Wild Turkey 8 years 101 is the older version of the much beloved Wild Turkey 101 from back when it carried an age-statement; this particular bottle was from the 90s. This whiskey was also distilled at the old distillery on the old equipment which imparted some different flavors and aromas to it than what you find today.
Today’s Wild Turkey is a bit fruitier and lighter on the spice than the older stuff. Both the older and the current WT 101 are great whiskeys and some people go nuts for this older stuff while others prefer the newer profile a bit more. Me, I like both equally but differently. On to the Wild Turkey 8 years 101 review.
Wild Turkey 8 years Info
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Wild Turkey
Mashbill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye & 10% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 8 years
ABV: 51.5%
Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller
Wild Turkey 8 years Review
EYE
Caramel
NOSE
Caramel, musty OBE, oak, heavy baking spice, vanilla, butterscotch custard and a bit of grain and an herbal character.
PALATE
Caramel, rye and baking spice, vanilla, creme brulee, oak, savory herbs, OBE and a bit of grain and a touch of anise.
FINISH
Long fade of spice, oak, caramel and that herbal nature it’s carrying.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Well balanced, medium body and a light feel.
OVERALL
Wild Turkey 8 years 101 is some damn fine whiskey. Dark, sweet and rustic it carries that classic Turkey taste and aroma that can’t be found today and is something I’d welcome in my glass any day. Heavy with oak, spice and dark sweets (caramel, toffee, butterscotch, etc.) it almost hits the mark of the 90+ range, but this 90s bottling feels light and not as robust as some bottlings I’ve had.
These 8-year-old 101 proof Wild Turkeys can vary in quality but generally speaking they’re really good whiskeys. I was lucky enough to participate in a huge vertical of WT 101s across various years so for a more in-depth look at the 101s over time check out this post: Wild Turkey 101 Tasting – Running through a rafter of Wild Turkey 101s.
SCORE: 87-89/100 (B+, consumed at a tasting)