Bottom line, Wild Turkey 101 is great. I don’t know when this pervasive pop-culture idea came about that Wild Turkey is shitty rot-gut-not-fit-for-human-consumption came about, but to be honest I’m a little tired of hearing it. Maybe this idea came from the Wild Turkey 80 which, admittedly, was a lackluster bourbon. Either way one taste of the 101 should quickly eviscerate those thoughts from anyone’s mind.
In case you didn’t know 101 means its 101 proof so 50.5% of what’s in the bottle is alcohol and at first glance it seems a bit strange that they would go through the trouble of ensuring that extra 0.5% was in the bottle. The story is that back in “the day”, after Wild Turkey got it’s name (1941), it was competing with a lot of other bourbons that were bottled in bond which means that they had to be bottled at 100 proof. Not willing to be outdone, the folks at Wild Turkey wanted to stand out and make their whiskey 1 better. 101.
Overall Wild Turkey 101 is a balanced and robust whiskey that never disappoints. It’s packed to the brim with flavor and is as versatile as a bourbon can get. It’s delicious neat, holds up on the rocks and is abso-freaking-loutly amazing in cocktails. I truly do love this whiskey and is one of the best sub-premium bourbons out there that’s commercially available today. It was also a favorite of Hunter S Thompson and if it was good enough for the father of Gonzo Journalism then it’s good enough for me and is something I always have on hand.
If you’ve tried the Wild Turkey 101 I’d love to read your own thoughts or notes in the comments below.
Wild Turkey 101 Review
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Wild Turkey / Austin, Nichols Distilling Co
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: A blend of 6, 7 & 8 year bourbons
ABV: 50.5%
Price: $21
EYE
Dark copper
NOSE
Sweet caramel, bourbon spice, nutmeg and cinnamon. The vanilla is pronounced and brings with it some sweet cream. The wood is a bit hidden until you add a splash of water and then it rolls out next to the vanilla.
TASTE
Caramel like a Werther’s original. Sweet corn followed by vanilla and red licorice. Some citrus, a slight grainy malt and a bit of smoky ash round out the undiluted flavor. Add some water and the oak begins to express itself much more and the corn becomes even more prominent.
FEEL
Smooth and warm with a slight burn, but overall a great mouth feel.
FINISH
Long and initially dominated by Caramel but fades to wood, sweet grains and dark fruit.
SCORE: 87/100
Wild Turkey 101 Review 21
Wild Turkey 101 Review Summary
Wild Turkey 101 is one of the best value bourbons around. It’s insanely good and at a price that is worth celebrating.
Overall
- Nose
- Palate
- Finish
- Balance, Body & Feel
User Review
( votes)( reviews)
Had an interesting experience today of being honored with a glass of pappy van winkle by a gracious customer (bourbon collector), and ended my day at home with 101–my daily. What is it that makes 101 a shelf staple? It’s just drinkable. Pure and simple. The caramel covers the flavor and makes the other flavors
peek teasingly around it. It’s just drinkable. It’s interacting to go from one of the most revered to one of the most available and to not feel like one is necessarily an opponent of the other. The pappy has an amazing clarity of flavor. The 101, like other bourbons we could name, has found a unique placement. It’s great!
Loved reading this Reilly, thanks for sharing. Cheers!
I have a liquor cabinet full of bourbons and ryes but my absolute favorites for mixing are the Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon and Rye. I like them for sipping too but they are absolute stand-outs for mixing. Soda, bitters, vermouth, etc. in a glass with ice. Top flight by themselves or mixed. Great job Jimmy and Eddie!!!!
And great job Josh keeping this site going!!
Thank you Scott and I’m with you! My favorite mixers are the WT 101 Bourbon and Rye. They add a great punch of flavor to cocktails. Cheers!
Hi Josh.
I enjoy your reviews. I, too, enjoy Wild Turkey 101. I agree with your review. I always notice a black cherry taste.
Mark
Thank you Mark and thanks for sharing. cheers!
For some reason I thought for years that WT was nasty rotgut whiskey, but last night in a crowded Walmart liquor aisle that I just wanted to get out of, I was disappointed to see an empty spot where Evan Williams Bottled in Bond should have been, but my eyes zeroed in on the proof and price for WT101 and I just grabbed it. I was so shocked when I got home that I had to go and look this stuff up, and now I think that my much younger self couldn’t handle the high proof and wrote it off. Evan Williams is good, but I don’t know if I’ll ever buy it again if this is available.
Welcome to the club Pat. Cheers! :D
For some, but not all.
I wish I could share in others reverence of the spirit, but to my palate (which I concede is likely wrecked thanks to too many surgeries and too much anesthesia, I find a few other flavors less enjoyable as well) WT101 just isn’t fun for me. Too aggressive up front, too strong overall, and bitey on the back end.
Southern Comfort comes closer, and Old Smoky Caramel gets the job above all others every time. WT is what many others prefer and they’re entitled to it, but for me I never found a way to drink the 101 variety that was actually enjoyable as a drinking experience. I have to respect that others revere it, but it’s not for me. Perhaps I’m not meant to drink such strong liquor, or I’m just too sissified for it, but it’s just no fun and has no home in my liquor cabinet.
Sorry to hear about the medical stuff, but you like what you like and if this isn’t for you there’s nothing wrong with that. Thanks for sharing Tim!
Josh,
For the last couple Halloweens I have had a Trick year Drink for the adults. Not sure how it will be this time around due to covid, but WT 101 will be offered this year. Thanks to you Josh I have traveled the Boulevard of Bourbon with you as my tour guide.
