For as long as I've been old enough to buy whiskey for myself, bourbon has been my favorite, Wild Turkey. I don't remember exactly how this happened, but if I was going to a house party or basement concert I would always grab a pocket-sized bottle of Wild Turkey 101. The bold, spicy Wild Turkey flavor profile is what I've always considered bourbon to be at its core.
Wild Turkey 101 is still a staple at my home bar, but my taste for bourbon has evolved in the intervening years. I still have a penchant for the classic Wild Turkey profile, but these days I tend to gravitate towards stronger, more complex bourbons. Luckily, there's an affordable, easy-to-find bottle of bourbon that scratches exactly that itch – Wild Turkey Rare Breed – and it may be the best bang for your buck of all whiskeys.
Men's Journal aims to highlight only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices are subject to change. If you buy something through one of our links we may earn a commission.
Related: How to Drink Pure Whiskey
What is a Rare Breed of Wild Turkey?
First introduced in 1991, Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a stronger, barrel-proof alternative to Wild Turkey 101. Since its launch, the distillery has released a handful of different batches with slightly different flavor profiles and varying intensities. These groups are indicated by differences in evidence, with the latest being at 116.8.
Rare Breed has never made an age statement, but it consists of a blend of six-, eight- and 12-year-old bourbons, according to the distillery. This puts it in the sweet spot for master distiller Jimmy Russell's ideal age for bourbon. Beyond the proof, the addition of 12-year-old bourbon sets Rare Breed apart. Older barrels offer more depth and complexity than the younger Wild Turkey 101.
Want the latest whiskey news, deals and reviews? Sign up for the Whiskey Wednesday newsletter.
Wild Turkey uses only one mash bill for all of its bourbons; so Rare Breed comes from the same blend of 75 percent corn, 13 percent rye, and 12 percent malted barley. Aging, blending and most importantly the proof point is what makes Rare Breed a unique whisky.
Like most small-batch offerings, not all bottlings of Wild Turkey Rare Breed are equal in quality. Rare Breed 112.8 had a reputation for disappointment among enthusiasts. Fortunately, the distillery has corrected course with its latest batch, Rare Breed 116.8. The latest iteration is the label's return to form.
Dylan Ettinger
What Does Wild Turkey Rare Breed Taste Like?
Rare Breed is full of classic bourbon aromas and flavors. On the nose there are aromas of toffee, red apple and dark cherry, supported by orange zest and a little cinnamon. On the palate, the whiskey explodes with notes of salted caramel and maple, along with a hint of citrus and a hint of barrel charcoal to balance the rich sweetness. The scent of clove and cinnamon that becomes evident on the palate reminds us that the whiskey comes from Wild Turkey and makes the rich caramel flavors even stronger. The mouthfeel is slightly viscous and velvety, with a long and spicy vanilla finish.
Rare Breed is a bourbon for people who love bourbon. To me, this is one of the purest expressions of what Kentucky Bourbon should be. It reaches all the classical notes without pulling any punches.
I'm not the only one who feels this way about Rare Breed. It is well known in bourbon circles that Jimmy Russell, who is celebrating 70 years of bourbon making at Wild Turkey, prefers a glass of chilled, straight Rare Breed as his beverage of choice.
How Much Does Wild Turkey Rare Breed Cost?
There are many full-flavored, high-proof bourbons on the market now, and some are as satisfying as Rare Breed. What really sets this bourbon apart is the value.
Whiskey prices vary by market, but Rare Breed sells for between $45 and $60 per bottle in most regions. At this price point, I instantly replace my bottle almost as soon as I finish it. It's more affordable than direct competitors like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Buffalo Trace Distillery's George T. Stagg. It's also much easier to find on store shelves.
This combination of rich flavor, proof point, price and availability is extremely rare in today's competitive bourbon market. Wild Turkey Rare Breed is one of those rare bottles that falls in that sweet spot, making it a favorite among bourbon drinkers who want something truly delicious at a reasonable price.
Last year I had the opportunity to visit Wild Turkey Distillery for the first time. I had the opportunity to purchase a bottle of bourbon from the gift shop and have it signed by Jimmy, Eddie and Bruce Russell, three generations of the family that makes whiskey at Wild Turkey. When it came time to choose a bottle, the choice was clear; It was supposed to be Wild Turkey Rare Breed. After all, if it's good enough for Jimmy Russell, it's certainly good enough for me.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Courtesy Image
Related: I've Tasted Thousands of Whiskeys. Every Home Bar Needs This Affordable Bourbon