A sad sight...

[CrispyCritter]

I took a swing by my nearby Binny's, and saw exactly one bottle of WTRR 101 - and a bunch of the [sarcasm]New! Improved![/sarcasm] 90 proof version.

Needless to say, the poor, lonely WTRR 101 bottle went home with me...

[kbuzbee]

Yeah the one-Oh-one has been gone for a while around here. I saw my first 90 about a week or so ago. Probably buy one some day but right now I'm saving my quarters for Kentucky in 2 weeks

Cheers,

Ken

[barturtle]

In Louisville the 90 was already on the shelves at Derby time(this means early May for non-Louisvillians), some stores still had a little 101 then but it was soon gone.

[Chaz7]

So, what is the difference in taste? Have you done a side by side? I'm curious, but then I don't hold alchohol content as the defining criteria for flavor. For instance, and this is just me, I definately like the Old Grand Dad 114 over the BiB 100. But, I like the Pappy Van Winkle Lot B at 90 over (but just by a hair) the 107 15 year. Of course, I like the ORVW 107 is better than the 90. Go figure...

[kbuzbee]

So, what is the difference in taste? Have you done a side by side? I'm curious, but then I don't hold alchohol content as the defining criteria for flavor. For instance, and this is just me, I definately like the Old Grand Dad 114 over the BiB 100. But, I like the Pappy Van Winkle Lot B at 90 over (but just by a hair) the 107 15 year. Of course, I like the ORVW 107 is better than the 90. Go figure...

Chaz, tastes vary and bottlings vary but, generically, I think the concept of desiring a higher proof has less to do with the amount of alcohol and more to do with how the addition of water to reduce the proof also dilutes the flavor components.

So, again, generically, a whiskey that has been reduced from 126 to 114 will have more flavor than the same whiskey reduced to 90 proof (and less than a cask strength offering).

Cheers,

Ken

[kbuzbee]

Of course, I suppose it's possible to have a 140 proof Bourbon reduced to 109 and be comparing that to a 120 proof being reduced to 101. Seems, all things being equal the latter would be more flavorful.

Ken

[barturtle]

I actually have tried them side by side, and it seems to me that the higher proof version is much better balanced, with the richer flavors actually making it seem to be smoother(which I found quite funny when the neck tag on the 90 says that it is cut to proof to make it smooth).

Of course YMMV

[monte]

I too have tried them side by side, and while there is some variation amongst the various high end WT whiskeys, it seems like the same taste profile is being used for the latest WTRR101 and the new WTRR90, the only difference being the proof. I found no real difference in flavor notes, only a difference in "largeness" and proof.

I personally like WTRR at 101 proof, so I've stocked up on the old version. People who don't like strong, flavorful whiskey may prefer the 90... and the packaging certainly looks very nice.

Up here in New England, we can get WTRR for $24.99 in the NH state stores, which is as low as I have seen up here. However, many of the high volume stores have converted over to new product. I do have a hunch as to a few places with old stock, so PM me if you need some shopping tips. I can certainly tell you what I know about the stores I've seen that have converted over to the new product, maybe saving you some time/gas.

Cheers,

-monte-

[Chaz7]

Of course, I suppose it's possible to have a 140 proof Bourbon reduced to 109 and be comparing that to a 120 proof being reduced to 101. Seems, all things being equal the latter would be more flavorful.

Ken

Interesting. Now I do enjoy cask strength scotches upon occasion, although it may be because of the unusual expressions available.And with those, I do add a drop of H2O. But I always (at least so far) drink my bourbon neat. For me some are noticably better in higher proof, but others seem richer and more flavorful at the lower proofs. Since we are talking Turkey here, it will take a couple of trips, but I believe I can find both. In fact, the new WTRR just hit the shelves last week. One thing I was cautious about, and meant no disrespect, was if anyone was making their assessments solely based on the label. But reading the well written responses, I feel this is not the case. Now to do my own side by side. Chaz.

[gr8erdane]

and the packaging certainly looks very nice.

Now monte is the second or third person who has said that they thought this. Personally, I think the label is very cheap looking and unattractive. One thing I do appreciate though is that they did change the bottle so that you don't buy the 90 thinking you were getting the 101.

[BourbonJoe]

One thing I do appreciate though is that they did change the bottle so that you don't buy the 90 thinking you were getting the 101.

Keeping the bottle but lowering the proof is an old Heaven Hill trick. Also, now, according to Chuck, they are keeping the same (lower proof) bottle and removing the age statements from the labels.

Joe

[kbuzbee]

Up here in New England, we can get WTRR for $24.99 in the NH state stores, which is as low as I have seen up here.

I think New Hampshire has the greatest website. They tell you the cost and the amount available in every store. Wow, that sure takes the work out of hunting Search of Russell's Reserve

On the down side, the selection looks pretty limited.

