Wild Turkey 101 is pretty good.....

[flahute]

The first time I tried this was in a local bar and grill and they gave it to me in a shot glass - not the best way to evaluate a bourbon. So, I took the advice of many here and went shopping for the little sample size version. Tasting this in a proper glass at home I have to say I'm astounded for how much flavor this one has for an incredibly cheap price.

Given that I like this one, is it safe to say that I'll like the other Turkey expressions that are at the higher side of the price scale? The Russell's Reserves? Or did I get lucky and find one I really like that is both available and reasonable. Given that I came into this hobby because of my first taste of Stagg, this is nice development.

[DrBob]

A good step up from WT 101 is the Rare breed. Russel's reserve is also pretty good but I think it suffers a bit from its 90 proof. I also like me some WT 101 as its often the best you can get on airplanes, restaurants, and poorly stocked bars while traveling.

[corpse_welder]

The reason WT is my go-to is because it is affordable and extremely flavorful. The Rare Breed is also excellent, but it is much more sweet and syrupy, which kind of takes away from the wonderful simplicity that makes WT101 so awesome. The 101 is just complex enough to be a good sipper, strong enough to be a good mixer, and cheap enough to drink every day

[Guest]

WT101 is a damn fine whiskey

Anything WT 100proof or over is worth buying.

[GaryT]

I'd pick up a Rare Breed (they sell this in a mini as well). I agree with Dr. Bob - the RR doesn't work as well for me at the lower proof. I also like the RR Single Barrel @ 110 proof, although a tad overpriced ($50 around here).

[ratcheer]

WT 101 is pretty good. The thing is, it's not as good as it used to be.

Tim

[wmpevans]

Another vote for Rare Breed. My favorite of the WT OTS offerings.

[Richnimrod]

I like Rare Breed and that Russel's Reserve 110, sb, sb, sb, bs (whatever they call it, it's never made sense to me); but for the money you'll spend 101 is a very nice bourbon at a great price, and hard to beat by very much. Was it even better in years gone by? Yes. Can you buy better NOW, for the same cheese? Unlikely, IMHO.

[TunnelTiger]

Sounds to me that WT is making a comeback among SB members after taking grief the several months soley due to their actions.

The page has been turned.

[DrinkSpirits]

Wild Turkey 101 is fantastic whiskey. It manages to be strong and flavorful without losing its balance. It's lush and sweet but also wonderfully spicy. I've been championing this whiskey for a long time, it's nice to see it finally come back in style. The Wild Turkey Rye 101 is great too and it's finally coming back into stores. (unfortunately the 81 and lower proof rye aren't as amazing).

[VAGentleman]

Growing up on Wild Turkey 101 its sometimes hard for me to put aside my memories of how great this used to be. That being said it is still pretty good and I do enjoy having some from time to time

[qman22]

Rare Breed is the only current WT product I regularly drink. The last bottle of 101 I bought was so bad it was nearly undrinkable to me, so I've stayed away since (which was about 3 months ago). It tasted like it was batched with young inferior barrels. It's a damn shame that they can't even keep up to the standard of the Old No. 8 from the 90's, which is a step down from the original, but still good bourbon. It's hard for me to decide which company pisses me off more, Campari or Sazerac....

ok, rant over :soapbox:

[Grain Belt]

I think current WT101 is a very good bourbon. I have a close friend who has followed me into the bourbon hobby and he has made WT101 his standard house pour. We watch ball games together and cook a fair amount of BBQ together. I am never disappointed whether WT101 is neat, with a little water, on the rocks, or mixed. On another note, I have had a fair amount of bourbons from the bottom shelf all the way to BTAS and Van Winkle lines and I have to say that a gold foil WT12 was by far the best pour I have ever had. I think it was an early 90's bottling. I would suggest trying Rare Breed to the OP as his next step. That being said, don't forget the enjoyment you get out of your standard WT101. Many times paying double does not nearly give you twice the enjoyment. I would also suggest trying some of the bonded bourbons since the OP enjoys the 100 proof range. OGDBIB, EWBIB, HH6BIB, OFBIB, OFS may all give you similar joy to WT101 for a very reasonable price.

[The Boozer]

it's not as good as it used to be.

Tim

[dementedavenger]

I don't mind WT101, especially considering the limited availability of cheap, high-proof bourbon in Washington.

[393foureyedfox]

I havent had any since I took a bottle to our family reunion last July. I thought it was so-so, but I'd never had the older ones so I cant compare it. I considered a bottle a few weeks ago, as I saw a $5 rebate tag on the neck of one. I didnt check the date on it though to see if it was a current promotion or an expired one. anyone else seen these?

