A very special bottle celebrating Jimmy Russell's 60th year of making whiskey with Wild Turkey, this blend was selected by his son, Eddie, who sought out barrels fitting for the occasion. The result is this Diamond Anniversary edition featuring a blend of 13 and 16 year bourbons. "It was about doing something different", says Eddie, commenting about the profile chosen for this bourbon. I've been excited to get this one open and I am immediately sharing a few samples with some folks who need to try this!
Company on Label: Wild Turkey
Whiskey Type: Bourbon
Mash Bill Percentages: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley
Proof: 91°
Age: Blend of 13 year and 16 year bourbons
Further identification: The Diamond Anniversary comes in a dark oak box with sliding covers, the card that comes in the box has the label of Batch No. B14-0035
Nose: Explosive cherry. Lovely citrus zest. A flash of amaretto & creamy cocoa. Noses a bit above its proof, which is a good thing here with waves of powerful flavors wafting out of the glass. The oak is well aged & exudes some light lemongrass. Smells like a bright sun-shining Spring day. Some fresh field florals. Slight dustiness but presents smooth like a silky vanilla. The strawberry goodness can be found after a sip. Woah. I would definitely recommend giving this a light swirl from time to time. The citrus zest rises like a fireball carrying all kinds of new, potent floral notes. I'm not too sharp on my flower species smells, but the aromas I'm getting give off a vibe of yellow or white flower petals and natural tan undergrowth. Fun one to nose, it develops well and evolves over time. Nearing the end of the glass I get a few flashes of anise, light, dried leather and the continued dominance of the fantastic citrus and floral base profile. Empty glass is a lovely herbal chocolate & caramel.
Palate: First taste is just wonderful sweetness. A flash of strawberry vanilla smoothie, then a wave of citrus, a quick nod & a handshake from the oak, then it returns to a dry strawberry. Carries a bit of sour plum in the aftertaste as well. After things open up the citrus side of things takes over, coating under my tongue with little nibbles of lemon frosting. So silky & smooth to start with some rising sweetness & a lingering thin caramel. Eventually develops into a bit of smooth leather & the dark old oak let's you know where all the flavor came from. Some corn and dried peanuts rise up on the longer lingers. Yum!
Rating: 5/5
This was a really lovely surprise. The profile was not at all what I was expecting going into a Wild Turkey offering. Eddie did a fantastic job of 'doing something different' as he intended to do. I thoroughly enjoyed nosing this one. As much as I wish the palate was closer to 100 proof than 90, I still have to give credit where credit is due, as this is a really solid pour.