Thanks man, I appreciate that. Cheers! :D
Josh – I enjoy your column and your WT101 review is what started my Bourbon adventure. Wild Turkey 101 is my favorite Bourbon, so far. I prefer it to WT Rare Breed, WT Russel Reserve, and even Blanton’s (hard to believe I know).
WT101 has lots of flavor with the high rye content and its 101 proof. I have tried other Bourbons but keep coming back.
Thank you Mike, and thanks for sharing your own thoughts. Cheers!
Not bad!
Nice review and great comments. My go to bourbon Is Buffalo Trace but during the coronavirus it is impossible to find up here in upstate NY. I bought wild turkey which was a favorite college go to at 80 proof but I went with the 101 this time. I found it a bit harsh but put a bit of cold water in with some vermouth, and bitters, and it made a great Manhattan Great price also.
Sorry you can’t get the BT, but glad the WT101 is treating you well! This is one of my favorites for Manhattans and Sazeracs, awesome to see others enjoying it too. Thanks for sharing Miguel – cheers!
This is a great review. I had always bought into what people had said about Wild Turkey 101 but decided to give it a shot about a year ago when I came across this review. You’re right. It’s very good and absolutely insane when you consider the price. I recommend it regularly now.
Ha, this made my day. Welcome to the Wild Turkey fam ;) Cheers Paul!
This must be one of your most commented on reviews. Couldn’t agree with your review more. Such a versatile and high quality bourbon, available everywhere at a good price. I’ve had a lot of bourbons that were 2x the price, but not as enjoyable. Eddie is a great steward to this beloved wild turkey expression.
Ha, it definitely is, by a long shot! Thanks for sharing your thoughts William!
I’m in agreement on the 101. I have a big family and am a single income, so economy and budget drams are the norm for me. I would love to be able to stock my shelf with a bunch of Islays, but it’s not feasible.
For my money, give me WT 101, Fighting Cock, Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye (outstanding!), and something like Evan Williams black for a super budget drink.
Have you had the Evan Williams Bonded? Same price as the WT 101 and very good. Cheers Andrew!
Trust me…
This is the best I ever taste…being from the Caribbean, when mixed with Coke is like tasting Heaven!
I had my first hit of Wild Turkey 101 when I was 5-years-old (that’s right — kindergarten). It didn’t take too well — there was a lot of fire, a lot of heat for my 5-year-old palate, but I grew into it . . .
I get my Wild Turkey 101 for $14.99-a-bottle at a local bottle shop in Santa Clara, California. This is the best-bang-for-the-buck bourbon anywhere that money can buy. In fact, if you pay one penny more for bourbon on a dram-for-dram basis, you are simply throwing money away.
Wild Turkey 101: It’s The Shit.
Oh, and, by the way, if you’re looking for the Ultimate Rye, try Wild Turkey Rye 101.
Ha, well thanks for sharing and I definitely can’t disagree. Dollar for dollar it’s the best value out there for sure! Cheers Todd.
Your review of WT101 is spot on. The story of WT being overlooked because it brings on flashbacks of a wreckless youth, me included, is so common. But today with a little bit of life lived, WT101 and Old Forester 100 are the 2 whiskeys I always buy in the family size bottle. Also, this is a great place you’ve created for whiskey fans. TY
Thank you Ong, cheers!
101 convert
I am surprised by how good this 101 tastes. I never had a good impression of Jim Beam in general and I’m not even sure why that is. As I got older and began my bourbon journey and conversations I began to listen and read and research. I ended up really appreciating Devils Cut. Still love that stuff. I was recently with a friend who suggested I try the 101. Bought a bottle a few days ago and cracked it for the first time tonight. First sip with two large cubes and I felt a little bight. Smidge of water after and a dozen sips in. I’m convinced this has a place on my shelf to stay.
This is awesome, loved reading it. Cheers Walt!
Try all the gadget bourbons
.101 seems to cover all the bases at a fair price
Coming Back Home
My dad is always harping about WT101. Over the past five years, I’ve gotten more and more into the weeds with bourbon and rye, which has taken me far away from home. I stumbled upon another one of your reviews and decided to read a few others to decide if I could consider you credible. Well, you’ve now got me going out to buy a bottle of WT101!
That’s awesome to hear, about the WY101, I hope you enjoy it! Cheers!
I have always loved Wild Turkey and consider it my favorite bourbon. Is there better? Sure, for at least twice the price, but I have no complaints about WT and am proud to serve it to my best friends.
Ditto, cheers Mark!
This is the best there is available to the common guy. I’ve tried most all of them…This is the stuff.
100% Cheers!
Detailed and honest review. I liked Wild Turkey 101, but was missing some of the classic bourbon flavors that I was hoping to find. And I have to admit that I am excited about trying Longbranch. With the help of one of their brand ambassadors I’m writing an article on their full line: Wild Turkey 81 and 101, Russel’s Rye, Rare Breed, Russel’s Reserve, Kentucky Spirit. Will eventually add their new product, Longbranch. (Note that this isn’t a review, though.)
https://distilledsunshine.wordpress.com/2018/04/19/wild-turkey-bourbons/
Cheers, sounds like fun!
Just had a bottle and the taste profile remains true to the brand. Excellent all purpose bourbon. $15 is a deal.
It’s $25 around here. $15 isn’t a deal it’s a freaking steal!