[monte]

I think New Hampshire has the greatest website. They tell you the cost and the amount available in every store. Wow, that sure takes the work out of hunting

It is a very nice web site and the reported stats are only very infrequently inaccurate. The problem with WTRR is that the old and new WTRR have the same SKU, so you can't tell which store has what by looking at their search, at least in this situation. You have to guess which are the high volume and low volume stores and shop at the latter if you want WTRR101.

On the down side, the selection looks pretty limited.

Yep, no Van Winkle stuff, but they do get the Antique Collection once a year, usually in good quantities. Let's hope that's the case this year!!

Cheers,

-monte-

[kbuzbee]

Yep, no Van Winkle stuff, but they do get the Antique Collection once a year, usually in good quantities. Let's hope that's the case this year!!

Wish that were true here....

Thanks

Ken

[bobbyc]

I've resisted posting this, but here goes....

There isn't anything Wild Turkey makes that I can't live without.

I guess this list could grow, depending on which labels get hosed by the bean counters and poll takers.

[kbuzbee]

That's too bad Bobby. I enjoy almost everything they make. Kentucky Spirit is one of my current favorites. It just has that nice full flavor I enjoy.

Well, that's why there's a wide variety to choose from, eh??

Ken

(And AMEN to the bean counter comment.)

[chasking]

While I'm sorry to see RR being diluted, it doesn't upset me so much in a mid-level product. While I have a bottle of RR 101, and like it, when it's gone I will probably replace it with Rare Breed or Kentucky Spirit, and if I want something cheaper for casual consumption I'd get a bottle of the regular old Wild Turkey 101. At this point I'm sufficiently satisfied with the quality of WT products that I don't mind spending more for the really premium products, when I want something special.

[kbuzbee]

While I'm sorry to see RR being diluted, it doesn't upset me so much in a mid-level product. While I have a bottle of RR 101, and like it, when it's gone I will probably replace it with Rare Breed or Kentucky Spirit, and if I want something cheaper for casual consumption I'd get a bottle of the regular old Wild Turkey 101. At this point I'm sufficiently satisfied with the quality of WT products that I don't mind spending more for the really premium products, when I want something special.

Agreed, I like Rare Breed and Kentucky Spirit better anyway but this is a trend I hate to see in the industry. Toward younger (with no age statements) and more diluted products. If they mess with KS and RB they may loose me forever (which would be a far larger loss to me than to them, I'm sure!)

..... Well, at least for new stuff, there are those 5 bottles of KS from '00 and '01 sitting in the bunker there to consider.....

Ken

[angelshare]

There isn't anything Wild Turkey makes that I can't live without.

I disagree with respect to Kentucky Spirit, although Tina might agree with you.

Still, once upon a time in VA, I think RR 101 was a great deal at $22-24; I enjoyed it more than many of its similarly priced shelf-mates. Now it's $30 AND watered down. The price hike PLUS the concomitant proof-lowering really steamed me.

[ratcheer]

I also agree. I love Kentucky Spirit and Rare Breed, but it is because they are special. If they mess with the quality of these, they will lose me.

I bought several bottles of the Russell's Reserve at 101 proof over the years. I enjoyed it, but preferred Rare Breed for just a little more money. I will not be buying the 90-proof version.

WT 101 is pretty much my standard everyday pour. But if they cut the proof of it, they will lose me on that one, too.

Just keep messing with your products, Wild Turkey. Maybe you can lose all of your customers.

Tim

[bobbyc]

Just keep messing with your products, Wild Turkey. Maybe you can lose all of your customers.

What Tim said!!

[kbuzbee]

Just keep messing with your products, Wild Turkey. Maybe you can lose all of your customers.

What Tim said!!

Me too. Won't it be cool if Wild Turkey had someone of Ken Weber's calibre who would visit here like he does??? (Hi Ken!!)

Cheers,

Ken

[OneCubeOnly]

Won't it be cool if Wild Turkey had someone of Ken Weber's calibre who would visit here like he does???

My guess is they probably check in here from time to time, just to keep their finger on the pulse of their clientele. My only evidence of that is the red-carpet treatment the SB.com people got last year. Evidently the year before a group of SB.com people were openly accused of "trespassing" and were treated rudely while doing a WT tour. Once word of that got out, we got first-class VIP treatment along with Jimmy Russell.

Pure speculation on my part, but I think they're listening.

[tmas]

Well, I had a good pour of RR 101 last night and I have to say I think it's real fine stuff! Have had that opinion since I first tasted it. IMHO they've screwed with a fine product! Tom

[kbuzbee]

Won't it be cool if Wild Turkey had someone of Ken Weber's calibre who would visit here like he does???

My guess is they probably check in here from time to time, just to keep their finger on the pulse of their clientele. My only evidence of that is the red-carpet treatment the SB.com people got last year. Evidently the year before a group of SB.com people were openly accused of "trespassing" and were treated rudely while doing a WT tour. Once word of that got out, we got first-class VIP treatment along with Jimmy Russell.

Pure speculation on my part, but I think they're listening.

Listening is wonderful but full participation would be so much better.

Ken