How to Drink Wild Turkey 101

Last Updated on: 25th April 2024, 05:33 pm

Discover the best way of drinking Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this whiskey.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Best served with a large ice ball to reduce intensity and enhance approachability, according to bourbon expert Neil Coleman.
• Suited for robust cocktails, benefiting from its high proof.
• Features a complex taste of charred oak, sweet undertones, and old leather.
• The ice ball smooths the experience, complementing the bourbon’s moderate warmth.
• Versatile for both sipping and mixing, offering great value compared to more expensive options.
• Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Best Way to Drink Wild Turkey 101

“Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon is ideally served with a large ice ball to reduce its intensity, enhancing its approachability. “, mentions Bourbon expert, Neil Coleman.

It’s also excellent for robust cocktails, with its high proof adding extra flavor.

This bourbon combines charred oak, sweet undertones, and a hint of old leather, offering a complex taste with a satisfying finish.

Although it delivers a moderate warmth, the ice ball further smooths the experience.

Providing great value, it competes with more expensive options, making it a wise choice.

Versatile for both sipping and mixing in bold cocktails, Wild Turkey 101 is a valuable addition to any whiskey shelf.

Best 100 Proof Bourbons

Adding Water

Adding a few drops of water to the drink can uncover a hint of caramel and slightly temper the heat.

There’s no singular method for water addition; it’s a journey of personal exploration.

Begin by mixing in some water, savor the flavor, then progressively add water drop by drop until you achieve the taste that best resonates with your palate.

On the Rocks

I prefer enjoying this bourbon with a large ice ball or sizeable ice cubes.

While the high proof of Wild Turkey 101 stands up well to some dilution, too much can overly soften the bourbon, causing it to lose its distinctive flavors.

Glassware Selection

Fancy glassware isn’t necessary to appreciate the Wild Turkey; a whiskey tumbler or rocks glass will suffice.

Plus, these types of glasses are perfect for accommodating large ice cubes, making them an ideal choice.

Tasting Notes

Wild Turkey 101 presents a sweet aroma, characterized by hints of honey, caramel, vanilla, and charred oak.

Its initial taste is smoother than its proof might indicate, featuring notes of vanilla, brown sugar, baking spices, hazelnuts, and a hint of mint.

The finish is extended, warm, and notably influenced by a strong charred oak presence.

Wild Turkey 101 in Cocktails

Here are some cocktail ideas for you to consider:

Old Fashioned

• Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon, 1 sugar cube, few dashes of Angostura bitters, orange peel, ice.
• Preparation: Place the sugar cube in an old-fashioned glass and saturate with bitters. Add a dash of plain water. Muddle until the sugar is dissolved. Fill the glass with ice cubes and add Bourbon. Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel.

Kentucky Mule

• Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, 4-6 oz ginger beer, lime wedge for garnish, ice.
• Preparation: Fill a mule mug or highball glass with ice. Add Bourbon and fresh lime juice. Top with ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.

Boulevardier

• Ingredients: 1 oz Bourbon, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth, orange peel for garnish.
• Preparation: Add Bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir well until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange peel twist.

Food Pairings

Here are five food pairings that would complement the Wild Turkey´s profile:

1. Barbecued Ribs: The smoky, charred flavors of barbecue ribs pair exceptionally well with the charred oak notes in this bourbon, enhancing the bourbon’s smoky character.
2. Grilled Cheese with Bacon: The crispy, smoky bacon complements the bourbon’s charred oak taste, while the melted cheese balances the bourbon’s strength with its creamy texture.
3. Smoked Sausages: Smoked sausages, with their rich and hearty flavors, can stand up to the boldness of the bourbon, echoing its charred oak undertones.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Dates: The sweet and savory combination of dates and bacon mirrors the sweet and smoky profile of the bourbon, creating a delightful contrast.
5. Chocolate Brownies: The rich, deep flavors of chocolate in brownies pair well with the charred oak notes of the bourbon, providing a pleasant balance of sweetness and smokiness.

Preserving your Bottle

• Keep it in a cool, dimly lit area.
• Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent oxidation.
• When the contents drop below 25%, it’s best to consume it quickly to maintain the flavor’s consistency.

About Wild Turkey 101

• Bottled at 50.5% ABV (101 proof).
• Matured for around 5 years in heavily charred casks.
• Consists of a mash bill with 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% barley.
• The grains used in the mash are all certified NON-GMOs.
• Wild Turkey 101 has earned a score of 92 points from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
• It has also received a Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition.
• Wild Turkey is the property of the Campari Group based in Milan, Italy.