Wow, as a new budget burbon drinker this is the top. Tremendous flavor profile with rich mouth feel and color. My new favorite. Perfect for Jessica Jones binge watching!
Ha, it definitely is. Cheers!
WT101 has always been one of my go to Bourbons, next to Maker’s Mark. Still need to try Maker’s 46!
You definitely do and yeah, it’s hard to beat WT101!
The wonderful thing about bourbon, besides not smelling like wet dirt and gym socks like that other whiskey, is the amazing variety of aromas and flavors that come from the same few ingredients and recipe. I had a glass of WT 101 for the first time last night and loved it! So different from its more refined sibling Russell’s Reserve but delicious just the same. Sort of like the twin sisters in high school where one is the
valedictorian and the other cuts school to go skinny-dipping.
At $24 it just adds to my ire at the “distillers” that are nothing more than marketing companies who make up fanciful stories and sell NDP bourbons at jacked-up prices.
Anyway, thanks Josh for your unwavering support of WT. I wouldn’t have tried it without your reviews.
Cheers Tony! – and thanks for sharing :)
A 375ML of 101 at my nearest store is just $12, an easy pay day reward, I gotta say.
Not hard to afford and it’s a nice to not bring home a fifth, for a change.
I’ve become a bit of a WT fan lately. And you’re going to have to shoulder a bit of the blame for that. ;)
Cant’ quite justify buying the RR SiB, just yet, as I have several different SiB Kentucky Spirits, a Rare Breed, and a RR10 to work through. I love tasting them together. Some have a slight peanut note on the finish that I can’t get enough of. There is a distinct punch to WT bourbon that my taste buds appreciate. Very pronounced flavor, and it helps me detect and appreciate the nuances in non-WT bourbons.
Thank you for turning me on to it.
Adam, that’s some blame I’m happy to shoulder :D Thanks for sharing, cheers man!
Even though I’ve been drinking Wild Turkey for decades I wanted to add my voice to the chorus of cheers for WT 101. I would even go so far as to rate it a point or two higher than you Josh. Happy New Year to all!
Happy New Years Richard. Cheers!
Hard to believe, but after all these years I just opened my very first bottle of WT 101 last week. The potential is there, but this one will need to grow on me a bit. So far, the nose and palate are a bit lackluster but I am enjoying the finish most of all. This is drinking with just a few drops of water. I have a bottle of Russell’s Reserve in the bunker (also never tried) and am tempted to crack it open now to compare the two head to head. Thoughts anyone?
I love the Russell’s, you can never go wrong with it. It’s a more mature 101. Also, one thing I’ve found with the 101 is it gets better as the bottle is open longer and it also decants VERY well if you have a decanter. Cheers!
Stumbled on to this blog and i’m Hooked. I was telling some bourbon snobs to try 101 and I got the “third eye” look. My experience with wt101 was by accident, when the bar was out of Buffalo Trace. In a blind taste test, this would place well with the mid and even top shelf fare.
It’s a great daily whiskey, that’s a great accident. Cheers Dan!
I keep coming back to WT 101 from time to time, year after year. Sure can’t beat it for value. Probably the cheapest Bourbon I honestly enjoy drinking neat, now that I’m an old fart in my 50s with a little bit of disposable income and not a college student just looking to get drunk on the cheap.
Cheers Mike!
I would agree this scores an 87 if it were priced with Woodford, Knob Creek and others at the $33 a bottle price point. But at a $23 a bottle price point, the value factor jumps it up to at least a 90. For the money, this is about the best in the business. A great bourbon at a reasonable price. I think you and I share some of the same tasting notes Josh. I am a big GD and WT fan. I don’t care as much for Buffalo Trace and Jim Beam offerings.
It’s a hard whiskey to beat for value, no doubt. Cheers!
Great review Josh. However, I would have to rate this around an 89. For the price point, this is the best in the business. This holds up well over ice and the rough edges seem part of the great flavor profile. Jimmy and Eddie put some of the best stuff out that you can get.
Hey Sloppy,
I don’t ever take price into consideration on the reviews. If I did it would be a 90+ :)
$ 25 vs 39.99 or more – this supersedes pretension / vanity .As good as it’s gonna get.
I am 67 yrs. old and have probably tried well over 100 bourbons. WT 101 is on my short list of whiskeys. Consistent quality and reasonable price. I love the flavor profile of all the WT products. WT 101 is great neat with a few drops of water, and It holds up nicely over ice. This is an excellent website. Thanks.
Cheers Steve!
I used to drink crown for escape from hangovers forever, but since 2008 I have deverted my attention to Wild Turkey 101! So,from a loyal Royal to a good, clean hangovers free, flavorful, which I call Apple juice, Wild Turkey 10yum.
Love wild turkey 101 it’s my go to besides buffalo trace.They call it got gut they should try Kentucky deluxe lol
Never had 101 before. Got a new bottle hand have been leaving the cork out for a couple of hours the past couple of days. Already improved it. Good stuff.
WT 101 is my second all time favorite. Mixes real good with southern sweet tea. Rare Breed tops my list. I think it got so popular that the price now hurts. Special occasion only.
Putting WT101 in my new decanter has been the best possible move. It has really opened up and calmed down the brash nature of WT101. The nose is beautiful: caramel, sweet vanilla, and honey. Corn, cinnamon, spice, and oak on the palate. The finish of cinnamon and the embers of wild fire. Give this some air and let it work. Bam!
