Review by: Raygun

An r/bourbon single barrel selection from 2021. Had several WT products before, but this will be my first Kentucky Spirit. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 10 minutes. 

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Distillery: Wild Turkey

Brand: Kentucky Spirit 

Region/style: Kentucky straight bourbon

ABV: 50.5% 

Age: 9 years. Distilled in 2011, bottled 5/4/21. 

Cask type: New charred oak

Color: 1.4 tawny. Natural color.

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Nose: Caramel, a little root beer, and some toasted nuts, pecans I’d say. Some spice pokes its head out from the background.   

Palate: A little spicier here. More oak presence. Root beer, honey-roasted peanuts, a hint of cocoa with cinnamon and clove. I like the spice character, like bread pudding. 

Finish: Gets drier and more tannic here. Some candied citrus peel and a little cocoa still. Nice level of oak. 

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Conclusion: It’s a nice drink. I’d be interested to compare it to a Russell’s Reserve SiB. That’s a little higher proof, but younger I think. This is pretty much a 9 year 101, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Stronger oak influence, more nuts, and that bit of cocoa are all good additions. 

Buy a bottle? I’m sure this is gone, but I’d consider other Kentucky Spirit selections.

Score: 79

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Stagg Jr batch 12)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (new))
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Pikesville Rye)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Wild Turkey 101)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Maker’s Mark)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Grandad 114)
• 0-49: Blech. (High West Yippee-ki-yay)