orange, honey, butterscotch, and pepper.
- The high proof delivers a punchy, fiery character with a long, warm finish.
- As a mixing whiskey, it stands up excellently in cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Manhattans.
- Sipped neat or on the rocks, it offers lots of robust Kentucky bourbon flavor and character.
- There are more refined or complex bourbons, but Wild Turkey holds its own against pricier options.
While taste is subjective, Wild Turkey 101 has all the hallmarks of a quality Kentucky bourbon and delivers a flavorful, satisfying drinking experience. The consensus is that it represents very good quality for the price.
Perception and reputation
As one of the top-selling Kentucky bourbons, Wild Turkey has a strong reputation and brand recognition. Though some whiskey drinkers may look down on it as a “cheap” option, it also has many devoted fans who view it as an excellent bang-for-your-buck bourbon.
- It has heavyweight bourbon credentials as the flagship product of a major Kentucky distillery.
- The brand has heritage dating back to the 1940s and is now owned by liquor giant Campari.
- It’s popular both as an everyday drinking bourbon and as a component in cocktails.
- Some whiskey aficionados may not rate it highly or see it as a “cheap” option for rookie drinkers.
- But many others appreciate it as a solid, tasty bourbon with no pretense or high price tag.
On the whole, Wild Turkey has a reputation as good quality, classic Kentucky bourbon enjoyed both by whiskey novices and connoisseurs. While some may unfairly underestimate it as cheap or bottom-shelf, it remains highly popular and respected overall.
How Wild Turkey compares to other popular bourbons
Here’s how Wild Turkey stacks up against some other major Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey brands:
Brand | Approx. Price | Proof | Age | Mashbill | Flavor Profile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wild Turkey 101 | $25 | 101 | 4-6 years | High rye | Spicy, bold, complex |
Jim Beam White Label | $18 | 80 | 4 years | Low rye | Smooth, approachable, mellow |
Maker’s Mark | $30 | 90 | 5-6 years | Medium rye | Sweet, wheat-forward, honey |
Woodford Reserve | $40 | 90.4 | 6-7 years | Medium rye | Rich, layered, complex |
Bulleit Bourbon | $25 | 90 | 4-7 years | High rye | Spicy, smooth, medium-bodied |
This comparison shows that while Wild Turkey 101 is priced lower than some premium small-batch bourbons, it still delivers great flavor, character, and quality for the money. It’s on par with other good-value bourbon brands.
Conclusion
Wild Turkey 101 provides a solid Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey drinking experience at an affordable price point. While “cheap” can be an unfair characterization, Wild Turkey is undoubtedly economical compared to many pricier, upscale bourbon brands.
However, it remains a quality, tasty whiskey that represents the Wild Turkey distillery’s expertise and tradition. With its bold flavor profile, high proof, and versatile mixing abilities, Wild Turkey 101 offers an excellent value for bourbon drinkers looking for an affordable go-to option.
For a smooth, flavorful sipping or mixing whiskey under $30, Wild Turkey 101 is hard to beat. While everyone’s palate is different, most would agree this beloved Kentucky bourbon punching above its price class in quality and taste.
So while some elitist whiskey enthusiasts may unfairly write it off as “cheap,” Wild Turkey 101 has earned its reputation as the quintessential bang-for-your-buck bourbon. For budget-conscious drinkers not looking to break the bank, cracking open a Wild Turkey 101 is a smart choice that rarely disappoints.
With its appealing price point matched with proven Kentucky bourbon heritage and flavor, Wild Turkey hits the sweet spot – an economical whiskey you can enjoy straight or mixed without breaking the bank. While perceptions on what makes whiskey “cheap” or “expensive” are subjective, most would agree Wild Turkey 101 offers serious bourbon bang for the buck.
At the end of the day, Wild Turkey 101 provides plenty of smooth, flavorful bourbon goodness without the hefty price tag. That combination makes it a value winner, punching well above its weight class in taste and quality compared to the price. Cheap? Not quite – but delicious Kentucky bourbon you can afford to drink anytime.