You know… for as much WT 101 as I go through I’ve never put it in one of my decanters. That’s a phenomenal idea and I don’t know why I haven’t considered doing it before. Cheers Ben!
hot totties! hot water, lemon, honey and 101,..skipped the cinnamon stick. Cured me right up!
just tried wt101 tonight. it came in a 375ml bottle for 15 bucks. had to blow the dust off the bottle. not bad, not bad at all. not as rich as ogd114.but damn !
Glad to hear you liked it. Cheers!
Absolutely CAN’T go wrong with WT 101! Staple food to the max! Along with Old Grand Dad BIB, Evans Williams Black/White label, and Elijah Craig.
For decades I’ve long been a fan of dark ales and stouts of the UK, I like my liquid bread equal to pumpernickel and rye compared to the popular gold pilsners that resemble white bread. About 10 years ago I ventured into single malt highland scotch due to its smoothness but rue its high price. Well, last Spring our Harley group rode the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and opened my eyes, palette, and closed my wallet a bit. We toured the Jim Beam distillery and visited several others including the Four Roses, which is a very fine fairly priced Bourbon including a whopping 119 proof sample I found very smooth and enjoyable over ice. I now alternate between Four Roses 80proof and Wild Turkey 101 over ice enjoying two great offerings at half the price of fine scotch and domestically produced, most excellent! Here’s to made in America, bottoms up!
Thanks for sharing. Cheers Don!
What happened to WT101? It “was” a great everyday bourbon. I bought a bottle the other day,cracked it open, poured it over some ice, and that first taste was terrible. the second one wasn’t any better. I slowly worked my way through and poured another. It was just as bad as the first. I studied the label and it looked the same as the other bottles I bought. Then I saw a label across the top of the bottle that said “High Rye”. What happened to the regular WT101? I can’t seem to find it anywhere.
Hey Gerald,
Wild Turkey has always been a high rye bourbon; same mashbill for decades. I have a recent bottle (new label w/ the realistic-almost-judgemental-looking turkey on it) and I’m loving it as much as the label pictured in the review.
I have a bottle of this right now, and I see the words “High Rye” on it. Whatever the marketing people at Wild Turkey want us to believe, 13% rye in a bourbon’s mashbill is not “high rye.” 10% to 15% rye is absolutely normal in the industry for non-wheaters. 1792: Small Batch is 15% rye and Barton obviously doesn’t consider that rye since they brought out a “1792: High Rye” limited edition. I’d say the threshold for “high rye” starts at Old Forester/Woodford Reserve level(18%). Four Roses has two mashbills and one is 20% and the other is 35%. Basil Hayden/OGD is 27%. Bulleit Bourbon (distilled by For Roses) is 28%. THAT’s high-rye bourbon for you. I think the spiciness in Wild Turkey is wood spice, not rye spice. What makes Wild Turkey different? Number 4 level barrel char (aka, Alligator char) on the barrels they use for maturation (which WT admits they use exclusively) instead of the more typically used Number 3 level.
“Barton obviously doesn’t consider that HIGH rye…” I meant to say above.
It’s also possible 13% is low. Wild Turkey has never officially disclosed their mashbill. The one I have listed is the “generally accepted” one. Last time I was at WT I asked Eddie & Jimmy about it and the only thing they’d say is that the generally accepted one is close. So 5% on the rye and 3% on the corn and 2% on the barley or some combination would be close. They could also be sending us on a wild goose, err turkey, chase and this is right… who knows.
This is a bourbon that took a few bottles to really grow on me. I always thought it was pretty good but didn’t experience the fullness in flavor, the sweet oak and spicy notes especially, until I added a few drops of water to it. Wow! What a difference a teaspoon of water can make. The flavors and sweetness unleash and it becomes an entirely different (and better) bourbon. After this revelation I found that I like WT101 just as much as the stuff that is very high on my list – Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare 10, Makers 46, and RR10 to name a few. I can’t get over how great this stuff is.
Big fan of your blog by the way. Keep up the good work and consider writing a whiskey book.
Cheers, thanks Aaron. I’ve been rolling around a few ideas on the book side of things, but haven’t landed on it yet. :)
I guess I never noticed this post before, but if you do write a book on whiskey I’ll be first in line to buy copies for my son, son in law, and especially for myself. Hope you seriously consider this project!
It’s in the queue! Cheers John.
I am a Knob Creek fan and like very much and do like H Taylor Single Barrel however
that said I took my time in a long review of Wild Turkey 101 and I must agree with one new whiskey man at age 60 who commented on this Bourbon.For the price it is a great whiskey as I drink neat so flavor is everything mild heat fine finish and a
very excellent Bourbon I shall always keep a bottle on my shelf from now on.
Been drinking WT101 since 1962, junior high school. Been my fave ever since. Found that the ice balls work great, better than cubes. Cures all ills.
I’m new to Whiskey and Bourbon. I really enjoy Wild Turkey 101. I’m glad I read your review and gave it s go. $17 for a bottle at the grocery store near my home. I’d probably have paid more for this after trying it. It’s my current favorite.
Nice, I’m glad you’re liking it Dave. Cheers!
WT101 with a splash of water is hands down my favorite bourbon. I’ve ventured into a lot of more expensive bourbons, and always find my way back to WT101. It’s unbelievable how much a bit of water opens it up. They have WT101 on sale at the local grocery store for $14.99 a bottle…needless to say I’ve been stocking up! Quality to price…I think you’ll be hard pressed to find many other bourbons that compare. Although I believe Evan Williams SB, Larceny, and Elijah Craig 12 come close. Thank you so much for the great review!
