How's Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit these days?

[tarheel]

For the first time ever I saw WTKS on a shelf in an NC ABC store this week. Looks like it was bottle of the month a while ago, but I was wondering what people think of recent releases? I am generally a fan of WT including WT101 but have never had WTKS. Thanks!

[flahute]

It's very good. Turkey diverts the higher quality barrels the would be 101 into the KS barrel program. They will be on the older side. I enjoy a bottle from time to time.

I don't buy it often though. It's a tough price point to swallow because Rare Breed can be just as good (to me) at a cheaper price and a much higher proof and RRSiB is better to me at close to the same price, likely slightly older, and also at a higher proof.

[Mako254]

6 hours ago, flahute said:

It's very good. Turkey diverts the higher quality barrels the would be 101 into the KS barrel program. They will be on the older side. I enjoy a bottle from time to time.

I don't buy it often though. It's a tough price point to swallow because Rare Breed can be just as good (to me) at a cheaper price and a much higher proof and RRSiB is better to me at close to the same price, likely slightly older, and also at a higher proof.

 

I agree with this. I have had a couple WTKS that I really like and some that were ok to solid. My main issue is 1) price point and 2) often the profile is very close to standard 101... at twice the price. 

 

If you are looking to further explore Wild Turkey, I’d agree w/ flahute. The new Rare Breed at 116 is very good. For my money, Russells Reserve single barrels is the best juice and value coming out of WT these days. 8-9 yrs, NCF, bottled at 110 (WT goes into the barrel at 115) so close to barrel proof. 

 

That said, give the spirit a run. Best case it is a honey barrel. Worst case it is a ‘hi def’ 101 and a bottle you can use as a decanter. 

[Paddy]

^^^What they said!  Currently, the sun is shining very brightly in Lawrenceburg (actually the hamlet of Tyrone), particularly on the west bank of the Kentucky River.  

 

Turkey ain't just for Thanksgiving!  Get you some of each and give thanks every day! 

[CardsandBourbon]

Not a fan of WT 101 but the WTKS is a totally different story.  Pick up a bottle.  You won't be disappointed.

[GaryT]

I think flaute nailed it.  I've yet to have one I thought was "not good" (although have had some that had I tried first, I wouldn't have paid the asking price for).  But I've had some that are very tasty.  If the price point doesn't hurt too bad, I'd give it a shot and see what you think.  As a single barrel, it will be variable - but it is also a very cool looking bottle  

[Cranecreek]

15 hours ago, tarheel said:

I am generally a fan of WT including WT101 but have never had WTKS. Thanks!

Because you are already a fan of WT go ahead and spring for one.  IMO the spirit tastes just as it should, that being a "Single Barrel", a carefully selected expression of 101.  A little deeper flavor with less biting spice to it.  What has been said about price is the only drawback to it.

[tarheel]

Thanks everyone - will give it a shot!

[Stump1998]

Big Wild Turkey fan here. Love Rare Breed and the Kentucky Spirit runs a close second. Usually depends on how bad the work day was on which one I reach for.

[fishnbowljoe]

I'm not much of a WT fan. That being said, in taking part in the tasting after tours at WT, I was always surprised at just how decent the WTKS was. 

 

Biba! Joe

[Guss West]

I bought a couple bottles when I heard the bird bottle was going away.  I have one open and recently have been SBS-ing with a WT101.  This is fantastic whiskey, unmistakably WT.  I'll save you from expounding on my tasting notes. 

 

I will refill the WTKS bottle with WT101.  Repeatedly.  My "WT Infinity Bottle".