Russell's and Wild Turkey

[Gov]

Had a chance to try these last night at WhiskyFest in Chicago. I tried the reserve 10 year, WT 101 and WT Rare Breed. Not being much of a bourbon drinker, to my suprise I like all three. I noticed that there is two different bottlings for the reserve. The one I had said Russell's Reserve and another I have seen at the store says Wild Turkey Russell's reserve. Are they the same whiskey? Since I liked these three, want other bourbons would I like? BTW, I tried EC12 also and thought it was pretty good too.

Thanks

[HighTower]

The Russell's Reserve you had is the new 90 proof, which replaced the old 101 proof Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve.

Both are quality pours, IMO.

If you liked all those and EC12 I would recommend picking up some Elmer T Lee and get some Weller 12 to see how good a wheated bourbon can be.

Scott

[cowdery]

The other Russell's Reserve, the one that doesn't say Wild Turkey anywhere on the label, is a six-year-old straight rye. The other is a 10-year-old straight bourbon. Both are 90 proof. The proof and packaging change on the bourbon is, what? Probably close to five years ago.

[Gov]

Is there a WT 101 and Wt 101 Rye?

[wskybnt]

Is there a WT 101 and Wt 101 Rye?

Yes there is both, and both are a great...

[Gov]

Picked up some 101 today. How much different is Old Weller Antique 107 from it. I say they had a few bottles of that at my liquor store.

Thanks

[Dr. François]

I didn't want to start a new thread to ask this question:

Does anyone else worry that the rise of the two RRs will have a negative effect on the quality of 80 and 101?

Here is my reasoning:

WT basically has a finite supply of barrels. Those barrels are aged and matured and then dumped when appropriate for a particular product/profile. Thus, WT101 may include a wide variety of barrels, some picked for octane, some for mellowness, some for spiciness, etc. When a new product is introduced that has a smooth, mellow profile (RR), it seems like many of the barrels originally intended to go into another product as contributors to an overall profile might be pulled for a different use. Thus, my fear is that WT80 and 101 might end up being hotter, harsher, and less reliable now that a new siphon has opened, lending this spot on the profile to the newer and highly promoted RR line.

Of course, this all may be moot, as RR has been around for a while without a desultorious consequence.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

[HighTower]

Picked up some 101 today. How much different is Old Weller Antique 107 from it. I say they had a few bottles of that at my liquor store.

Thanks

Old Weller Antique is a wheat recipe bourbon, where Wild Turkey is rye recipe. They are 2 very different bourbons, both that are worth having. The Weller Antique is a great "bang for your buck" bourbon.

Scott

[cowdery]

Does anyone else worry that the rise of the two RRs will have a negative effect on the quality of 80 and 101?

Your analysis is exactly right. That's the challenge for Jimmy and Eddie. They plan for this, of course, as much as they can. Taking care to preserve the quality is not just marketing rhetoric. They really do it.

Remember too that they are running at capacity and preparing to double the size of the distillery. For the last several years they've been building new warehouses, so they aren't introducing these things willy nilly. They expect to succeed and are planning to have enough product to support that success.

[Gov]

Old Weller Antique is a wheat recipe bourbon, where Wild Turkey is rye recipe. They are 2 very different bourbons, both that are worth having. The Weller Antique is a great "bang for your buck" bourbon.

Scott

Will Weller taste anything remotely like Makers Mark? If so, not my cup of tea! Also, I was thinking about OGD BIB as well. I think that may be more like WT? Sorry for the dumb newbie questions.

[cowdery]

Weller has a little more balls than Maker's Mark, but they are similar.

[TBoner]

And OGD BIB has a bit more balls than WT 101, but they are similar. OGD BIB has more rye, so more spice. Both are great whiskeys. Classics. I drink them often.