Wild Turkey Tribute 15 Years Review

There are two versions of the Wild Turkey Tribute 15 years, the American – in a round bottle and bottled at 101 proof, and the Japanese version – in the Kentucky Spirit bottle and bottled at 110 proof. This is obviously the Japanese version. Outside of proof and bottle they’re the same whiskey and were both introduced to the world in 2004.

Originally created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jimmy Russell working at Wild Turkey, it hit the market around $100 a bottle. Over the last 14 years as bourbon has become more collectable and the prices shot up, especially on older bottlings of Wild Tukey, it can now easily fetch $1,200+ in specialty stores, auctions and the secondary market.

Wild Turkey Tribute 15 years Review: Details and Tasting Notes

Wild Turkey Tribute 15 years price, ABV, age and other details

Region: Kentucky, USA

Distiller: Wild Turkey
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 15 years
ABV: 55%

Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller

Wild Turkey Tribute 15 years Tasting Notes

EYE
Dark caramel

NOSE
Oak, dark fruit syrup, cinnamon, clove, nuts, vanilla and a bit of menthol.

PALATE
Oak, roasted corn, complex spice, caramel, vanilla, nuts and menthol.

FINISH
Long -> Oak, corn, spice and herbal.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Well balanced, rich full body and a heavy oily feel.

Wild Turkey Tribute 15 years Review: OVERALL

This is some good whiskey… and that might be an understatement. I got to try the Wild Turkey Tribute 15 years side-by-side with the Russell’s Reserve 98 and the Russell’s Reserve 02 and it fit right at home with them and aligned quite nicely with the Russell’s Reserve 02 with its level of spice.

The overall depth and quality of this whiskey was impressive and despite having a table chock full of great stuff, I found myself stealing a second sip towards the end of the night. I can see why this whiskey has long been regarded as a legendary bottle; it’s fantastic.

SCORE: 90-92/100 (A-, not consumed at home)