Bottle Basics
Name: Wild Turkey 12 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Distiller’s Reserve
Distillery: Wild Turkey
Proof: 101
ABV: 50.5%
Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
Age: 12 years
Size: 700ml
MSRP: $63 USD (￥8800 JPY per official website)
Additional Details
Laser Code: LL/KC141739
Distiller Notes:
Born from the father & son distilling genius of Jimmy & Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey 12 Year Old Distiller’s Reserve is Kentucky Straight Bourbon of the highest character. This special release has been carefully selected from the distillers’ favorite reserve, barrelled at a lower proof and slowly matured to create a bourbon of exceptional quality. With notes of vanilla, rich caramel, hints of spice and a long chocolate orange finish, Wild Turkey 12 Year Old Distiller’s Reserve is a showcase of the world renowned craftsmanship of Jimmy & Eddie Russell and brilliantly reveals the bold and distinctive character of Wild Turkey Bourbon.
— Description on the bottle and box.
My son and I have dedicated our lives to distilling real Kentucky bourbon. You could say it runs through our veins. We’ve been doing things the right way since day one, staying true to the traditions and processes that have been used for over 100 years, because good things take time. This 12 year old bourbon is no exception. I’ve been told this bourbon is a bit like me, aged longer for more character. I like to think there’s a story in every bottle. Feel the spirit of Kentucky, with it’s rolling hills, rugged wilderness and bold colours. Taste the richer, more generous flavours you only get from a bourbon matured at the highest level of char possible. Go ahead and close your eyes, smell the bourbon first then let the flavours roll in your mouth. That’s the real way to taste the true character of this 12 year old Wild Turkey Kentucky bourbon. – Jimmy Russell
— Description in the box.
伝説のプレミアム・バーボンがついに復活。101プルーフ(アルコール分50.5%）、バーボンとしては極めて稀な12年の超長期熟成、ワイルドターキーの極。
ワイルドターキーの特徴であるしっかりとした味わいをもたらす101プルーフのストレートバーボン。バーボンとしては極めて稀な12年の超長期熟成は、熟成環境に恵まれた選ばれた樽のみがなしうるもの。赤銅色を帯びた深い琥珀色は「アリゲーターチャー」と呼ばれる、内側を強く焦がしたオーク樽によるもの。一口含むと一気に拡がるスパイシーさとドライフルーツのように凝縮された甘みと香りは、バーボンの一つの到達点と言える
[English Translation] The legendary premium bourbon is finally back. 101 proof (50.5% alcohol), extremely rare for bourbon, 12 years of super long aging, extreme wild turkey.
A 101-proof straight bourbon that brings out the robust flavors that characterize Wild Turkey. The 12-year ultra-long maturation, which is extremely rare for bourbon, can only be achieved in selected barrels blessed with an aging environment. The deep amber color tinged with copper is due to the oak barrels that are strongly charred inside, called “alligator char”. The spiciness that spreads at once when you take a sip, and the sweetness and aroma that is condensed like dried fruits, can be said to be one of the achievements of bourbon.
— Source
Introduction
Once readily available stateside up until the late 90s, Wild Turkey 12 Year eventually saw its age statement eliminated from the bottles destined for American consumers. However, international markets like Japan continued to receive this age-stated expression up until the early 2010s. After a hiatus, the bourbon has made its comeback in 2022!
But, in an interesting twist of fate, similar to Wild Turkey 8 Year, Wild Turkey 12 Year is also an expression specifically crafted for foreign markets — particularly, Japan, Korea, and Australia.
Here in Japan, the retail price for a bottle sits around 8800 yen, roughly equivalent to 63 USD. But when looking at the American secondary market, this very same bottle is commanding prices between $100 and $250.
It’s a peculiar state of affairs — a bourbon born in the US, exclusively distributed overseas, only to find itself returning to the US to fetch double the price on the secondary market. Strange times…
Regardless of these market dynamics, my goal here is to provide my two cents of a review for Wild Turkey 12 Year. The aim is to help you discern whether it’s worth your hard-earned money, be it acquired on a trip to Japan or purchased from the US secondary market. Let’s dive in!
🚨 SPOILER ALERT — Yes. It’s worth it.
Appearance
Box Design
The recently redesigned packaging is impressive, with gold embossing and proudly displays the signature Wild Turkey logo. Its purple exterior bears a textured feel and design reminiscent of the grain found on aged barrels. On the inside, there’s a pattern indicative of alligator charred barrels, a clever and highly creative touch. In essence, the box is a representation of a whiskey barrel — a fitting housing for the 12-year-old Wild Turkey bourbon nestled within.
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Turning to the bottle, you’ll find the typical laser code inscribed at the base on the rear, giving specifics about when the bottling took place. Wild Turkey devotees, I’m sure you’re well-versed in deciphering these codes. What caught my attention, however, was a particularly notable detail — the direct inclusion of the actual date beneath the code. Noice! Now I don’t have to refer to my WT laser code cheat sheet anytime I’m curious about the bottling year. At this point, the only thing the code is useful for now is knowing the specific time it was bottled. (But, c’mon, do you really need to know that your WT12 was bottled at 5:39pm in the evening?)
