Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit vs Rare Breed: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 23rd February 2024, 01:47 am

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover the differences between Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit vs Rare Breed in this head-to-head comparison and decide which Bourbon is better for You!

Written by: J Highland

Kentucky Spirit vs Rare Breed: Comparison

Whiskey	Kentucky Spirit	Rare Breed
Nose	✅	✅
Body	✅	✅
Palate	✅	✅
Finish	✅	✅
Value		✅

Kentucky Spirit: A more polished version of Wild Turkey, offering a blend of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of mint on the palate, leading to a warm, oaky finish. It’s a single barrel selection that adds a layer of refinement to the Wild Turkey profile, suitable for those seeking a smoother experience. Priced higher, it’s for those valuing nuanced differences.

Rare Breed: Packs a full-flavored punch with vanilla, caramel, and a rich, creamy texture, balanced by oak and leather in its finish. This uncut, unfiltered bourbon stands out for its depth and complexity, offering great value even at its higher proof. It’s a bold choice for enthusiasts looking for intensity without the harshness.

Verdict: Kentucky Spirit offers a refined take on Wild Turkey’s classic flavors, ideal for those seeking smoothness. Rare Breed delivers a robust, full-bodied experience, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger bourbon with complex flavors. Both are excellent choices in their own right, catering to different preferences within the bourbon spectrum.

Related: Best Wild Turkey Whiskey Picks

Kentucky Spirit: Refined Wild Turkey, or Not?

Nose: Vanilla, berries, rye spice
Palate: Caramel, brown sugar, baking spice, mint
Finish: Medium, oak
Alcohol content: 101 proof (50.5% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks

Craving a smoother Wild Turkey experience? Kentucky Spirit might be your ticket. This single barrel release, handpicked by legendary distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell, promises a refined take on the classic Wild Turkey 101.

What’s in the bottle?

Aged 8-9 years, offering more maturity than the 101.
Each bottle carries its own pedigree: bottling date, warehouse info, barrel number, and the Russell’s signatures!
Nose: Vanilla takes center stage, with hints of berries and rye spice.
Palate: Caramel and brown sugar lead the way, followed by baking spice and a touch of mint.
Finish: Slightly shorter than desired, but warm and oaky.

Smoother, but worth the price? Kentucky Spirit is undeniably smoother than the 101, but the price tag jumps significantly. Some find the difference subtle, making the 101 more appealing for its value.

In the end, it’s all about preference.

Want to know more? Here’s the scoop:

Uses the classic Wild Turkey mash bill (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% barley).
Aged 8-9 years for extra depth.
Scored 96-100 points by Wine Enthusiast and won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Ready to explore Kentucky Spirit? Remember, it’s a premium experience, so choose wisely!

Rare Breed: Unleash the Full-flavored Bourbon Beast

Nose: Vanilla, caramel, oak
Palate: Baking spice, burnt sugar, vanilla, oak, old leather
Finish: Vanilla, old leather, oak char
Alcohol content: 116 proof (58% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks, Cocktails

Looking for a bourbon that packs a punch with a pleasing bite? Rare Breed might be your spirit animal. This uncut, unfiltered beauty delivers a raw, full-flavored experience that true bourbon enthusiasts crave.

What’s in the bottle?

Nose: Think honey, cinnamon, toasted oak, with a whisper of alcohol warmth.
Palate: Creamy texture explodes with butterscotch, brown sugar, vanilla, and oak. Imagine a rich dessert in liquid form.
Finish: Medium to long, warming you up with notes of vanilla, leather, and that signature Wild Turkey oak char.

Don’t let the 116 proof scare you. Rare Breed is surprisingly sweet and smooth, thanks to its creamy texture and balanced flavors. Oaky spice peeks through, adding complexity without overpowering.

More than just muscle: Rare Breed is considered a champion for value. It outshines many pricier bourbons, earning its title as the Best Wild Turkey Whiskey.

Ready to unleash the beast? Here’s the lowdown: