Wild Turkey - RR 101

[ProofPositive]

Today, I finally joined this great Forum. I have been reading and learning here for a while now but figured it was high time to take the next step. I have learned a lot from you guys and look forward to much more! I read somewhere here that RR101 is out of production (maybe it has been for a while & I just didn't know) and only RR90 is being produced by WT. If that is the case, how aggressive should one be to grab RR101 whenever one comes across a bottle in a store? I tried it with a friend in the past & loved it Now, I got my first personal bottle over the weekend for Christmas. Totally to my surprise, I ran across another one tonite at a store near my work. Out of the 7-10 stores I have visited over the last 2 weeks (Yep, I have been a busy boy!), this is only the second bottle of RR101 I have seen. Would it be wise to drop in there tomorrow morning and pick up this one as well? Or, is it still more plentiful than maybe I think? I guess a lot depends upon location. I am near Memphis, TN. The only reason I did not go ahead and get the extra RR101 tonite is due mainly to dollars and what else I found there - 1994 EWSB. Actually, I was going in there to get the 1995 EWSB. I have not seen a '94 EWSB in my area in a while so figured I better grab it instead. BOTTOM LINE: do I grab the RR101 while I can or make my next acquisition the '95 EWSB? My gut feeling is that there is still a good bit of '95 EWSB around and much less RR101. Thanks for you assistance. I find myself very fortunate as a novice to be able to join you. With all sincerity, it is indeed an honor to be among the very best in the world of Bourbon. I stand in awe!!!

[tmas]

Welcome Proof, I have learned much of what I know about Bourbon right here, this is definitely the source! As far as the RR 101, I too 'am an admirer, and personally when I see it, I buy it. It's only a matter of time before it's all gone, I think especially because there's a new "improved" ( read improved profit margin)version out there which highlights the fact that the 101 is a relic and will most likely mean the average retailer will want to move it out to make room for the new version. Anyway, how can you loose? It tastes great,is certainly well priced for what it is, and is destined to become a rarity! Happy Hunting! Tom V

[BourbonJoe]

There's alot more EWSB 95 around than there is WTRR-101. If it were me, I'd by the RR first and then worry about the EWSB-95.

Joe

[ratcheer]

From what I hear, the 101 is disappearing, rapidly. It has already completely disappeared in my area.

Even if you don't need them for drinking, I'm pretty sure they will become excellent trading goods in the not-so-distant future.

Tim

[boone]

Way Off Topic here...but when I looked out the window and saw all those Wild Turkey's...had to get a shot of 'em and post it here

Real Wild Turkey's

[TNbourbon]

...Out of the 7-10 stores I have visited over the last 2 weeks (Yep, I have been a busy boy!), this is only the second bottle of RR101 I have seen...My gut feeling is that there is still a good bit of '95 EWSB around and much less RR101...

You're right -- if the RR90 is showing up on shelves, that means the distributor is out of the 101 stock, and so the only remaining is what you find on shelves.

Here in Middle Tennessee (we have different distributors than you, but the same distribution regime), the 101 is still in stores that bought by the case volumes, but has disappeared from stores that replenished it a bottle or two at a time.

[Rughi]

There's 3 types of shots I can think of involving the Wild Turkey:

- Shot on Film (excellent, Bettye Jo)

- Shot in Glass (mmmm)

- Shot in Flight

My father-in-law, who has a house in his apple orchard, keeps a crossbow handy in case he ever gets a chance at those apple-chompin' varmints. Next to the deer, who are crowding in to the exurban and suburban fringes as we pave and sprawl over their habitat, the wild turkeys are the biggest crop pest. I think the crossbow is really an idle threat, though.

Roger

[ProofPositive]

Took your advice and went over there about noon and snatched it. As you surmised, it was the last one in stock. When I commented that it was getting harder to find these, a 'knowledgeable' store clerk there told me "Yeah, they (WT) have come out with a new bottle and label...we don't have any more of it in this bottle". I told her "fine, I like the old bottle & artwork better - please call me if you find or get any more of these old ones". Part of the fun of it all!

[nardo]

Real dumb question here, What is the RR 101? IS turkey discontinueing(sp) all the 101s or is this a special one?

[ratcheer]

It is Russell's Reserve 10-year old, with a taste profile selected by and for Jimmy Russell, WT's former longtime master distiller.

Tim

[TNbourbon]

...What is the RR 101? IS turkey discontinuing all the 101s or is this a special one?

The Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve 10yo had been 101 proof since its inception until the suits' recent decision to reduce its proof to 90. So far, none of the remaining Wild Turkey products have a proof-reduction in the works. So far.

