Wild Turkey 101 Rye is the strong, spicy rye from the Wild Turkey stable, and my Wild Turkey 101 Rye review is a mild thumbs up. It’s lively, minty and good in a cocktail.
What is Wild Turkey 101 Rye?
It’s made by Wild Turkey in Kentucky, owned by Campari, and it’s a rye whiskey, bottled at 50.5% (101 proof) with no age statement, aged in new charred American oak. It’s the rye sibling of the famous bourbon.
It’s a high-proof rye at a fair price.
Wild Turkey 101 Rye tasting notes and first impressions
Rye spice, mint and vanilla on the nose, with some caramel and a hint of oak. It’s fresh and sharp.
On the palate it’s spicy and warm, with rye pepper, mint, vanilla, caramel and a bit of oak. The finish is long, hot and dry. It’s lively and bold, with a nice bite.
How to drink Wild Turkey 101 Rye
It’s great in cocktails: a Manhattan, a Sazerac or an Old Fashioned all work well. Neat, a few drops of water soften the heat.
Wild Turkey 101 Rye price: is it worth it?
About £35 for 70 cl. That’s very fair for a 50.5% rye, and it’s a good-value cocktail bottle. Shop prices for Wild Turkey 101 Rye vary, so look at the retailer link on this page rather than trusting my number to the penny.
If you like Wild Turkey 101 Rye, try these
Rittenhouse Bonded Rye is a similar strength, Bulleit Rye is herbal, and Sazerac Rye is smoother.
Who should buy Wild Turkey 101 Rye?
Rye fans and cocktail makers who like a bit of heat.
Wild Turkey 101 Rye review verdict
A lively, spicy, strong rye that’s great in a cocktail. Good value. Caskable score: 72 out of 100.
Rye spice, mint and vanilla, with caramel and a hint of oak.
Spicy and warm, with rye pepper, mint, vanilla, caramel and oak.
Long, hot and dry.
A lively, spicy, strong rye that is great in a cocktail.
Thomas Grønvold is the founder of Caskable and a whisky enthusiast who believes the best way to learn about whisky is simply to drink it, compare it, and stay curious. From supermarket favourites to bottles from distilleries around the world, he writes about what he actually tastes and experiences, without pretending you need to be an expert to enjoy a good dram.
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