Cheers Josh!
Got some for $16 in KY very pleased! Description is spot on, nutmeg thats what that is! Spicy. Usually get trace or williams but this is a new favorite! cheers.
Awesome, thanks for sharing Nick. Cheers!
WT101 is my everyday bourbon. I live in Kentucky and have a lot of bourbons to choose from and this is the best bourbon for your buck. My 3 favorite bourbons in no particular order is WT101, Four Roses single barrel, and Evan Williams single barrel. All can be had for under $35.
And all three of those are some of my favorites as well. So much flavor for so little expense. Cheers!
I have been really drinking bourbon for a few years and here in Pa. we don’t often get the best stuff. I have tried any and have come to really enjoy Wild turkey 101 a nice whiskey to drink every night for a nice evening and like my dad from years ago I fall asleep at the T.V. dreaming of Wild Turkey or Bookers one or the other
Both of those are great whiskeys. Cheers!
I have been really drinking bourbon for a few years and here in Pa. we don’t often get the best stuff. I have tried any and have come to really enjoy Wild turkey 101 a nice whiskey to drink every night for a nice evening and like my dad from years ago I fall asleep at the T.V. deaming of Wild Turkey or Bookers one or the other
This bourbon makes amazing Old Fashioned’s! Every time I make one with the 101, I get the taste of brown sugar, caramel and cinnamon! I love it!! Great review Josh!
Thanks Dave, cheers!
I remember the Wild Turkey ads during the Holidays when I was a kid. Thought it was some kind of really special whiskey. Now, 60 years later I can confirm my early impression was spot on. I’ll always have a bottle on hand, especially when the Holidays roll around.
Way way back in the 70’s when I was in school we drank Jim Beam 86 because it was OK and cheap. WT 101 was our aspirational drink. For some reason I kind of forgot about it for a couple of decades until I tried some after your review jogged my memory. It really is a fine drink, with lots of character and balance. I like a cube or two in my drink, and the 101 holds up just fine. This is some good whiskey, and one which I had forgotten about for some reason. I will certainly be having this again.
The moral of this is that some stuff that you remember from the 60’s and 70’s really WAS great. Wild Turkey 101 is perfect for listening to Johnny Winter.
A great story Robert. Cheers!
I’m blown away by this whisky. I wasn’t sure at first sip…but now that I’m through a 750ml in a week….I’m hooked. Neat, on the rocks….it’s awesome. Sweet, butterscotch spice…alll perfectly balanced. I’m making this a standard. I like it a LOT better than Russel’s reserve single barrel at 35$ less per bottle. I’m in. I might even visit the distillery. Cheers.
Hey Mike,
You definitley should visit the distillery, it was an awesome experience.
Cheers!
Amongst the 10 to 12 bourbons I keep on the shelf, I always have WT 101 and Rare Breed. They never disappoint!
Amen Tom. Cheers!
Hi Josh,
Just a couple of days ago I tasted some WT 101 at a friends house. I was amazed this is an outstanding Bourbon! I would also like to say that I enjoy your blog very much as your tasting notes closely match mine (this is helpful some writers make me wonder if they were actually tasting whisk(e)y or some other substance). Initially I was a little reluctant to taste a high proof whisk(e)y because I thought they might be “rough” or have a lot of burn but at least with WT 101 this wasn’t the case.
Cheers!
Hey Joe,
Thanks man, I appreciate it and I know exactly what you’re talking about. When I read a review and I don’t know what they’re talking about I just stop reading. Glad you’re enjoying the site and the Wild Turkey, it’s one of my absolute favorites.
Cheers!
Decided to give Wild Turkey a shot after reading this review, comments, and a few other reviews. I’m a lover of many of the Beam products (Knob Creek, Baker’s, etc) and a fan of Russell’s Reserve (especially the SB). Lately I’ve been looking for something a little cheaper as a daily drinker. While I agree with most of the review about this whiskey, I like the proof, the bold flavors, the balance, and the age is decent, there is a certain astringent quality that I find especially following the initial taste that I dislike. It along with what I experience as a somewhat ‘drier’ finish keeps me from being as excited to have another sip (I usually drink my whiskey neat). Is this astringent element something other people enjoy or don’t mind? I’m still learning about whiskey.
I’d say some enjoy, some don’t mind. Me, I like a little bit of astringency in it. Too much is overkill though.
When I began my “Bourbon Journey” this was one of the first ones I tried. I was not a fan (and it wasn’t the proof, I’ve always preferred 90 plus proof bourbons). At the encouragement of a reviewer on another site, I poured a dram and added 2 tsps of spring water (he insisted that it had to be spring) and let it sit for 5 minutes. Heaven in a glass. It opened it up so much more and eased the rough edges that were my initial complaint on this one. Now, I’m just as likely to take it neat or with a single ice cube and my palate is able to pull out the notes that I really like. It’s still not my favorite, but it’s a great value and always in my cabinet.
I wasn’t always the biggest Turkey fan, for me it kicked in about 7 years ago and since then it’s been one of my favorites and with an icecube… can’t complain about that on a summer day. That’s for sure!
You are correct about people’s perception of WT 101. Someone I work with told me that they were not too fond of WT because they had a bad experience with it back in high school years ago! I told them to give it aniother try. It s fantastic on ice as a sipper and has such a great flavor. Then give Russel’s Reserve a try – it’s like super premium WT.
