Wild Turkey 101 12 Year Review (2024)
“Distiller’s Reserve”
Wild Turkey 101 12-year Distiller’s Reserve used to be readily available in the US until around the late 1990s, after which, the 12 year age statement was removed for American consumers because the demand for high-end bourbons in the US was low. But international markets still valued the Wild Turkey 12 year and their sales helped carry the distillery through the US “bourbon draught” until around 2010 or so. Finally, in 2022, it has come back and it is still a product that is produced primarily for the Japanese, Korean, and Australian markets and it is seldom available in the US. I got lucky and found this at an online store. So, grab a dram to sip while I work on this Wild Turkey 101 12 year review.
Series: Distiller’s Reserve
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Age: 12 years
Proof: 101
Proof Designation: na
Filtered Status: Non-Chill Filtered
Mash bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Barrel Char Level: 4
Barrel Entry Proof: 114
Distillate Source: Wild Turkey
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distilling Company
Company: Campari Group
Bottled By: Wild Turkey Distilling Company
Distilled/Aging Location: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Master Distiller: Jimmy Russel
Release Date: February 2024
MSRP: Roughly $70
Secondary Market: $125 – $200
Availability: Low/Rare
Reviewed: January 6, 2025
Wild Turkey 101 12 Year Review (2024)
My tasting reviews are unique in that I include the notes of several well-known whiskey critics. The hope is that this format will help me and others to explore and expand their tasting experience. After you have taken your own tasting notes, read the reviews and see if there is a flavor note that others discerned that now you can detect as well.
For this tasting: Opened Bottle (about 1 week), Glencairn Glass, Neat, Room Temp, Breathe: 5 minutes
Legs
Beads began to form on the crown at about 8 seconds, the legs began forming and falling around 17 seconds, and the first legs reached the bowl at around 70 seconds.
Nose
Toasted oak, caramel, vanilla, a fruity note similar to poached pears, and a touch of mint.
Other Reviewer’s Perceptions
Bourbon Boss Man: (2024 release) Brown Sugar, Baking Spice, Vanilla, Oak, Flat Cherry Coke, Caramel Apple, and Leather.
Dram Japan: (2022 release) The nose is like stepping into a candy store – cotton candy grape stands out, alongside a childhood favorite Bubble Yum. There’s an alluring undercurrent of dark cherries, evoking cherry cola, with a twist of orange peel. The sweetness of caramel apple ties beautifully with the notes of sweet oak. It’s a complex, layered aroma profile.
Rare Bird 101: (2022 release) (mature, layered) intense medicinal cherry, fragrant oak, salted caramel, leather, spiced citrus, warm baking spice, hints of cedar & autumn potpourri.
Palate
Toasted oak, caramel, an apple pie vibe, vanilla, cherry soda, barrel char, brown sugar, mild baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), sweet leather, dark chocolate
Other Reviewer’s Perceptions
Bourbon Boss Man: Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Baking Spice, Charred Oak, Stone Fruit (Apricot), and Dark Fruit (Cherry/Blackberry).
Dram Japan: On the palate, it’s like a symphony of flavors. The texture is viscous and full-bodied, a grand entrance that then gives way to the punch of the proof. Vanilla, caramel, cherry syrup, licorice, and warming baking spices unfurl, accented by a pleasant buttery, honey, maple sweetness, and a hint of lemongrass. The flavor profile is remarkably balanced and evolves impressively with each sip.
Rare Bird 101: (silky mouthfeel) vanilla spice, heady cream soda, charred oak, brown sugar, singed cherry, clove chewing gum, nutmeg, light cinnamon.
Finish
A medium-long finish with dried dark cherry, dark chocolate, barrel char, sweet leather.
Other Reviewer’s Perceptions
Bourbon Boss Man: Beautifully Long Colorado Winter’s Hug with Delectable Notes of Oaky Sugar and Spice.
Dram Japan: The finish is long and enticing, with a lingering sensation of chocolate orange. The cherry theme continues, creating a satisfying through-line from the nose to the palate to the finish. Cinnamon spice adds a touch of warmth, enhancing the overall experience.
Rare Bird 101: long & flavorful – cherry cola, antique leather, “caramelized oak char,” molasses, tobacco, blood orange, faint sassafras & licorice.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel is silken and pleasant, but not rich or unctuous.
Mouthfeel Rating Guide: Thin = Watery | Silken = smooth & slippery, but not mouth coating | Creamy = coats the tongue like heavy cream does. | Rich or Unctuous = coats the entire palate like quality olive oil
The Burn
4 out of 5. This means that the burn from the alcohol is a bit lower (5% to 9%) than what I would expect it to be. I would guess this to be around 90 proof, not 101 proof.
Tasting Summary
Toasted oak and caramel apple hit the palate first, followed by mild baking spices. Then some dried or medicinal cherry, vanilla, and hints of dark chocolate.
My Rating
The higher the score the better the whiskey is in my opinion. For reference, my best rated bottle so far is the George T. Stagg 2022 (138.7p) with a score of 9.7.
| Score Type | Score | Examples |
| Likability Score | 8.4 | 1.0 – 10.0 |
| Availability Score | 1 | 1-Rare, 2-Hard to Find, 3-A Little Hunting, 4-Easy to Find |
My Tasting Notes
A blank version of this tasting notes wheel is available in both a color and a black & white version in the member’s area.
Notes and History
Inside the elegantly designed box there is a note from Eddie Russel, printed on paper that resembles a charred oak barrel. It reads:
My son Eddie and I have dedicated our lives to distilling real Kentucky bourbon. You could say it runs through our veins.
We’ve been doing things the right way since day one, staying true to the traditions and processes that have been used for over 100 years. Because good things take time, this 12 year old bourbon is no exception.
I’ve been told this bourbon is a bit like me, aged longer for more character. I like to think there’s a story in every bottle. Feel the Spirit of Kentucky, with its rolling hills, rugged wilderness and bold colours. Taste the richer, more generous flavours you only get from a bourbon matured at the highest level of char possible.
Go ahead and close your eyes. Smell the bourbon first, then let the flavours roll in your mouth. That’s the real way to taste the true character of this 12 year old Wild Turkey Kentucky Bourbon.
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