Wild Turkey Distillery

Wild Turkey (est. 1869, Lawrenceburg KY) is the most traditional of Kentucky's major bourbon distilleries — a high-rye mash bill (13% rye vs. Maker's 16% wheat), entering the barrel at a lower proof than most competitors (110 proof vs. 125 legal max), and aged in 'alligator char' (deep char level 4) barrels. The lower entry proof preserves more congeners from the distillate; the deep char extracts maximum vanilla and caramel from the wood. Master Distiller Jimmy Russell has worked at Wild Turkey for over 60 years — the longest-tenured master distiller in the world.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed (cask strength, ~56%) is consistently rated 95+ points and cited as the finest value in bourbon. Jimmy Russell's 60+ years is an unmatched record in any spirits category globally. Matthew McConaughey became Creative Director in 2016.