Bad experience at a young age or “it’s what grandpa drank” plague this brand which is a double edge sword. On one hand it’s kept it from having any kind of “allotment issues” like Buffalo Trace, but on the other hand it’s seriously one of my favorite whiskeys / brands so I want to tell everyone about how good it really is all the time… but I don’t want the price to go up on it because people start loving it again… argh :)
It says it’s aged longer and has more rye than the regular 101
Can anyone tell me about these bottles of WT 101 that I’m seeing in the store? They have a white label and it says that it’s aged longer and has a higher percentage of rye in the mashbill. Can’t find any info on the anywhere. It’s still labeled as WT 101. It is NOT the rye.
Those are the new labels. WT Just did a huge makeover on their labels.
Wt 101..great buy! Not a super sophisticated bourbon, but in the $25 and under (bottom shelf) you’ll be hard pressed to find one with so many great flavors. I bounce between 101 and regular Jim Beam as a regular pour. Love the spice and flavor of 101…you definitely owe it to yourself to try rare breed and kentucky spirit..more money but has that extra flavor you hint on with 101!
I’m with you, spot on review. I can get it for less than $20 and think it may be if not the best sub $25 bourbon. Also props for being so available.
100% agree!
Bear camp 2005 in Potter co Pa. I was going through my grandfather’s things that he kept in a ceder chest at the foot of his bunk in our family’s hunting camp. I found a bottle of 101 wrapped in a wool blanket. I have taken a bottle with to Bear camp every year since then and will until the day i die. I’m no expert on whiskys but have tried most out their and 101 is the drink for me. i drink it over 2 ice cubes.
That’s a great story, thanks for sharing! WT 101, for my money, is a fantastic whiskey. Cheers!
As a late bloomer to drinking bourbon, mid 50’s, I started with WT101 as recommended by a friend. Now, not having tried all bourons, at all $, I have sampled many at home and frequent trips to Las Vegas, and I have to say that WT101 has that “sweet, bourbonie (is that a word) taste, and that long spicy rye (I assume) finish. Neat, with 1 cube or in a Manhattan I just can’t get enough. A our local “Woodmans” the 1.75 is $34.99. At that price point I don’t believe there is a better value in a brown liquor.
He Ken,
Bournony / bourbonie certainly is a word… at least around these parts anyways :)
Cheers!
I admit that I once believed the prevalent stereotype that Wild Turkey 101 is suitable only for fatalistic drunkards who don’t mind poisoning themselves with rotgut swill. After reading through your positive testimonial of Wild Turkey 101 (not to mention your emphatic retort toward said negative perceptions and the personal depletion of my 1.75L bottle of Buffalo Trace), I finally decided to acquire a handle of Wild Turkey 101, all for the engaging price tag of about $35.
Needless to say, I’m genuinely impressed. It’s indeed a little rough around the edges, but the burning sensation became inconsequential after two or three glasses served neat. Moreover, I especially appreciate how its flavor potency really shines in vintage cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Mint Julep, and the obscure Lion’s Tail cocktail.
In spite of the brief moment of contemplation that I was once deceived into thinking that this bourbon was truly an abomination, I now declare myself a loyal convert to the Wild Turkey brand and I shall check out the distillery’s other product offerings in the very near future.
Hey Chris,
Thanks for sharing your story and glad to have another WT convert.
Cheers!
Managed to get our hands on this Wild Turkey here in South Africa, and after readying your review, i am really excited to try it.
Jeannette
http://whiskyoftheweek.co.uk/
That’s awesome, hope you like it!
i’ll admit to not trying this due to the stereotypes surrounding some of the more main stream bourbons out there, but after reading so much good stuff about WT101, I had to try some…. And I love it. While the cheaper Wellers fit the bill when I want some wheat in the blend, WT101 is now my everyday bourbon when I want the more traditional rye mashbill.
Give me WT101, brand Dad 114, Weller Antique, Evan Williams Single Barrel, Ridgemount 1792, Rittenhouse Rye, Four Roses single Barrell, and I’ll be just fine….
Nice man, glad to hear it. I’m right there with you, those are some mighty fine bourbons you just laid out.
Cheers!
Years ago in high school it was a running joke about Wild Turkey, and how it was something cheap enough that we could pool our $$$ together to get a bottle, and strong enough to get drunk.
27 years later I discovered Wild Turkey 101, and even though it’s not for the faint of heart – it’s a great sipping bourbon for those of us who enjoy a ‘spicier’ bourbon (a few notches above both Buffalo Trace, and Elijah Craig 12 yr regarding the bold spice).
My only knock against this bourbon (keep in mind it’s an ever so slight deduction) would be the astringent effect, or dryness on the finish.
Overall it’s a must have!
Back when I was “21” and started drinking we used to call WT “Grandpa’s Cough Medicine” and all we ever did was shoot it. I’ve since had some great 101 from that late 90s era and wish I could go back and enjoy it and horde some for my future self.
Cheers!
Hi Josh is there a lot of difference between the WT101 and the 8 year old 101? I understand from the blog the ordinary has 6,7 and 8 year old in it but the 8 year old bottling the youngest would be 8 years.
Hey Pete,
You are correct, and if you can find a bottle of the 8 year 101 grab it. I’ve had some good 8 yr 101, and I’ve also had some mediocre 8 yr 101 (same with this NAS 101), but they don’t make the 8 yr any more so it’s a great find if you come across it.
