Wild Turkey 8 Year Review

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Bottle Basics

Name: Wild Turkey 101 8 Years
Distillery: Wild Turkey
Proof: 101
ABV: 50.5
Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
Age: 8 years
Size: 700ml
MSRP: $32 USD (￥4158 JPY per official website)

Additional Details

Laser Code: LL/JK011702
Distiller Notes:

This remarkable 8 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon has been expertly crafted by the legendary father and son Master Distiller team, Jimmy and Eddie Russel. Using Kentucky limestone purified water and made from the finest corn, malted barley and rye available, this bourbon has been aged for 8 years in classic no.4 char American oak barrels, giving it a richer, deeper and bolder taste. Complex notes of vanilla, caramel, oak and spice combine to create a uniquely satisfying whiskey experience. This is how bourbon is meant to be – bold, genuine, with no compromises. — Description on the bottle and box.

ワイルドターキーのフラッグシップとして、今も変わらずつくられつづけている101プルーフのストレートバーボン。高いアルコール度数にもかかわらず、想像以上に繊細な味わいが楽しめる、バーボンとしては異例の8年の長期熟成。その深い琥珀色は「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。重厚でインパクトのあるフルボディテイストと心地よい甘みとコクが独特の余韻をもたらしてくれる。

[English Translation] A 101-proof straight bourbon that continues to be produced as the flagship of Wild Turkey. Despite the high alcohol content, you can enjoy a more delicate taste than you can imagine. Its deep amber color comes from the highly charred inside of oak barrels called “alligator char”. The rich and impactful full-bodied taste and pleasant sweetness and richness create a unique aftertaste. — Source

Introduction

Let’s talk about Wild Turkey 8! While it’s a bottle you can only find here in Japan, the cool thing is, you don’t have to go searching high and low for it when you’re here. You can actually find it in regular grocery stores, liquor shops, … and pretty much anywhere, really.

The price of this whiskey is similar to the famous Wild Turkey 101 that people know and love back in the United States. So, if visiting Japan, it won’t break the bank to try it. Sometimes, you can even find it at a discount in certain liquor stores, since Wild Turkey 8 comes in two sizes. You can go for the regular 700ml bottle or, if you want more, there’s a bigger 1000ml version.

Now, I have to be honest with you. I haven’t had a chance to try the standard Wild Turkey 101 myself. Say it ain’t so?! I know. I know. But, it is indeed so. In fact, I haven’t ever seen the standard WT101 in Japan, and I don’t think it’s even sold in this market since WT101 8yrs is the standard export here. So I’m afraid I can’t compare the two for you. But that means you’ll be getting this review from the perspective of someone with fresh taste buds, if you will, and no preconceived ideas.

Appearance

Box Design

In some shops, you might also find that Wild Turkey 8 comes in a box. And sometimes that box is wrapped in plastic (oh, Japan…). It’s designed to look like a unique gift, which is something they do quite often in Japan. The box itself is pretty neat, with a fuzzy, feathery cardboard texture that’s sort of reminiscent of a… bird, perhaps? I see what you did there marketing team. If you ask me, the box does add a touch of collector’s appeal, and I can see how especially for visitors from overseas who want to bring back a special memento, this package would fit the bill perfectly.

Whiskey Color

The description of Wild Turkey 8 having a deep amber color is spot on, my friends. Let me tell you, it’s quite interesting when you see it sitting on the grocery shelf right next to its younger sibling, the 81 proof version, because the difference in color is truly striking (see intro video for reference). It’s like looking at night and day side by side. The deep amber hue of Wild Turkey 8 definitely stands out and catches your eye.

On the surface, a comparison like this might seem like an obvious fact for the seasoned enthusiast, but for someone coming in new to the game, I think it’s a great example showing how added age in the barrel affects the resulting color, which is where the secret lies.

💡

The secret to this brilliant color lies within the art of barrel aging. The bourbon undergoes a meticulous process where it matures inside oak barrels. However, it’s not just any ordinary oak barrel. These barrels have an extraordinary interior known as “alligator char.” This unique charring technique involves exposing the inside of the barrels to intense heat, resulting in a distinct pattern that resembles the rough, textured skin of an alligator. It is this “alligator char” that imparts both flavor and color to the whiskey. Wild Turkey only uses No.4 “alligator” char.

Not everyone makes a big deal about char level – the intensity of burn inside American White Oak barrels used to age bourbon. But only a No. 4 “alligator” char, the deepest available, can produce our bourbon’s signature amber color and bold flavor. Others might be content with a No. 1, 2 or 3 char; but it’s something we can never compromise on. We use our No. 4 char across all of our bourbons and ryes, giving each one our distinctive Wild Turkey flavor.
Official Wild Turkey website

Nose

Upon first sniff, there is a strong oak presence served as a solid foundation, intermingling with delightful notes of cherry and caramel. After gently swirling a bit, the whiskey revealed some citrus scents. Notes of apples and a subtle hint of vanilla.

Palate

The initial sip had full-bodied texture, accompanied by a delightful sweetness reminiscent of creamy vanilla. Next, a wave of spiciness swept across my palate (rye in full effect), leading with the unmistakable warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. Orange peels emerged, adding a touch of brightness to the experience. Slight nuttiness and herbal qualities coming through as well.

Finish

A lasting spice kick sticks around on the palate for a bit. Though there was a slight bite at the end, it only served to enhance the overall experience, complementing the whiskey’s robust nature. Ultimately, the finish was a testament to the careful craftsmanship that went into creating this expression, providing a truly pleasant and satisfying conclusion.

Conclusion

Wild Turkey 101 8 Year is quintessential bourbon. This should come as no surprise, especially for those who already have the standard Wild Turkey 101 on their shelves. From the initial encounter, where the strong oak presence intertwines with cherry and caramel, to the complex palate that balances vanilla sweetness, a medley of spices, and intriguing citrus undertones, this bourbon leaves no room for disappointment. The finish, with its enduring spice and overall harmony, solidifies Wild Turkey 101 8-Year as an expression that is sure to delight any whiskey enthusiast. Personally, Wild Turkey 8 is a no-brainer value buy, and you will never find my shelf without one in stock.

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.