The 8-Year-Old Wild Turkey That’s Worth Every Penny

Wild Turkey 8 Year: A Well-Rounded Bourbon

Wild Turkey 8 Year is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that is produced by the Wild Turkey distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The whiskey is aged for eight years in new American oak barrels, and it has a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% barley. Wild Turkey 8 Year is known for its smooth, complex flavor, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. It is a versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Wild Turkey 8 Year, exploring its history, flavor profile, and how to best enjoy it. We will also provide some tasting notes and recommendations for cocktails that incorporate Wild Turkey 8 Year. So whether you are a bourbon novice or a seasoned expert, read on for more information about this well-rounded bourbon.

Name	ABV	Price
Wild Turkey 8 Year	45%	$50
Wild Turkey 8 Year Rye	45%	$60
Wild Turkey 8 Year Single Barrel	47%	$70

History of Wild Turkey 8 Year

The brand’s origins

Wild Turkey 8 Year is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced by the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The distillery was founded in 1869 by George T. Stagg, and it is now owned by Campari Group.

Wild Turkey 8 Year was first produced in the early 1900s, and it quickly became one of the most popular bourbons in the United States. The whiskey is known for its smooth flavor and its high rye content, which gives it a spicy kick.

The whiskey’s development over time

Wild Turkey 8 Year has remained relatively unchanged over the years, although the distillery has made some minor modifications to the recipe. In the early 1900s, the whiskey was aged for eight years, but this was later increased to ten years. In the 1980s, the distillery switched from using all-bourbon barrels to a combination of bourbon and sherry barrels.

Despite these changes, Wild Turkey 8 Year has maintained its reputation as one of the best bourbons on the market. The whiskey is still made using the same time-honored methods, and it is still aged in charred oak barrels.

Key milestones in the whiskey’s history

* 1869: George T. Stagg establishes the Wild Turkey Distillery.
* 1900s: Wild Turkey 8 Year is first produced.
* 1940s: The distillery is purchased by the Austin Nichols Company.
* 1980s: The distillery switches from using all-bourbon barrels to a combination of bourbon and sherry barrels.
* 1990s: Wild Turkey 8 Year is acquired by Campari Group.

Production of Wild Turkey 8 Year

The ingredients used in the whiskey

Wild Turkey 8 Year is made from a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% barley. The whiskey is aged for eight years in charred oak barrels, and it is bottled at 80 proof.

The distilling process

The whiskey is distilled in a copper pot still. The first distillation takes place at a low proof, and the second distillation takes place at a higher proof. The whiskey is then aged in charred oak barrels for eight years.

The aging process

Wild Turkey 8 Year is aged in charred oak barrels. The barrels are made from American white oak, and they are charred on the inside to impart a smoky flavor to the whiskey. The whiskey is aged for eight years in these barrels, and it develops a complex flavor during this time.

Wild Turkey 8 Year is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey with a rich history and a smooth flavor. The whiskey is made using a traditional distilling process, and it is aged for eight years in charred oak barrels. Wild Turkey 8 Year is a great choice for bourbon drinkers who are looking for a smooth and flavorful whiskey.

Tasting Notes for Wild Turkey 8 Year

Wild Turkey 8 Year is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced by the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. It is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) and is aged for at least eight years in new charred oak barrels. The whiskey has a deep amber color and a nose that is dominated by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The palate is smooth and creamy, with flavors of dried fruit, baking spices, and tobacco. The finish is long and warm, with a touch of sweetness.

The whiskey’s appearance

Wild Turkey 8 Year has a deep amber color that is reminiscent of aged oak. The whiskey is clear and bright, with no sediment.

The whiskey’s aroma

The nose of Wild Turkey 8 Year is dominated by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. There are also fainter notes of dried fruit, baking spices, and tobacco. The aroma is rich and complex, with a slight sweetness.

The whiskey’s flavor

The palate of Wild Turkey 8 Year is smooth and creamy, with flavors of dried fruit, baking spices, and tobacco. The whiskey has a medium body and a long, warm finish. The finish is slightly sweet, with a touch of oak.

Food Pairings for Wild Turkey 8 Year

Wild Turkey 8 Year is a versatile whiskey that can be paired with a variety of foods. Some good food pairings for Wild Turkey 8 Year include:

* Appetizers: Charcuterie, cheese, nuts, olives, and dried fruits
* Main courses: Beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and fish
* Desserts: Chocolate, fruit, and ice cream

Here are some tips for pairing Wild Turkey 8 Year with food:

* Start with a small pour of whiskey and a small bite of food. This will allow you to taste the flavors of both the whiskey and the food individually.
* As you continue to taste the whiskey and the food together, pay attention to how the flavors interact. Do the flavors complement each other? Do they create a new flavor experience?
* Experiment with different food pairings until you find a combination that you enjoy.

Here are some specific food pairings that I recommend for Wild Turkey 8 Year:

* Appetizers:
* Charcuterie board with cured meats, cheeses, nuts, olives, and dried fruits
* Grilled oysters with bacon and shallots
* Smoked salmon with cream cheese and capers
* Main courses:
* Grilled steak with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables
* Braised lamb shank with red wine sauce
* Roasted chicken with cornbread stuffing and gravy
* Desserts:
* Chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream
* Apple pie with cheddar cheese
* Pecan pie with whipped cream

Q: What is Wild Turkey 8 Year?

A: Wild Turkey 8 Year is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that is aged for 8 years in new, charred American oak barrels. It is bottled at 45% ABV.

Q: What are the tasting notes for Wild Turkey 8 Year?

A: Wild Turkey 8 Year has a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice. It has a smooth, medium-bodied mouthfeel and a long, lingering finish.

Q: How does Wild Turkey 8 Year compare to other bourbons?

A: Wild Turkey 8 Year is a well-balanced bourbon that is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks. It is slightly more complex and flavorful than some other bourbons in its price range, but it is still smooth and easy to drink.

Q: Where can I buy Wild Turkey 8 Year?

A: Wild Turkey 8 Year is available in most liquor stores and online retailers. It typically retails for around $30-$40.

Q: What is the best way to enjoy Wild Turkey 8 Year?

A: Wild Turkey 8 Year is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. It can also be used in cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned or the Manhattan.

Wild Turkey 8 Year is a complex and flavorful bourbon that is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks. It has a rich, oaky flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. The finish is long and smooth, with a touch of sweetness. This bourbon is a great choice for bourbon enthusiasts who are looking for something a little more sophisticated than the average Kentucky straight bourbon.