You know what gives WT101 a bad rap trashy kids doing shots of the “Kickin Chicken”
While not as nuanced in flavor as its more pricey siblings it is a very good introductory bourbon. Let’s face it anything crafted by the “Buddha Of Bourbon” is going to be good.
“anything crafted by the “Buddha Of Bourbon” is going to be good.” Cheers to that!
I drink more Wild Turkey 101 than anything else by far. I prefer premium ryes presently but it’s not usually in the budget. I honestly wish I drank this whiskey less because I get my kicks from variety but it’s just so damn good for the price it’s almost always the best option for me. By far my go to value whiskey. And spicy enough for a rye drinker. And proofed higher than most the competition.
You just listed all of the reasons I love it too. It’s also a cheap pour at the bar and ends up being my go-to if I’m in a bar with a terrible whiskey selection. Though, come to think of it, sometimes I even order it when I’m at a bar with an ok whiskey selection…
101 is only bourbon I have drank for over 30 yrs. Have received others brands as gifts which were supposed to be “premium” but they always taste like varnish to me. When you pull out a bottle of 101, most people think you are nuts because people do not generally drink bourbon more than 90 proof any more, but once they do, they understand. Only argument I every have with people is when the want to mix it with something else. I always ask them the same question,”Why do you wanna ruin the taste of a great bourbon?”. They never have an answer other than they can’t handle straight whiskey. If you can’t handle it on the alone, you have never actually drank whiskey. Whiskey is made to enjoy, not gulp.
“hiskey is made to enjoy, not gulp.” <- Amen
Just had my first drink of WT101, why do you keep this fantastic caramel and spice trip a secret from us Brits? So glad I found a different bourbon than JB white or whisky JD No7 next up FRSB. Plans in place for a BBQ n Bourbon night for the boys guests of honour WT101, WTRB, FR Sm Batch, FRSB, Knob Creek, Bookers and JD Silver Select as long as the British weather plays ball. Thanks for the great reviews Josh very helpful. Would you have any suggestions to improve the guests? Bear in mind some are hard to get in UK but could swap in any of the Blantons including the SFTB or Gold but they cost around £50 including shipping same price as Bookers.
Haha I have no idea why it doesn’t make its way over there. Maybe it’s because we drink so much of it here in the states there’s not much left to spread around ;)
Glad you got to try it, and like it and you’re enjoying the site. Really appreciate it and as for swaps I’d take the Blantons over the JD Silver. Never had the Gold though, that’s export only.
Cheers!
Cheers Josh the Blantons original is a couple of dollars cheaper than the silver but was getting that as most of my friends have only had No7 and wanted to try a better bottle. I had heard you can not get the Gold or SFTB in U.S.A which just seems a joke when you are the guys who make it.
Bit the bullet and changed the JD for Blantons as you suggest, hope the wife doesn’t check the credit card as I could not resist and ordered a bottle of Blantons SFTB 130proof as a treat will be saving for a rainy day/Christmas whichever comes first.
Haha awesome. Hope you enjoy!
Bookers broke in transit company is sorting but had to use my Blanton’s SFTB as a replacement. The original is good but the 130 proof takes it to another level small sip at full strength then cut it down a little around 120 proof. It is full of sweet caramel and dark dried fruit with spice if you ever get the chance you need to buy a bottle tastes like rich Xmas cake. The guys decided favourites at end of night and Four roses and Blanton’s came out on top with JD a sorry last with general opinion being Why does everyone drink it? Thanks for the help with choices and keep up the good work with the blog.
Oh no man, that sucks, but glad to hear you had a great night. Thanks!
Cheers!
Right? Crazy.
Your tastes coincide directly with mine. WT101 is the real deal and is frequently on sale in Louisville. What’s not to like here? I don’t disagree with any reviews here. Must try Dickel 12. …..
Definitely do and I’ll be interested in seeing what you think. Cheers!
Josh…how would you compare WT101 to Old Weller Antique 107 (the bourbon I always keep on hand)?…Thanks for your time.
Hey Chris,
Very different bourbons. Wild Turkey 101 is a high rye bourbon making it spicy where as Weller is a wheated bourbon making it sweeter. For me it’s more of a mood thing when it comes to these two. When I want something spicier I reach for WT 101 or Four Roses Small Batch, when I want something sweeter I reach for Weller and when I want something fruitier I reach for a Heaven Hill bourbon like Fighting Cock.
I’ve been a bourbon drinker for about ten years. My go to is WT101. What a great bourbon! I’ve gone through much more expensive bottles, but always go back to the bird. It is what bourbon should be! Great blog and great WT101 review! If you don’t love wild tirkey101 then you don’t understand what bourbon should be. Happy drinking!
Cheers Clyde!
Great review, I’m going to make this my next bourbon purchase. Cheers all!
I have been sipping WT101 for 35 years. I have tried several others. More expensive, more well known, but I keep coming back to WT101. It is my Bourbon and I don’t think I will ever change.
I haven’t been drinking it for nearly that long (maybe close to a decade at this point) and I’m right there with you. I always come back to it.
Cheers!
WT101…..the one and all best bourbon on the market today….
Wild Turkey 101 is distilled just down the street from me! This nectar ROCKS!! Historical as well as spiritual! This is THE BEST the human race offers!!!!
