Wild Turkey 13 Year Father And Son Review

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Bottle Basics

Name: Wild Turkey 13 Year Father And Son
Distillery: Wild Turkey
Proof: 86
ABV: 43%
Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
Age: 13 years
Size: 1L
MSRP: $60 (2023 July, Japan)

Additional Details

Distiller Notes:

Located deep in Kentucky, the Wild Turkey Distillery is situated along the Kentucky River, providing the distillery with limestone filtered water that is vital to making such a high quality Bourbon. Compared to most Bourbon, Wild Turkey is put into new oak barrels with the deepest char available. This imparts a spicy flavor and deep amber color to the whiskey, making our liquid distinctively bold.

This limited edition, rare 13 year old Bourbon has been born from a unique collaboration of father & son Master Distillers, Jimmy & Eddie Russell. Together, these two have over 100 years of combined experience making high quality Bourbon — a true dedication to this artisanal craft. Jimmy & Eddie are the only active father & son duo of Bourbon Master Distillers in the world.

Notes of mellow oak, rich vanilla, hints of pear and a long spice finish brilliantly reveals the bold and distinctive character of this aged Wild Turkey Bourbon.

Travel Exclusive
Description on the box

Introduction

Every now and then, a unique offering like Wild Turkey 13 Year Father And Son comes along that not only stands out for its rarity but also its delightful experience. Being both a travel exclusive and limited edition release, this bourbon rolled out sometime in late 2020. It’s exclusively available in 1L bottles, and with a price tag around $60 MSRP, the non-existent 750ml equivalent would be quite a deal at $45.

Its availability in duty-free shops is somewhat uncertain now. While the occasional sightings on Amazon Japan and Rakuten suggest that it’s still somewhat available, finding one in a physical store might involve a bit of luck or a keen eye. Personally, I was able to find a bottle (among several) languishing on a local shop shelf, waiting for someone to take a chance on it.

Initially, I was a bit hesitant to pick this up. A prior experience with the Wild Turkey 13 Year Distiller’s Reserve left me underwhelmed, to say the least. The prospect of ending up with a full liter of bourbon that failed to excite me felt like a risk, not to mention a potential waste of $60.

Fortunately, my fears were unfounded. Not only did the Wild Turkey 13 Year Father And Son prove to be a far cry from disappointing, it actually amazed me with its full flavor profile despite its modest 86 proof. This bourbon has been such a delightful surprise, I’m considering snagging another bottle when I finish this one. It’s certainly a testament to the unexpected treasures you can discover in the whiskey world.

Appearance

Box

The packaging of the Wild Turkey 13 Year “Father and Son” Bourbon lends itself to the exclusivity and importance of this limited-edition release. Embracing a rich purple theme, the box conveys a sense of regality and distinction.

The front of the box prominently displays essential information such as proof, bottle size, and the bourbon’s unique name. This straightforward presentation is accompanied by the labels “Travel Exclusive” and “Limited Edition,” highlighting the rarity and select availability of this release.

Turning the box around, the back provides a glimpse into the story behind the bottle, giving a sense of the rich history and craftsmanship that went into producing this exceptional bourbon. Accompanying the narrative are tasting notes, offering a preview of the complex flavors waiting to be discovered within.

Whiskey Color

The color of the whiskey exudes a deep amber hue, a clear reflection of the years of maturation and care that have gone into its creation. Upon swirling in the glass, the bourbon coats the interior, displaying a highly viscous and oily texture.

Nose

📝 NOTES TL;DR (Nose) — sweet oak, vanilla, toffee, bright apple Trolli gummies, cherry pie, grape cola, pear

Upon first approach, sweet oak and smooth vanilla come up first, which is then overlaid by toffee, adding a rich and creamy texture to the nose. Notes of bright apple emerge kind of reminding of apple Trolli gummies. This playful hint of sweetness is perfectly complemented by the comforting, homely aroma of cherry pie, followed by subtle undertones of grape cola and pear.

Palate

📝 NOTES TL;DR (Palate) — slightly thin mouthfeel, but rich and full in flavor, vanilla wafer, brown sugar, dark fruits, cherry, honey, licorice, clove

The initial taste introduces notes of vanilla wafer and brown sugar that sets the palate with a delightful sweetness. This sweetness then deepens into a medley of dark fruit notes, and cherry. Finally, a touch of honey emerges, mingling with the spicy, bold notes of licorice and clove.

Finish

📝 NOTES TL;DR (Finish) — medium lingering finish, spices, oak, a little bit of tobacco

Wild Turkey 13 Year Father And Son rounds off with a medium lingering finish. Here, the enduring warmth of spices leaves a final impression, while the age-distinguished presence of oak adds depth and complexity to the finish. A subtle undertone of tobacco appears, providing an earthy counterpoint to the symphony of flavors experienced so far.

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Conclusion

Coming into this, my expectations were admittedly geared towards the texture. But when you’re dealing with an 86 proof bourbon, it’s unfair to anticipate the bold profile characteristic of higher proof pours. After putting those initial impressions aside, and truly savoring each sip of this bourbon, I came to appreciate the intricate symphony of flavors it had to offer.

In many ways, my experience with Wild Turkey 13 Year Father And Son was reminiscent of my time with Four Roses Super Premium. Another Japan-export at 86 proof, it was seemingly delicate in texture, yet beneath that gentle exterior hid a rich, full-bodied spirit teeming with complexity and depth.

Relative to the Four Roses Super Premium, this Wild Turkey offering definitely packed an extra punch – a quality I thoroughly enjoyed. If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon this bottle at its MSRP, it’s a no-brainer. The value proposition is compelling.

However, if you’re contemplating paying anything above MSRP, I’d urge caution. To me, this isn’t a bourbon worth more than its original price tag. The secondary market, with prices soaring past the $100 mark, is off the table. This is not a $100+ bourbon.

Yet, given its limited edition label and novelty appeal, I understand that some leniency might be in order if you’re especially keen on adding this to your collection, particularly for those based in the U.S. where it’s unavailable.

So, would I buy this again? Absolutely. If my bottle runs dry and there are still some left on a shelf for the taking, I’d snap one up without a second thought (at MSRP, of course). But if I don’t find another, I won’t lose sleep over it. This is a bourbon that’s been a delight to discover and a pleasure to enjoy. It’s one of those rare instances where the journey was just as satisfying as the destination.

Rating: 3.5/5

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.