Details
- Price: $24
- Proof: 81 (40.5% ABV)
- Type: Rye
- Age: No Age Statement
- Distillery: Wild Turkey
- Visit the distillery page at Wild Turkey Rye
Review
Nose: There is very little to the nose, which is attributable to the low proof distilling. The appearance is notably light and you wonder if it spent any time in a barrel.
Palate: The profile is pretty limited, which should be expected by the proof and price of the whiskey. There is low heat on the front end of this rye whiskey. However, it’s better than you anticipate and moderately complex with a little spice. This whiskey holds its own with competitors at a similar and proof (see awful review for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey). Wild Turkey is one of the best distilleries, so it’s not surprising they found a way to navigate these treacherous waters (low proof, low price, limited smell, and light appearance). We recommend spending a few extra dollars and getting the Wild Turkey Rye 101 for great taste and good value, but this is still pretty good for what it is.
Finish: The finish has no heat, but there are a few flavors that present after the initial sip. It’s an average closing, but on par or slightly better than expected. Wild Turkey Rye does well in a lower proof cocktail.
Rating
Overall Score: 6.1 (score reflects taste and price)
Wild Turkey Rye exceeds expectations based on the proof and price. It offers real flavors and low to medium complexity. This bottle simply beats competitors with similar characteristics (proof/price). We strongly recommend spending the extra money to grab Wild Turkey Rye 101, but we can’t hate on this whiskey for what it is. Just don’t expect to be blown away because Wild Turkey is on the label (i.e. manage expectations).
Degenerate Discussion
I was preparing to write a piece slamming this whiskey for being shit, but the taste exceeded my initial impressions. I adjusted my strategy the same way hedge fund managers were forced to do as a result of the Redditors. My entire childhood is making a financial comeback! I keep monitoring the news wondering if Toys ‘R’ Us will begin mass reopenings and overthrow Apple for market superiority. I used to get so fucking excited walking the aisles of Toys ‘R’ Us. The only comparable experience in adult life is searching Drizly for alcohol or purchasing a new wine/whiskey membership (brings the passion back to life). That was the motivation behind starting this site; to spend time doing something we truly love to do. If you have the same passion behind drinking, cheers Degenerates!