Wild Turkey 101 Rye is back on shelves and ready to reclaim its rye whiskey throne.
In the early 2010s, Wild Turkey 101 Rye was a quintessential part of any rye whiskey collection. It was full of the classic rye flavor, easy to find, affordable, and packed with a 101 proof. Not to mention, it’s claim to Wild Turkey fame. The Wild Turkey brand has always marketed itself as accessible and affordable with the original Wild Turkey bourbon and Wild Turkey 101. Plus even it’s higher caliber whiskies like Rare Breed and Rare Breed Rye were still reasonably priced and reasonably easy to find.
However, the rye became so popular that it practically disappeared from shelves, while the distillery fought to keep up with production. In the meantime, Wild Turkey released an 81 proof rye whiskey to try and satisfy the angry mob. In only a year, the bottles of the 81 proof rye were also snatched up and Wild Turkey Rye was nearly impossible to find.
But now, a full decade later, Wild Turkey 101 Rye has been released from its cage in a big way. Luckily, this full proof rye really lives up its hype.
Luckily a decade later, Wild Turkey 101 Rye (with its full proof) is back and it lives up to the hype. Wild Turkey’s rye expression is loaded with citrus, caramels, honey, and peppery butterscotch flavors with a light smell of clove and cinnamon up front. The finish is a spicy cinnamon one that gets an extra boost from the hotness of the proof. It’s got a thick, satisfying texture without any of the bite or heat you’d expect with such a proof.
Needless to say, we’re thrilled to see this rye make a comeback.
STATS: Wild Turkey 101 Rye Whiskey
- Price for us: $25 for 750 mL
- Proof: 101
- Aged: 4 Years
- Distillery: Wild Turkey
- Recommendation: Neat