[Kpiz]

Given that I like this one, is it safe to say that I'll like the other Turkey expressions that are at the higher side of the price scale? The Russell's Reserves? Or did I get lucky and find one I really like that is both available and reasonable.

If you like the 101, the others are worth trying. Each WT product has it's own profile but they also have that certain something that make them definitively WT. If the rough and flavorful character is what you appreciate about the 101, the RRSmBSB is a good bet. The regular RR is more subdued (maybe due to proof, as others mentioned) but also due to age, which probably mellows it. It's good in it's own way but not as bold as the other WT expressions. I find that RB has mostly savory flavors like leather and pepper, which I don't get at all from the 101.

[compliance]

I think WT is going to rise in prominence again. They can make bourbon as good or better than anyone, and if they shift their priorities from cutting costs to focus on the new premium trend they will put out good stuff (we'll just pretend Forgiven didn't happen). The new single barrel program is what I'm pinning my hopes on right now. I hope they are rolling out some casks reminiscent of classic WT for that one.

[Tony Santana]

I won't claim to be a big WT affacianado. WT81 doesn't do it for me, but the 101 is pretty decent. I'd buy a BT or EWSB for roughly the same price range, but I won't knock it. Tried the RR SmBSB and was completely unimpressed. It was at best okay, and nowhere near worth the price. I have a bottle of Kentucky Spirit at home (not the pewter top) - unopened and untried. But the Rare Breed - now that one hits the sweet spot for me. Much more flavorful, a bit pricier, but worth it.

[Max Power]

I'm a fan of most WT offerings. The special editions are some of the tasting out there for me. Thank god I don't have to pay an arm and a leg for them like so many other limited brands. Rare Breed is outstanding stuff for the price for a regular offering too.

[ebo]

Sounds to me that WT is making a comeback among SB members after taking grief the several months soley due to their actions.

The page has been turned.

I never stopped drinking WT101. It is always in the cabinet.... right along with OGD BiB.

[Johnsona]

WT 101 is always a classic

[mbroo5880i]

WT101 is an interesting whiskey. Classic and solid. Yet, I think some think of it as a hardcore, old timers bourbon. I think it is a diverse enough of an offering in the bourbon universe that it can appeal to many enthusiasts...those who mix, those who drink neat, those who sip, those who drink from the bottle. The price is also right. I can still find it for $19.99. I will say that most of the time when I drink it, I mix it 50/50 with WTR101 (old version). I have turned a few friends on to this blend as well.

[Guest]

WT101 is an interesting whiskey. Classic and solid. Yet, I think some think of it as a hardcore, old timers bourbon. I think it is a diverse enough of an offering in the bourbon universe that it can appeal to many enthusiasts...those who mix, those who drink neat, those who sip, those who drink from the bottle. The price is also right. I can still find it for $19.99. I will say that most of the time when I drink it, I mix it 50/50 with WTR101 (old version). I have turned a few friends on to this blend as well.

I dont mind this blend either, is nice!

[unclebunk]

I think current WT101 is a very good bourbon. I have a close friend who has followed me into the bourbon hobby and he has made WT101 his standard house pour. We watch ball games together and cook a fair amount of BBQ together. I am never disappointed whether WT101 is neat, with a little water, on the rocks, or mixed. On another note, I have had a fair amount of bourbons from the bottom shelf all the way to BTAS and Van Winkle lines and I have to say that a gold foil WT12 was by far the best pour I have ever had. I think it was an early 90's bottling. I would suggest trying Rare Breed to the OP as his next step. That being said, don't forget the enjoyment you get out of your standard WT101. Many times paying double does not nearly give you twice the enjoyment. I would also suggest trying some of the bonded bourbons since the OP enjoys the 100 proof range. OGDBIB, EWBIB, HH6BIB, OFBIB, OFS may all give you similar joy to WT101 for a very reasonable price.

Good post, GB. You took the words pretty much right out of my mouth. And I'm with you on the WT12 gold foil. I absolutely love that stuff and have been nursing the one bottle I've ever owned for a few years now. Classic! But no household should ever be without the standard WT101, though I empty my new bottles into an older bottle because I hate the way the re-designed labels look. Having said all that, I would agree with the others that the current stuff isn't quite as good as what I was buying as recently as five years ago. Just the same, it's a regular pour for us, especially during the college football season. Edited March 1, 2014 by unclebunk