Wild Turkey 8 Years Bourbon 101

Overview
Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon 8 Years Old is a new aged expression from the iconic Wild Turkey lineup, extending the classic 101 proof recipe with a stated age drawn from the upper end of the distillery's standard 6-8 year barrel range. Released in 2025, it refines the brand's rustic character while preserving its bold, peanut-forward profile under the influence of master distiller Eddie Russell.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
This release signals Wild Turkey's evolving focus on well-aged expressions as Jimmy Russell's son, Eddie, emphasizes more nuance alongside the distillery's traditional preference for youthful, high-proof bourbons. It maintains the peanut-heavy signature that defines the brand but introduces greater refinement compared to the non-age-stated original.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Roasted peanuts dominate with red pepper, cinnamon, and brown butter adding warmth and depth.
• Palate: Bold peanut shell and peppery spice lead into brown butter, vanilla, marzipan, cherry, and cream for layered complexity.
• Finish: Butterscotch and vanilla custard linger with banana chips, baked apples, peppery heat, and barrel char for a sustained, rustic close.

Notable details

• Production: Kentucky straight bourbon, bottled at 101 proof, non-chill filtered.
• Lineage: Direct extension of the longstanding Wild Turkey 101, known for its peanut qualities and high-proof intensity.
• Comparison: Offers more nuance and layers like marzipan than the standard NAS Wild Turkey 101.
• Availability: Limited release at MSRP around $50, reflecting a shift toward aged bottlings.

"The 8-year-old Wild Turkey 101 represents a successful step up from the standard NAS version, blending refinement with iconic rustic qualities." – Drinkhacker

Closing
A polished evolution of Wild Turkey's fiery staple, ideal for fans seeking added depth without losing the brand's untamed edge.

Sources

[1] Drinkhacker – "Review: Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon 8 Years Old"

[2] Thebourbonculture – "Wild Turkey 101 8 Years Old (2022 Release) Review - Bourbon Culture"

[3] Breakingbourbon – "Wild Turkey 101 8 Year Old Bourbon Review | Breaking Bourbon"

[4] Thebourbonculture – "Wild Turkey 70th Anniversary 8 Year 101"

[5] Thebourbonroad – "Wild Turkey 8-Year 101 Bourbon (2025 Release) Review"

[6] Thebourbonroad – "Wild Turkey 8-Year 101 Bourbon (2025 Release) Review"

[7] Thebourbonroad – "Wild Turkey 8-Year 101 Bourbon (2025 Release) Review"

[8] Thebourbonroad – "Wild Turkey 8-Year 101 Bourbon (2025 Release) Review"

[9] Thebourbonroad – "Wild Turkey 8-Year 101 Bourbon (2025 Release) Review"

[10] Thebourbonroad – "Wild Turkey 8-Year 101 Bourbon (2025 Release) Review"