Wild Turkey Rare Breed Reviews/Tasting Notes
First introduced in 1991, Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a more substantial, barrel-proof alternative to Wild Turkey 101. Since its introduction, the distillery has released a handful of batches with slightly different flavor profiles and strengths. Wild Turkey uses only one mash bill for all its bourbons, so Rare Breed comes from the same mix of 75 percent corn, 13 percent rye, and 12 percent malted barley. This is blended with 6-year-old, 8-year-old, and 12-year-old bourbons; numerous batches have been released since its inception. The aging, blending, and, most importantly, the proof point make Rare Breed a unique whiskey.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Scents of roasted nuts, cinnamon, and toffee leave a great initial impression. There's also a good amount of that classic Wild Turkey rye spice, which is noticeable but not overbearing. I get creamy vanilla cream that contrasts nicely with oak and toasty grains. Even some citrus and stone fruits can be found if your nose hangs around in the glass long enough.
Palate: Caramel sauce blends nicely with peanut brittle flavors while Flan shows off its vanilla/custard creaminess. The rye (and proof) heat is easy to manage with notes of red pepper flakes, ginger root allspice, and cinnamon. There's even a little bit of mint in there, too.
Finish: This wine has a pleasant finish of oak, tobacco spice, and sweetness. It also has a savory component that I liken to salted caramel. Cinnamon and clove spices remain but perfectly round out the whole finish.
Rare Breed Bourbon is a fantastic example of a rich and flavorful barrel-proof bourbon without being unbearably hot.
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