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Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel - Bottled 2016
Overview
Each barrel of Kentucky Spirit is individually chosen by Master Distiller Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie, ensuring remarkable balance and complexity. Bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV), it carries the hallmark Wild Turkey strength while delivering layers of refined flavour. This one was bottled in 2016, which makes it an older release from the Russell era when single barrel bourbon at this proof point was still fairly uncommon on the shelf.
Every bottle comes from one individual barrel, so no two are exactly the same. What you get is a bolder, richer version of the Wild Turkey profile. Caramel, vanilla, oak, and a decent kick of rye spice, all at a proof that actually lets the flavour speak. A solid step up from standard Wild Turkey 101 and a good look at what single barrel bourbon can do when it's done properly.
The Distillery
Wild Turkey has been distilling in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky since the 1800s. Kentucky Spirit was launched in 1994 as the brand's first single barrel bourbon, and it's been a staple of the Wild Turkey range ever since.
The distillery is run by the Russell family, with Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie Russell at the helm. Jimmy joined Wild Turkey in 1954 and remains one of the longest-serving active Master Distillers in the world. Between them, the Russells have been responsible for every barrel of Wild Turkey for over seven decades.
Why We Recommend It
Kentucky Spirit is one of those bottles that earns its spot for anyone who wants more out of their bourbon without jumping straight to limited releases:
- Single barrel bourbon at 101 proof, which is a sweet spot for flavour
- A 2016 bottling from the Russell era of Wild Turkey
- Each bottle comes from one individual barrel, so it's a genuine one-off
- Bigger, richer, and more layered than the standard Wild Turkey 101
- A solid upgrade bottle from a distillery with serious history
If you already like Wild Turkey and want to see what single barrel does to the profile, this is the one to grab.
Production & Craftsmanship
| Bottled | 2016 |
| Style | Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | High rye (exact percentages undisclosed) |
| Barrel Char | No. 4 alligator char |
| Selection | Hand-selected one barrel at a time |
| Proof | 101 Proof / 50.5% ABV |
| Additives | None |
Wild Turkey ages its bourbon in heavily charred American white oak barrels using its No. 4 alligator char, the heaviest char commonly used in bourbon. Because Kentucky Spirit is a single barrel release, each bottle reflects the personality of the specific barrel it came from, rather than being rounded out through batching. That's where a lot of the character comes from.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Caramel, vanilla, and honey up front, with oak, a bit of orange peel, and that classic Wild Turkey rye spice sitting behind it.
Palate
Rich and full. Caramel and vanilla lead, with baking spice, toasted oak, dark fruit, and a bit of leather. The proof gives it a decent push without going over the top.
Finish
Long and warming. Oak, spice, and a lingering sweetness. A proper bourbon finish that sticks around.
What Makes This Bourbon Special
How to Enjoy
Best neat. Give it a minute in the glass and it opens right up. A splash of water or a single large cube works well if you want to dial back the heat and let the sweeter notes come through. Also holds its own in a classic Old Fashioned if you want to build a proper one.
Product Details
| Category | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Style | Single Barrel |
| Region | Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, USA |
| Distillery | Wild Turkey Distillery |
| Mash Bill | High rye (undisclosed) |
| ABV | 50.5% (101 Proof) |
| Bottled | 2016 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Country | USA |
Overview
Each barrel of Kentucky Spirit is individually chosen by Master Distiller Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie, ensuring remarkable balance and complexity. Bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV), it carries the hallmark Wild Turkey strength while delivering layers of refined flavour. This one was bottled in 2016, which makes it an older release from the Russell era when single barrel bourbon at this proof point was still fairly uncommon on the shelf.
Every bottle comes from one individual barrel, so no two are exactly the same. What you get is a bolder, richer version of the Wild Turkey profile. Caramel, vanilla, oak, and a decent kick of rye spice, all at a proof that actually lets the flavour speak. A solid step up from standard Wild Turkey 101 and a good look at what single barrel bourbon can do when it's done properly.
The Distillery
Wild Turkey has been distilling in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky since the 1800s. Kentucky Spirit was launched in 1994 as the brand's first single barrel bourbon, and it's been a staple of the Wild Turkey range ever since.
The distillery is run by the Russell family, with Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie Russell at the helm. Jimmy joined Wild Turkey in 1954 and remains one of the longest-serving active Master Distillers in the world. Between them, the Russells have been responsible for every barrel of Wild Turkey for over seven decades.
Why We Recommend It
Kentucky Spirit is one of those bottles that earns its spot for anyone who wants more out of their bourbon without jumping straight to limited releases:
- Single barrel bourbon at 101 proof, which is a sweet spot for flavour
- A 2016 bottling from the Russell era of Wild Turkey
- Each bottle comes from one individual barrel, so it's a genuine one-off
- Bigger, richer, and more layered than the standard Wild Turkey 101
- A solid upgrade bottle from a distillery with serious history
If you already like Wild Turkey and want to see what single barrel does to the profile, this is the one to grab.
Production & Craftsmanship
| Bottled | 2016 |
| Style | Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | High rye (exact percentages undisclosed) |
| Barrel Char | No. 4 alligator char |
| Selection | Hand-selected one barrel at a time |
| Proof | 101 Proof / 50.5% ABV |
| Additives | None |
Wild Turkey ages its bourbon in heavily charred American white oak barrels using its No. 4 alligator char, the heaviest char commonly used in bourbon. Because Kentucky Spirit is a single barrel release, each bottle reflects the personality of the specific barrel it came from, rather than being rounded out through batching. That's where a lot of the character comes from.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Caramel, vanilla, and honey up front, with oak, a bit of orange peel, and that classic Wild Turkey rye spice sitting behind it.
Palate
Rich and full. Caramel and vanilla lead, with baking spice, toasted oak, dark fruit, and a bit of leather. The proof gives it a decent push without going over the top.
Finish
Long and warming. Oak, spice, and a lingering sweetness. A proper bourbon finish that sticks around.
What Makes This Bourbon Special
How to Enjoy
Best neat. Give it a minute in the glass and it opens right up. A splash of water or a single large cube works well if you want to dial back the heat and let the sweeter notes come through. Also holds its own in a classic Old Fashioned if you want to build a proper one.
Product Details
| Category | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Style | Single Barrel |
| Region | Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, USA |
| Distillery | Wild Turkey Distillery |
| Mash Bill | High rye (undisclosed) |
| ABV | 50.5% (101 Proof) |
| Bottled | 2016 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Country | USA |