I have tried many expensive and cheap bourbons and the one I keep going back to is Turkey 101. Love it and I will always stick to it for my go to. I am always up for trying a new top shelf or cheap bourbon that I haven’t tried before but I will most likely go back to 101 for the taste and price. Also love rare breed
You and me both man. Love the WT101 & RB. Cheers!
Just went through my first bottle and its my benchmark at sub $25. I am a huge fan of Rare Breed (108 proof) and 101 has plenty of the family traits. Do you know the reasoning why they changed the proof Rare Breed to 112? Does it fluctuate yearly or is this a longterm recipe change? Personally, I think they messed with perfection and i am no longer a buyer. However, I just had the Russel Reserve 10 yr and was really digging it and have my eyes set on buying the Russell Reserve Single Barrel next.
Informative blog site…kep em coming!
Thanks Lou I appreciate that! As for the proof on the Rare Breed it’s barrel proof so it’s going to change a little batch to batch.
Cheers!
Yes, a pleasant surprise. I was skeptical, but a friend insisted I try it. This is a fine moderately priced bourbon, and is no embarrassment whatsoever.
WT101 was my fav during the days I lacked the responsibility to enjoy it regularly. Now, staring down 50, I’m back and still love it. Also love Dickle and strangely Bullit Rye. Love the read. Keep the conversation going. Cheers.
Thanks, cheers!
Please don’t let people know about WT 101! Lets keep it to ourselves and just let people pass it by on the shelves. Amazing value….nice sipper at the end of the day and works great in cocktails (101 proof) after work. Please, not another word…lets keep this one in the $20s.
Ha, I know how you feel. I don’t think this one will get up and run away soon especially now that folks who “only want to drink the really good stuff” have discovered Russell’s Reserve. They’re focusing on that right now luckily.
Bought a bottle of WT101 tonight and after reading the reviews, I’m really looking forward to opening it this weekend. Can’t wait!
That’s awesome, would love to hear your thoughts on it and if it lives up to your expectations. Cheers!
All I can say is that I’m a new bourbon drinker starting at the age of 60. After trying Buffaloe Trace, Eagle Rare, Knob Creek and Elijah Craig and Bullitt Rye Wild Turkey 101 is the one for me.
Sounds like you’re a person of great taste! I go back and forth between BT & WT101, but I always have WT101 on hand. It’s just so damn good.
In my view, if you don’t like Wild Turkey 101, you don’t like bourbon. Like a Fender Telecaster through a tube amp, it’s a classic that should never go out of style.
Amen to that!
The WT101 is very good. And as a fan and owner of a Telecaster and a Fender tube amp, I can appreciate your comparison! As a matter of fact, my Telecaster is sitting on my right and a WT101 on the rocks is sitting on my left, on my table. What more can a man ask of life?
Like a Telecaster through a Fender tube amp, especially a Princeton Reverb. WT 101 is a really good everyday sipper. I still miss my Elmer T though!
This is a fantastic blog. Would love to know if you have a top 5..particularly bottom shelf for us poorer folk. Ha
Thank you Reed. I do indeed. Rittenhouse 100, Old Grand-Dad 100, Wild Turkey 101, Speyburn 10 and Bushmills White Label are some of my favorite bottom shelf whiskeys.
Totally agree!
That is an amazing list! I had the Speyburn years ago, so I don’t remember it that well, but I seem to recall liking it. Rittenhouse is by far my favourite rye, and one of my favourite whiskeys, Bushmills is, in my opinion, by far the best blended Irish whisky, and Wild Turkey 101 is excellent, though I find it a bit too cinnamon flavoured. Have you tried Bushmills Black Bush? It is very hard to find in the US, but I had a lot of it when I lived in Ireland and it is heavenly–perhaps even better than Bushmill’s single malt offering. It is a sherried blend, and the sherry goes very well with the Irish whiskey sweetness.
I just found your blog, but I have agreed with you on every review. You are a true find!
Wow, thank you very much!
I love the Black Bush and I have a review of it coming in a month or so, I totally agree with you that it’s absolutely great stuff and that Bushmills is the best blended Irish. I’ll take it over Jameson everyday of the week.
That’s awesome that you lived in Ireland. I’ve yet to go there, but I’m definitely planning to go in the near future.
Cheers!
Bushmills? That’s Protestant whiskey.
Don’t forget Old Grand Dad 114! Under $25 and an amazing bourbon IMO. A bit spicey and hot and not easy to find but worth the effort. Great blog!
Thank you and I never forget OGD114! I love it too!
Sitting here looking at my shelf and it is lacking WT 101 AND OGD 114. I think a trip to the store don the street is due!
That is a lonely sounding shelf. Better remedy that quick! :D
Awesome. I just discovered your blog and you are now my go-to whiskey guy. This list is great and I’m gonna have to try everyone. Your nose and palate to me are spot on and your gradin system is easy to understand and comprehend.
Thanks Alex. Cheers!
Got me a bottle today…this stuff is perfect sipping whiskey
Cheers to that!
Love WT 101 – hands down great bourbon. Going to do a blind taste test of WT 101, elijah Craig BS, old forester 115, OGD 114, bulleit 10 with my beer group – we will see who wins – fact is we all win!!!
“fact is we all win!!!” hahaha yeah you do!
We all win…hey, it’s Wild Turkey 101; how can you lose?
You can’t, cheers!
My last bottle of Wild Turkey 101 was exactly as the reviews, But I bought another bottle today for I Really liked it. This bottle is Nothing like the last; it’ s Very Hot, No corn sweetness, caramel, or vanilla! I will not be Ever buying another bottle!