Wild Turkey Longbranch

The light copper color gives way to a light, but pleasant note of toffee, oak and hints of spice. At one point I was even catching hints of Granny Smith apples. The palate has a nice creamy fill that delivers notes of caramel and brown spice. The wood is soft and allows for a clean finish. 

A collaboration between Eddie Russell and Matthew McConaughey. Using Texas mesquite to char the barrel the marriage of Texas and Kentucky is complete 

Shares the same mash bill as Rare Breed and Kentucky Spirit:

75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley. 

Brown spice and caramel.

Initial notes were strong herbal scents, possibly anise and mint. By my second and third smell this turns to, southern tea with mint. Light but appealing.

Pepper and rye spice hit the palate on the first taste. When I went back for the second, which I always prefer, it begins to sweeten up. Vanilla, almost sugary like cotton candy dissolving on the tongue. There’s a definite maple note that accentuates with the finish accompanied with baked spices like nutmeg and a hint of cinnamon.

Shares the same mash bill as Longbranch and Kentucky Spirit:

75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley. 

I cracked this open and enjoyed it. I thought I could make it a nightly sipper when I wanted to write. It goes down easy and has a salivating note to it. I loved it. But, at its proof point drink with awareness!!

Light cotton candy. Maple. Baked Spices. 

Caramel notes hit the nose quickly, even with the proof. Floral notes with hints of apple and cedar begin to come alive. 

On the palate, there's a wondrous mix of butterscotch and caramel with melted honey. The melted honey feel from the texture, oils, and heat of the proof. There's a full spice and oak finish that makes you seek the next sip. 

Quite possibly the winner of my tastings for 2019. So solid for its price and accessibility. 

The nose is hit with a mix of vanilla, caramel, butterscotch and bits of dried fruit. 

There's a bit of a flat Coke taste on the palate with the sweetness and caramel notes that lead the way. Hints of brown sugar and dried fruit follow suit. It ends with bits of spice, white pepper on the finish that leave you salivating.

A nice rich amber color, honey in a glass. The nose has rich notes of vanilla, brown spice, clove and bits of cocoa that joins in. The palate coats well and the heat from the proof is concealed with notes of caramel and cola. The sweetness fades with the wood coming in and some brief notes of licorice surface. 

Shares the same mash bill as Longbranch and Rare Breed:

75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley.

Warehouse: F

Barrel #: 1310

Rick #41

Rich vanilla. Cola. 

The nose is clean and refreshing, with a sweetness like honey. It has definitive floral notes, reminding me of a day with mowed grass.

There is an initial sweetness that hits the palate. Obviously, this caramelized note is from the charred oak. However, this subsides quickly as spiced notes begin to take over. Initially, this spice reminds me of black pepper but as I sip more the palate begins to become accustomed and the notes are spicy but more of clove and cinnamon. The sweetness returns at the finish with hints of apple notes and some residual spice. It takes me a moment but the last few sips remind me of burnt brown sugar. In fact, I can’t help but think of the burnt sugar on the pie rim of an apple pie, including some dryness that reminds me of the pastry. 

This is carrying a 109 proof with a dominant rye bill. I recommend a moment to let it open up or even adding a couple drops of water. A possible initial sip to get the palate acclimated for the proof and spice notes. 

Caramelized sugar on an apple pie crust.