[ProofPositive]

Found another one tonite at an 'off the beaten path' store. This store is in what is fast becoming a dangerous part of town and looks rather small from the outside but had a wonderful selection of bourbon. One last bottle of RR 101 for $27.99 with 4 bottles of RR 90 behind it at same price. Also, they have a nice supply of ER 101 and for under $20. Anywhere else in town where it can be found sells it at $25 & up....will have to remember this place! Another find there was EC 18 that was bottled in 1998. Only thing missing seemed to be Saz and GTS. Anyhow, I have got to quit RR Turkey hunting or I will soon be living in my car!

[T47]

While running errands I stopped off to replace my recently emptied Elijah Craig 12, and thought I would check the WTRR just in case, and what do you know, behind a couple 90's was a 101! Here in WA. $27.45. For me a sweet little find I will save for a special day, and I would have been none the wiser had it not been for this forum! What I need to do is buy a 90 also, and do a little side-by-side taste when I do open it, see if my ignorant pallet can notice a difference. Now this is the kind of education I can enjoy

[ratcheer]

Good plan. If you do it, please let us know how it comes out.

Tim

[ProofPositive]

Let us know what you find after the comparison. I found the RR101 to be just what I would expect (and more!) from a special reserve from Mr. Russell. The RR90.....well, in comparison - and no disrespect intended to Mr. Russell - I think it should be renamed "Tame Turkey". That is just my humble opinion and mine alone...and, you know everyone has one! When I got off this evening, I went by the store near work and found a RR90 in the space vacated by the last RR101 I bought a few days ago. To my dismay, the retailer had it marked $1 higher than the 101 had been!

Anyhow, some late scouting last evening turned up 10 more bottles of RR101 spread between 2 stores. At both places, the clerks told me that nobody ever buys it. Well, I know where $28.50 of my pay every week will be going over the next couple of months! Might as well stock up....the end is near!

[ratcheer]

Sounds like another good plan.

Tim

[ProofPositive]

Saw a different WT bottle at one of my stops the night before last. It was in a box and if I remember correctly said "limited" or "special" edition. Seems like it was 12yo and 101 proof. Is this something left over from the past, perhaps a seasonal bottle or just a fancy way of selling 12 yr old WT101?

[ratcheer]

I think the answer to both parts of your "or" is yes. If it was in the $60 range, I would snap it up. 12-year old Wild Turkey is probably my "holy grail" bourbon.

Tim

[TNbourbon]

Did it look like the one below? (Sorry about picture quality -- I just kinda threw this up so you'd know to snatch it!) If so, grab it quick (if it's in a gold tube, grab it quicker!!) -- someone here will take it off your hands (yours truly? ) if you decide you don't like it .

It's a split-label bottle of one of the finest bourbons bottled (c. 1998), which is no longer produced in any form, and was not distributed domestically for the last several years of its existence.

As Tim notes, anything under, say, $65-$70 is acceptable for something not likely to reappear often.

[ProofPositive]

I cannot recall the price....was paying more attention to the RR101 and palate plans for 12/31. Trying to remember, I do not think it was over $40-45 but I will have to backtrack this week and locate it again. I'll let you know what I find.

I am lucky to remember my name & address these days much less the price of fine bourbon.....although it is much more important! Maybe a good splash of will help right now.

[ProofPositive]

Sorry I did not see this before posting my previous message. My recollections beyond 24 hours ago are hazy at best....but, this does look eerily familiar to what I saw. Then again, maybe not because I just do not think it was over $40-45 - which would not seem possible or in line with what you are saying. Anyhow, I will check it out tomorrow and let you know for sure. If it is at the store where I think I saw it....well, maybe...just maybe....my streak of bad luck which ran rampant in 2005 is coming to an end quickly here in 2006!

I say that because, in this particular store, my questions about RR101 (& WT in general) were answered with a tone of mild disinterest/indifference. I recall the clerk saying that WT was not a big seller or in high demand there. Judging by the deteriorating neighborhood in that locale, I would not doubt it at all. If I have stumbled upon some diamonds in a cornfield, I will definitely grab all they have. I think there were 2 or 3 bottles of it on the shelf. I will advise ya'll asap tomorrow.

[kbuzbee]

I'm in for one if you are taking names!

Thanks!

Ken

[ProofPositive]

Not a problem. If it is the real deal, I'll get one or all. I have no need for more than one. Probably would never open it unless times grow desperate. I'll try to secure one for you, Tim, & Tim for all of yall's help & guidance.

[ratcheer]

Yes, please. Pretty please!

Tim

[kbuzbee]

Ken