I've spent nearly twenty years writing about alcohol. During this time, I traveled the world, from Taiwan to Tullahoma, TN, sipping complex and sometimes extraordinarily rare whiskeys. I've tried fifty-year-old Scotch whiskeys from the Scottish Highlands and decades-old highly sought-after bourbon from Kentucky.
So I know how to pick out the subtle aromas and flavors found in long-aged, high-quality whiskeys. But I've also learned that while you get what you pay for when you're paying more than thousands of dollars, you can also find surprisingly high-quality whiskey for less than the price of a tank of gas, and in some cases, much less.
And while I could write all day about bourbons that match the perfect value-to-price ratio, today it's all about Wild Turkey 101. Don't you believe me? Take a random survey of bourbon drinkers and bartenders and ask them to name the bourbon they use every day; You'll find many touting the prowess of Wild Turkey 101.
Don't get me wrong. I agree that this whiskey is not a hidden gem. This precious bourbon has been produced the same way since its inception in 1940. But for whatever reason, Wild Turkey 101 is underappreciated like many of his Kentucky-born counterparts. Maybe it's because so many of us had a bad morning at college after a night spent drinking bourbon. If this is you, it's time to give it another try.
Related: I've Tasted Hundreds of Whiskeys. This Smooth Bottle Is One of the Best Values on Store Shelves
Wild Turkey 101 starts with a mash bill consisting of 75 percent corn, 13 percent rye and 12 percent malted barley. A blend of bourbons matured for six to eight years in charred American oak barrels. It takes its name from being 101 proof.
And if you haven't figured it out yet, this popular bourbon is incredibly inexpensive. Seriously, it's really cheap. In most areas, a 750ml bottle can be yours for around $25.
For a borderline bottom-shelf whiskey, Wild Turkey 101 is surprisingly complex and flavorful. It fills the palate with aromas of toasted vanilla beans, peppery rye, oak and light spices, as well as caramel corn, vanilla beans, cracked black pepper, cinnamon and oak. The finish is a nice blend of peppery, spicy, sweet corn and charred oak. Surprisingly complex and flavorful for a borderline bottom-shelf whisky.
Whether neat or on the rocks, it's good enough to enjoy sipping every day. But it also shines in an old-fashioned Sazerac or any of your favorite whiskey-based cocktails, thanks to its 101 proof. It's not barrel-strength by any means, but at 50.5 percent ABV it won't be diluted in a mixed drink. Add your favorite bitters, simple syrup, and as many tinctures, fruits, and herbs as you like; This whiskey will not get lost behind other flavors. I think of Wild Turkey 101 as the Swiss Army Knife of bourbons because of its unique versatility.
Next time you find yourself at a liquor store, I implore you to pick up a bottle of Wild Turkey 101. When you get home, pop it open and enjoy before mixing it into your Manhattan. You'll quickly realize you won't find a better, more versatile bottle. Once you buy it, you're guaranteed to find a permanent place in your home bar or bar cart.
Wild Turkey 101 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Courtesy of Wild Turkey
Related: I've Tasted Thousands of Whiskeys. Every Home Bar Needs This Affordable Bourbon