Wild Turkey 101 Rye Review
In-Depth Review
Wild Turkey 101 Rye has been a bit of an oddball in the rye world. While originally released years ago, Wild Turkey has struggled to keep it on shelves over the years. It went from being widely available, to allocated, to only available in bars and restaurants, to being found only as a much more expensive 1 liter only bottle. But as rye is becoming big business in North America, Wild Turkey is back in the game. Having recently released their barrel proof Rare Breed Rye (another release that’s hard to find), it seems that Wild Turkey, and parent company Campari, are serious about taking on the big rye offerings from Heaven Hill and Bulleit. And in order to better compete, Wild Turkey has once again made a 750ml Wild Turkey 101 Rye available as a widespread release.
This bottling is not the 1 liter only version that was available starting back in 2016. This is instead a new 750ml version that I picked up at my local Total Wine for $22.95. That pricing puts it directly up against one of my other favorite lower shelf ryes – Heaven Hill’s Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond Rye. This release bares no age statement or any mention about non-chill filtration.
Age: NAS
ABV: 50.5%
Cask: New charred oak
MSRP: $25 (For 750ml)
Distillery Name: Wild Turkey
Review Date: 4/7/21
Color: Deep Amber Gold
Nose: First thought - spicy bubblegum. The rye spice mixes in with a sweet cotton candy note that gives Wild Turkey 101 Rye a sweet and spicy nose. The rye spice isn’t in your face and instead the heat on the nose seems to come more from the proof than the mashbill. There’s wood bark, maple syrup, and lightly earthy tones as well. As with many ryes, there are notes of spearmint and pine, but they are faint and restrained. Overall, the nose is pleasant, and beguiles you into taking a sip.
Palate: The first sip gives off a sweet, herbaceous quality of freshly cut grass, rye spice, and vanilla. As it develops more, flavors of toasted sweet oak, evergreen pine, leafy greens, and caramel show up. The proof and rye spice give a warm mouthfeel – perfect for brisk winter nights. The heat isn’t overpowering, with the 101 proof being perfect for allowing the flavors to develop in the mouth. Wild Turkey 101 Rye is more spice forward than other barely legal ryes, leading with a stronger rye influence than the mashbill would have you to believe. The mouthfeel is pretty good, with a creamy, yet punchy quality that is no doubt aided by the 101 proof.
Finish: Medium finish with heavy wood notes that lead to a spicy drying finish. Definitely satisfying but could be made more interesting with a touch more sweetness.
Final Thoughts: Wild Turkey 101 Rye is an excellent daily drinker rye. Nothing exceptional, but it blends the traditionally herbal and mint qualities of rye with nice layers of toasted oak and vanilla. It seems to have a bit more rye spice than Heaven Hill’s Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond Rye, but never goes as far as a 95% rye like Bulliet Rye. Well priced as either a drink or for mixing, Wild Turkey 101 Rye is a welcome addition back to the burgeoning rye landscape. And with its new 750ml bottle, and a new lower price, this seems well positioned to compete with the traditional heavyweights at this price point.
If I had to choose between this and Rittenhouse, I think I would give the edge to Rittenhouse because its personality is more high rye bourbon than traditional rye. I also like that Rittenhouse can be found everywhere, and normally about $5 cheaper here in Los Angeles. But if you like a little spicier, rye forward drink, then Wild Turkey 101 Rye is likely the choice for you.