Whiskey Color
On pouring, the bourbon reveals its dark amber hue tinged with copper. The clarity does not go unnoticed, and the liquid demonstrates a rich viscosity, forming languid legs on the glass.
Nose
The nose is like stepping into a candy store – cotton candy grape stands out, alongside a childhood favorite Bubble Yum. There’s an alluring undercurrent of dark cherries, evoking cherry cola, with a twist of orange peel. The sweetness of caramel apple ties beautifully with the notes of sweet oak. It’s a complex, layered aroma profile.
Palate
On the palate, it’s like a symphony of flavors. The texture is viscous and full-bodied, a grand entrance that then gives way to the punch of the proof. Vanilla, caramel, cherry syrup, licorice, and warming baking spices unfurl, accented by a pleasant buttery, honey, maple sweetness, and a hint of lemongrass. The flavor profile is remarkably balanced and evolves impressively with each sip.
Finish
The finish is long and enticing, with a lingering sensation of chocolate orange. The cherry theme continues, creating a satisfying through-line from the nose to the palate to the finish. Cinnamon spice adds a touch of warmth, enhancing the overall experience.
Conclusion
Finding flaws in this expression truly presents a challenge. However, the only factor preventing me from awarding it a flawless score is its lack of daily drinkability, at least in my personal view. A perfect score, in my opinion, is reserved for a bourbon that I could happily indulge in every single day. Despite its exquisite flavor profile, the Wild Turkey 12 Year doesn’t quite fit into that everyday indulgence category for me.
Wild Turkey exhibits a unique and unmistakable flavor profile that is often referred to as the Wild Turkey “funk” by enthusiasts, and this 12 Year expression is a veritable carnival of that character. It’s not an everyday drink for me — some days I crave a departure from the funk — but when I am in the mood for that classic Turkey taste, there’s a high likelihood that Wild Turkey 12 Year is what I’ll be reaching for. There are moments when nothing else will satisfy like this beautifully aged, funky elixir.
With all that being said, Wild Turkey 12 Year Old 101 Proof Distiller’s Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon offers a truly memorable tasting experience. From its engaging appearance to the complex nose, evolving palate, and long, flavorful finish, this is a bourbon that’s got a lot to say and says it well. It’s the kind of bourbon you’ll enjoy if you appreciate a journey of flavors in every sip. Whether it’s a special occasion or a regular evening, this bourbon won’t disappoint.
Rating: 4.5/5
5 – Perfect: This is the whiskey’s whiskey. It’s an experience that feels like all the stars in the universe have aligned to produce the perfect sip. It’s got the complexity, the balance, and the character that make it truly unforgettable. If this whiskey were a sports team, it’d be the undefeated champion. It doesn’t just tick every box, it sets the standard.
4 – Great: One heck of a pour, but it falls just a hair shy of perfection. Maybe it’s a note that didn’t quite sing or a finish that left a bit too soon. Regardless, it’s a bottle I’m proud to have on my shelf and eager to share with fellow whiskey lovers, friends, and family. If it were a sports team, it’d make the playoffs consistently.
3 – Average: This is the everyday player. It doesn’t steal the spotlight but puts on a decent show. It’s reliable, enjoyable, and doesn’t disappoint, but it probably won’t blow you away either. It’s the solid middle ground, the dependable third baseman you need in every game.
2 – Sub-par: Has some glaring flaws. Maybe the aroma doesn’t deliver, or the taste falls flat. It’s not without its merits, but it’s a bit like that promising rookie who can’t quite perform under pressure. It might be good for a casual sip now and then, but it won’t be the star of my collection.
1 – Poor: This missed the mark. It’s a bit like a team that’s lost its way in the middle of the season. Whether it’s a harsh finish, an unbalanced palate, or an underwhelming nose, something just isn’t sitting right. It’s one for the days when I’m feeling forgiving or adventurous.
0 – Unacceptable: Equivalent of a team that didn’t even show up for the match. It’s not just that it has flaws – it’s that those flaws overshadow any potential merit. It’s hard to find anything positive to say about this one.
Like a meal in a fine restaurant, a whiskey experience can range from unforgettable to regrettable.
Additional Images
🚨 HOT TIP 🚨
If your travels take you to Japan, I highly recommend swinging by “Bic Camera” to try and snag a bottle of Wild Turkey 12. While primarily an electronics retailer, Bic Camera also houses a robust liquor section where you might just stumble upon this rare gem (what would be rare in the US that is), along with several other bourbons you may not typically encounter stateside (e.g. Evan Williams 12 Year, Blanton’s Black/Gold, WT Master’s Keep even). I would venture to guess that well over half of my personal collection was sourced from this unassuming chain.
Meanwhile, it’s also possible to order Wild Turkey 12 on Amazon Japan, with nearly no difference in pricing. So if you’re staying at a hotel that can receive packages, or have a friend living locally, ordering online could be a practical choice. And based on my experience, a bourbon that’s widely available on Amazon Japan usually indicates an ample presence on physical store shelves as well.
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